how do i start receiving my social security benefits

• Gather the information and documents you need to apply.
• Complete and submit your application, typically online.
• They will review your application and contact you if they need more information.
• They will mail you a decision letter.
• You start receiving your retirement benefits.

Full Answer

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 age is best to start taking social security?

There are many factors that can influence the best time for you:

• Are you married or single?
• What is the age difference between you and spouse, if married.
• What is the income difference between you and your spouse, if married.
• Do you have children age 18 or younger?
• Are you widowed?
• Are you still working or fully retired?

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How much can I make and still get Social Security?

You are receiving Social Security retirement benefits every month in 2022 and you:

• Are under full retirement age all year. ...
• Reach full retirement age in August 2022. ...
• Your Social Security benefits would be reduced through July by $226 ($1 for every $3 you earned over the limit). ...
• Beginning in August 2021, when you reach full retirement age, you would receive your full benefit ($800 per month), no matter how much you earn.

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 ...

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?

The 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.

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."

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.

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

Social Security benefits are not prorated. 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.

When should I apply for Social Security when I turn 66 and 2 months?

If you were born between 1955 your full retirement age is 66 and 2 months (En español) You can start your Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62, but the benefit amount you receive will be less than your full retirement benefit amount.

Does Social Security start the month you turn 66?

If you start receiving benefits at age 66 and 2 months you get 100 percent of your monthly benefit. If you delay receiving retirement benefits until after your full retirement age, your monthly benefit continues to increase.

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.

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 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 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 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 .

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 

Can a divorced spouse take Social Security?

Being married can further complicate the decision of when to take Social Security, because of the program’s spousal benefits. Some divorced spouses are also entitled to benefits based on their ex-spouse’s work record. 6 

When will Social Security start paying my first check?

Thus, your first check could arrive the month before your actual birth month.

When do you turn 62 for Social Security?

In other words, for Social Security purposes, you turned 62 on August 9th. Fine, but why didn’t your benefit start in August? Because of another rule that only applies when you want to begin receiving retirement benefits at 62- the earliest age possible. This requires that “an individual must be age 62 for the entire month,” says Stump.

What is the earliest age to receive retirement benefits?

Age 62 : This is the earliest age you can begin to receive retirement benefits. Your monthly benefit will be permanently reduced. Age 66: This is currently “full retirement age” (FRA). If you delay the start of benefits until you reach this age, you will receive 100% of the benefit you earned.

How long before Social Security benefits are reduced?

Let’s say that when you learn that starting Social Security benefits before you are FRA will reduce your monthly check by 25%, you decide to wait until you are 66. At that point, you will receive 100% of your benefit. Following the recommendation on the Social Security website, you file online three months before you want your benefit to start, ...

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 selecting the age to claim Social Security benefits, what should you consider?

When selecting the age to claim Social Security benefits, consider your health status and projected longevity along with the financial impact. For some people, having some income, even if not the maximum, is the right choice for them and their families. Related articles:

What is the point of reference for Social Security?

In the case of family survivors, the point of reference is the birthday of the deceased who earned enough credits for the family to be eligible for survivor benefits. Schedule of SS payments. Social Security benefits are not prorated. They start the month following the birthday.

When do you get your AARP check?

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. For birth dates between the 11th and 20th of the month, expect to be paid on the third Wednesday after the birthday month.

Is it hard to decide when to apply for Social Security?

Deciding when to apply for Social Security is an important decision , and for some people, a very difficult decision to make. Understanding when you are eligible to receive your Social Security benefits can help you plan ahead for your retirement.

How long does it take to get Social Security?

Typically, it takes 6 weeks to process your application and for the benefits to start. However, it will take longer if you submit incorrect information. Also, the duration for approval will depend on the number of submissions the Social Security Administration (SSA) will be processing at the time. Overall, the wait time is at least six weeks ...

How many elderly people are receiving Social Security?

At the close of 2018, approximately 60 million elderly Americans were collecting their social security benefits. The application list for the benefits is growing each year and that borders on a retirement crisis that requires solutions. Therefore, you cannot help but wonder how long does it take to get approved for social security benefits.

What documents are needed for self employed?

Tax return evidence and W-2 forms are also required for self-employed applicants. For those born out of the USA, you should provide proof of citizenship. A certificate of citizenship or passport will be adequate. Also, marital information and those of your children will be required.

Does the SSA accept original documents?

The SSA will send you notification when they are required. Notably, SSA only accepts original documents and certifications. Alternatively, you can furnish them with copies certified by the government. You will get your copies back once the verification is over.