how do i collect social security benefits

^{How to Collect Social Security}

• Method 1 of 4: Preparing to Make a Claim for Retirement Benefits. Determine the eligibility requirements. ...
• Method 2 of 4: Applying for Social Security Benefits. Apply online. There are a few different ways in which you can make your claim for Social Security retirement benefits.
• Method 3 of 4: Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits. Determine whether you can apply. ...
• Method 4 of 4: Receiving the Payments. Get a monthly payment. With both retirement and disability benefits, you will be receive a monthly payment directly into your bank account.

When can you start collecting Social Security?

To claim Social Security spousal benefits, you’ll need to meet certain criteria, including being at least age 62 in most cases. Your spouse or ex-spouse also must be living. Keep in mind that the criteria for spousal benefits varies depending on whether you’re married or divorced.

What are the rules for collecting Social Security?

While there's a lot of complicated Social Security rules that apply in different situations, such as to married couples, there are two basic rules every senior considering early retirement needs to know in order to avoid accidentally ending up with far less money than they expect from Social Security. 1.

What is the best way to collect Social Security?

These include:

• Your date and place of birth
• Your Social Security number
• If you are not a United States citizen, you will need your permanent resident card number
• Name of current spouse and the name of any prior spouse (if you were married for more than 10 years or if the marriage ended in death). ...

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How to start SSI benefits?

• Verify your intent to file.
• Confirm the information provided.
• Obtain any additional information needed.
• Offer you the opportunity to provide your verbal consent to sign the application.

What are the requirements to collect Social Security benefits?

You can receive Social Security benefits based on your earnings record if you are age 62 or older, or disabled or blind and have enough work credits. Family members who qualify for benefits on your work record do not need work credits.

How long does it take to get Social Security after you apply?

Once you have applied, it could take up to three months to receive your first benefit payment. Social Security benefits are paid monthly, starting in the month after the birthday at which you attain full retirement age (which is currently 66 and will gradually rise to 67 over the next several years).

Is it better to apply for Social Security online or in person?

Applying online is the easiest way to complete your application at a time that works for you, without a trip to the Social Security office.

At what age is Social Security no longer taxed?

At 65 to 67, depending on the year of your birth, you are at full retirement age and can get full Social Security retirement benefits tax-free.

Apply for Retirement Benefits

Starting your Social Security retirement benefits is a major step on your retirement journey. This page will guide you through the process of applying for retirement benefits when you’re ready to take that step. Our online application is a convenient way to apply on your own schedule, without an appointment.

Ready To Retire?

Before you apply, take time to review the basics, understand the process, and gather the documents you’ll need to complete an application.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of taking your retirement benefits before your full retirement age?

The advantage is that you collect benefits for a longer period of time. The disadvantage is your benefit will be reduced. Each person's situation is different.

Is it better to collect your retirement benefits before retirement?

There are advantages and disadvantages to taking your benefit before your full retirement age. The advantage is that you collect benefits for a longer period of time. The disadvantage is your benefit will be reduced. Each person's situation is different.

What is SSI for disabled people?

We are with those who need a helping hand. The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides support to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources, as well as people age 65 and older who are not disabled but have limited income and resources.

Why do we pay disability benefits to people who can't work?

We pay disability benefits to those who can’t work because they have a medical condition that’s expected to last at least one year or result in death. Find out how Social Security can help you and how you can manage your benefits. LEARN MORE.

You Can Receive Benefits Before Your Full Retirement Age

You can start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62, but the benefit amount will be lower than your full retirement benefit amount.

Working While Receiving Benefits

You may work after you start receiving benefits, which could mean a higher benefit for you in the future. We may withhold some of your benefits if you earn more than the yearly earnings limit. Sometimes people who retire in mid-year already have earned more than the annual earnings limit. However:

How much is my unemployment check at 62?

In other words, you’ll get 25% less per month, and your check will be $1,500. 1 .

How much is a month of benefits at 62?

If, for example, you’d get $1,500 a month starting at age 62 or $2,000 a month starting at age 66, you will have received roughly the same amount in total benefits by age 77 or so. At that point the higher monthly benefits you’d get as a result of waiting will begin to pay off.

How long do you have to wait to get Medicare if you are 65?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) also cautions that even if you delay receiving Social Security benefits until after age 65, you might still need to apply for Medicare benefits within three months of turning 65 to avoid paying higher premiums for life for Medicare Part B and Part D.

How much extra insurance do you get at 70?

If you wait until you’re 70 to start claiming benefits, you’ll get an extra 8% per year , or, in total, 132% of your primary insurance amount ($2,640 per month in the example above) for the rest of your life.

Can a spouse get Social Security if they don't work?

Spouses who don’t qualify for their own Social Security. Spouses who didn’t work at a paid job or didn’t earn enough credits to qualify for Social Security on their own are eligible to receive benefits starting at age 62 based on their spouse’s record.

Do marginal tax rates affect Social Security?

At today’s marginal tax rates, they may not have much of an impact on most people. Still, tax rates and income thresholds can change, so it’s worth remembering that you will lose less of your Social Security to taxes if you are in a lower marginal tax bracket when you begin to collect.

Is Social Security taxable?

Your Social Security benefits may be partially taxable if your combined income exceeds certain thresholds. Regardless of how much you make, the first 15% of your benefits are not taxed. 10 

How many credits do I need to get Social Security?

The number of credits you need depends on your age when you apply and the type of benefit you are applying for. No one needs more than 40 credits for any Social Security benefit.

How many Social Security credits do I need to qualify for 2021?

The amount needed for a credit in 2021 is $1,470. You can earn a maximum of four credits for any year.

When can I apply for Social Security?

You can apply once you reach 61 years and 9 months of age. However, Social Security reduces your payment if you start collecting before your full retirement age, or FRA. (FRA is currently 66 and 2 months and is gradually rising to 67 for people born in 1960 or later.)

What age can I start receiving Social Security?

The starting age can differ for other types of Social Security benefits: Spousal benefits can begin at 62, as long as the spouse on whose work record you are claiming them is receiving retirement benefits.

When can I start receiving AARP benefits?

The earliest you can start receiving retirement benefits is age 62. The soonest you can apply is when you reach 61 years and 9 months of age. Skip to content. Stay connected to all things AARP — and earn up to 750 AARP Rewards points. Install AARP Perks™.

Is there an age limit for Social Security Disability?

There is no minimum age requirement for Social Security Disability Insurance . You may qualify for disability benefits with less time in the workforce than you need to collect retirement benefits, but you must also demonstrate that your medical condition meets Social Security’s strict definition of disability and show evidence ...