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how do i start getting my social security benefits

by Maximilian Hagenes Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  1. Make sure you want to apply. Make sure you make the right decision about when to apply. This is a decision that impacts the rest of your life.
  2. Assess eligibility. Make sure you are eligible. To apply for Social Security benefits you must be at least 61 years and 9 months old and have worked at ...
  3. Gather documents. This step might be the hardest part, but still very straightforward. ...
  4. Complete application. With the information listed above, you should be able to complete your application. In person at your local Social Security office.
  5. Monitor status. Once your application is submitted, the Social Security Administration will contact you if they have any questions.

You can apply:
  1. Online; or.
  2. By calling our national toll-free service at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visiting your local Social Security office. ...
  3. If you do not live in the U.S. or one of its territories, you can also contact your nearest U.S. Social Security office, U.S. Embassy or consulate.

What happens if you work after starting Social Security?

If you start a new job after you begin receiving Social Security benefits ... How Much Can You Earn While Receiving Social Security? If you opt to work while receiving Social Security before your full retirement age, you will only be able to receive ...

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.

How can you maximize your Social Security benefits?

Use these 6 strategies to increase your household's lifetime benefits

  1. Don’t Take the SSA’s Advice at Face Value. Going straight to the source seems like a great way to get accurate information about the best time to file for ...
  2. Withdraw Your Social Security Application. Here’s one opportunity to reverse a claiming decision you regret. ...
  3. Suspend Your Social Security Benefits. ...
  4. Maximize Your Household Benefits. ...

More items...

How to optimize your Social Security benefits?

Those include:

  • What is your full retirement age?
  • How much income will you need in retirement?
  • What makes you more comfortable — taking a smaller benefit sooner, or waiting for a bigger benefit later?

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How do I get my Social Security payments started?

A. The first question is easy to answer. You can apply online, call Social Security at 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778) or go to your local Social Security office. It's best to apply three months before you want the money to begin arriving.

How long does it take to start receiving Social Security benefits after applying?

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.

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

While some may prefer to apply in person at their local Social Security office, an increasing number of retirees are finding it easier and more convenient to claim their benefits by retiring online at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Do you automatically start receiving Social Security?

Millions of seniors count on Social Security to pay the bills in retirement, and thankfully, signing up for benefits is pretty easy. But if you're wondering whether that process will happen automatically, the answer is "no."

What is the best month to apply for Social Security benefits?

If you want your benefits to start in January, you can apply in September. Social Security benefits are paid in the month following the month they are due. If you are due benefits for the month of December, you will receive your first check in January for December.

How soon after your birthday do you get your first Social Security check?

Payment Schedules This means that if you turn 62 on Dec. 15, then your first payment will arrive on the third Wednesday of the following February. If your birthday is Dec. 15 and you are already over age 62, then your first payment should arrive on the third Wednesday of the month following the month when you apply.

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.

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).

Is it better to take Social Security at 62 or 67?

The short answer is yes. Retirees who begin collecting Social Security at 62 instead of at the full retirement age (67 for those born in 1960 or later) can expect their monthly benefits to be 30% lower. So, delaying claiming until 67 will result in a larger monthly check.

Does Social Security start on your birthday or birth month?

Schedule of SS payments They start the month following the birthday. The schedule, according to AARP, follows this rule: When the birth date falls between the 1st and 10th of the month, the payment is issued on the second Wednesday of the month following the birthday month.

Do you pay taxes on Social Security?

Some people who get Social Security must pay federal income taxes on their benefits. However, no one pays taxes on more than 85% percent of their Social Security benefits. You must pay taxes on your benefits if you file a federal tax return as an “individual” and your “combined income” exceeds $25,000.

Can I draw Social Security at 62 and still work full time?

Can You Collect Social Security at 62 and Still Work? You can collect Social Security retirement benefits at age 62 and still work. If you earn over a certain amount, however, your benefits will be temporarily reduced until you reach full retirement age.

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 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.

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.

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 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 ...

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.

What happens if you delay your retirement?

Married couples have two lives to plan for. If you are the higher earner, delaying starting your retirement benefit means higher monthly benefits for the rest of your life and higher survivor protection for your spouse, if you die first.

What is the decision to receive retirement benefits?

Deciding when to start receiving your retirement benefit is a personal decision, based on many factors that are unique to each individual. For example, in addition to the monthly benefit amount, you may want to consider personal and family circumstances, including whether you are working or plan to work, current and future financial resources and obligations, and current and anticipated health and longevity.

Is it important to decide when to start receiving Social Security?

Choosing when to start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits is an important decision that affects your monthly benefit amount for the rest of your life. Your monthly retirement benefit will be higher if you delay claiming it.

What to do if you don't receive Social Security?

Get estimates for spouse’s benefits. Get proof that you do not receive benefits. Check your application status. Get your Social Security Statement.

What is a free Social Security account?

A free and secure my Social Security account provides personalized tools for everyone, whether you receive benefits or not. You can use your account to request a replacement Social Security card, check the status of an application, estimate future benefits, or manage the benefits you already receive. All from anywhere!

What is the maximum amount you can collect in 2017?

It applies to people who are between 62 and full retirement age. In 2017, the earnings limit is $16,920. One dollar in benefits will be withheld for every $2 in earnings above that threshold. Make enough and your benefit can be reduced all the way to zero. These benefits aren't lost forever.

What is the maximum amount you can make in retirement?

However, the earnings limit goes away in the year you reach full retirement age. In that year, the earnings limit is $44,880 , and $1 in benefits will be withheld for every $3 in earnings above the limit. But the limit applies only to earnings in months prior to the one when you mark your full retirement age birthday.

How much does Ralph receive in retirement?

He will reach his full retirement age at 66. Based on his career earnings, Ralph will be eligible at that age for a full monthly benefit of $1,000. But if Ralph takes his benefits at 62, instead of at 66, he'll receive only $750 a month, a 25 percent reduction.

How long do you have to wait to receive Social Security?

Two, you wait until your full retirement age — currently 66 for people born from 1943 to 1954 — and receive what Social Security calls "full benefits" each month. Or, three, you wait until age 70, earning delayed retirement credits that raise your benefit above the "full" amount.

How much of Social Security is taxable?

Depending on how much other income you have, up to 85 percent of your Social Security benefits can be taxable. But, of course, only if you receive the benefits. So, by postponing benefits, you also postpone those taxes, which might make sense for your overall financial planning. Q.

Why is the 62 unemployment cut?

Why the cut? The logic is that workers who start benefits at 62 will get more payments for a longer period of time. Thus, each check will be smaller .

How to apply for Social Security online?

A. The first question is easy to answer. You can apply online, call Social Security at 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778) or go to your local Social Security office. It's best to apply three months before you want the money to begin arriving. But the second question — how much will you get — has no simple answer.

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.

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