how do i sign up for social security retirement benefits

• To start your application, go to our Apply for Benefits page, read and agree to the Terms of Service. Click “Next.”
• On that page, review the “Getting Ready” section to make sure you have the information you need to apply.
• Select “Start A New Application.”
• We will ask a few questions about who is filling out the application.
• You will then sign into your my Social Security account or you will be prompted to create one.
• Complete the application.

How and when to apply for Social Security benefits?

• Your Social Security number
• Your birth certificate, or proof of U.S. citizenship
• Your W-2 forms or self-employment tax return (or both) for the last year you worked
• Your military discharge papers if you served in any branch of the military

When to apply for Social Security retirement benefits?

• You must be at least age 62 for the entire month to be eligible to receive benefits.
• You are not currently receiving benefits on your own Social Security record.
• You have not already applied for retirement benefits.
• You want your benefits to start no later than four months in the future. ...

Can I get SSI benefits if I get retirement?

You can get both SSI and Social Security retirement benefits at the same time, but there are a few requirements for SSI benefits, including: Having countable income below $783 per month for...

How do I apply for Social Security retirement benefits?

To qualify for retirement benefits you must:

• Be a US citizen or have legal authorization to work in the US
• Be between 62 to 70 years old
• Have worked for at least 10 years
• Have paid social security tax while working

How long does it take to apply for Social Security retirement benefits?

approximately six weeksThe Social Security approval process is relatively speedy, but as it is a government program with a huge number of applicants, you can expect to wait approximately six weeks before you get your approval for benefits.

How do I start drawing Social Security retirement?

You can apply for retirement benefits online at www.ssa.gov, call our toll-free number, or contact a local Social Security office. Depending on your circumstances, you'll need some or all the documents listed below. Don't delay in applying for benefits if you don't have all the information.

What items do you need to sign up for Social Security?

Social SecurityYour Social Security card or a record of your number.Your original birth certificate, a copy certified by the issuing agency, or other proof of your age. ... If you were not born in the U.S., proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status.More items...

How far in advance do I need to apply for Social Security benefits age 66?

You can apply up to four months before you want your retirement benefits to start.

What is the best month to start Social Security?

Individuals first become eligible to receive a benefit during the month after the month of their 62nd birthday. So, someone born in May becomes eligible in June. Since Social Security pays individuals a month behind, the person will receive the June benefit in July.

How long does it take to get first Social Security check after applying?

Benefit applications can take up to three months to process, so apply three months before your planned start date. If you are drawing spousal or survivor benefits on another person's earnings record, your payment date depends on that person's birthday and follows the schedule above.

How much money can you have in the bank on Social Security retirement?

$2,000You can have up to $2,000 in cash or in the bank and still qualify for, or collect, SSI (Supplemental Security Income).

How long does it take to apply for Social Security Online?

The idea of applying for Social Security retirement benefits might seem daunting, but it's not. There's no need to visit an office. You don't have to use the phone. We have an online retirement application that you can complete in as little as 15 minutes and from the comfort of your home or office.

What questions are asked when applying for Social Security benefits?

What is the maximum Social Security retirement benefit payable? At what age should I start receiving my Social Security retirement benefits? Will you lower my Social Security benefits if I get a pension from work not covered by Social Security? How do I apply for Social Security retirement benefits?

Can I retire on my 66th birthday?

Men and women from the UK, born between 6 October 1954, and 5 April 1960 will start receiving their state pension on their 66th birthday. This is scheduled to rise to age 67 between the years 2026 and 2028. However, UK residents can retire and access their private pension currently from age 55.

Can you collect Social Security at 66 and still work full time?

When you reach your full retirement age, you can work and earn as much as you want and still get your full Social Security benefit payment.

Are Social Security benefits taxed after age 66?

1. Social Security benefits may be subject to income tax. If you're collecting Social Security benefits at or past full retirement age, your benefits may be subject to federal income tax. For workers with other sources of retirement income, up to 85% of their benefits may be taxable.

Ways to Apply

You can complete an application for Retirement, Spouse's, Medicare or Disability Benefits online.

Retirement or Spouse's Benefits

You can apply online for Retirement or spouse's benefits or continue an application you already started.

Disability Benefits

You can apply online for disability benefits or continue an application you already started.

Appeal a Disability Decision

If your application for disability benefits was denied recently for medical reasons, you can request an appeal online or continue working on an appeal you already started.

Medicare Benefits

You can apply online for Medicare or continue an application you already started.

Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Costs

You can apply online for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits

If you want to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), please read:

How to maximize Social Security?

Or, you might consider the following rules of thumb: 1 Take Early: The only people who should consider taking their Social Security early are those who absolutely need the money immediately, or those who do not expect to live for very long, due to illness 2 Take at Full Retirement Age: Should you have reason to believe that you will not live past the age of 80, then generally speaking you will maximize your social security benefits if you take them when you reach your Full Retirement Age. 3 Wait as Long as Possible: On the other hand, if you are confident that you will live past the age of 80 or 85, then most experts recommend that you defer your social security for as long as you can (age 70), so as to maximize the benefits you receive from it. 4 Other: If you have dependent children, the additional benefits you receive for them might make filing when you are younger worthwhile.

What age do you need to be to get your spouse's Social Security number?

Spouse’s Social Security number and birth date and the beginning and ending dates of marriage (s) Names and birth dates of any children who became disabled prior to age 22 or who are under age 18 (and unmarried). You will also want names and birth dates for children who are aged 18-19 who are still attending secondary school full time.

What is Social Security Explorer?

If you are confused about when to start, you can use the Social Security Explorer — part of the NewRetirement Retirement Planner to compare your monthly income and maximum lifetime payout at different ages.

How much is deducted from Social Security?

For every month prior to your full retirement age that you begin taking benefits, around 0.55% is deducted from your payout. And, for every year that you defer your benefits, you will receive a larger amount when you finally do begin drawing Social Security. The amount of the bonus is dependent, once more, on your birth date.

How much is deducted from your pension?

For every month prior to your full retirement age that you begin taking benefits, around 0.55% is deducted from your payout.

Is it a good idea to have a retirement plan?

It can also be a very good idea to have an overall retirement plan before you decide when to start your Social Security benefits. The NewRetirement Retirement Planner can help you assess all of your sources of retirement income and whether or not you will have enough to cover your expenses. This tool was recently named a best retirement calculator by the American Association of Individual Investors ( AAII ).

What is Social Security?

Social Security is dedicated to protecting the information and resources entrusted to us, including your personal information and investment. For your protection, you’re the only one who can create your personal my Social Security account for your own exclusive use.

How long does it take to confirm an email address?

Confirm your email address or phone number by entering a one-time security code within 10 minutes of receiving it in order to help keep your personal information safe.

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.

What is the age limit for Medicare?

Medicare. Medicare is our country’s health insurance program for people 65 or older. Certain people younger than age 65 can qualify for Medicare too, including those with disabilities and those who have permanent kidney failure. Social Security works with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to ensure the public receives ...

How old do you have to be to apply for retirement?

If you are at least 62 years of age and you wish to apply for retirement or spouse’s benefits, you can use our online retirement application to apply for one or both benefits.

How old do you have to be to get spouse's Social Security?

To qualify for spouse’s benefits, you must be one of these: At least 62 years of age.

When will my spouse receive my full retirement?

You will receive your full spouse’s benefit amount if you wait until you reach full retirement age to begin receiving benefits. You will also receive the full amount if you are caring for a child entitled to receive benefits on your spouse’s record who is younger than age 16 or disabled.

What happens if your spouse's retirement benefits are higher than your own?

If your benefits as a spouse are higher than your own retirement benefits, you will get a combination of benefits equaling the higher spouse benefit. Here is an example: Mary Ann qualifies for a retirement benefit of $250 and a spouse’s benefit of $400.

When will Social Security start in 2021?

For example, if you were born on Oct. 1 or 2, 1959, Social Security considers you to be 62 as of Sept. 30 or Oct. 1, 2021. Your benefits will start in October 2021; you can apply for benefits in June. But if you were born between Oct. 3 and 31, your first full month at 62 is November. If you want to start your benefits as soon as possible, ...

What happens if you retire at 62?

By filing at 62, or any time before you reach full retirement age, you forfeit a portion of your monthly benefit. If you were born in 1960 or later, for instance, filing at 62 could reduce your monthly payment by as much as 30 percent.