how to activate social security benefits

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.

Full Answer

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.

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 to calculate your projected Social Security benefit?

• For every dollar of average indexed monthly earnings up to $926, you’ll get 90 cents per month in benefits.
• For every dollar of average indexed monthly earnings between $927 and $5,583 you’ll get $.32 cents per month in benefits.
• For every dollar of average indexed monthly earnings beyond $5,583 you’ll get $.15 cents per month in benefits.

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 long does it take to activate Social Security benefits?

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.

How do I activate my Social Security payments?

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.

Do Social Security benefits start automatically?

But if you're wondering whether that process will happen automatically, the answer is "no." The reason? There's no single age to file for Social Security. Eligible recipients get an eight-year window to claim benefits that begins at age 62 and ends at age 70.

How can I check if my Social Security is active?

If you have questions or need help understanding how to check the status of your Social Security application online, call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your 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.

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.

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.

What day of month is Social Security paid?

RSDI (Retirement, Survivors and Disability) also referred to as SSA Benefits. Since June 1997 SSA delivers recurring RSDI benefits on four days throughout the month on the 3rd of the month and on the second, third and fourth Wednesdays of the month.

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

You can get Social Security retirement or survivors benefits and work at the same time. But, if you're younger than full retirement age, and earn more than certain amounts, your benefits will be reduced.

What is the maximum Social Security benefit?

The maximum benefit depends on the age you retire. For example, if you retire at full retirement age in 2022, your maximum benefit would be $3,345. However, if you retire at age 62 in 2022, your maximum benefit would be $2,364. If you retire at age 70 in 2022, your maximum benefit would be $4,194.

Can I update my Social Security status online?

You can change and update your information anytime, anywhere by logging in to or creating a free my Social Security account.

How much Social Security will I get if I make 20000 a year?

If you earned $20,000 for half a career, then your average monthly earnings will be $833. In this case, your Social Security payment will be a full 90% of that amount, or almost $750 per month, if you retire at full retirement age.

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 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.

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 ...

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 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.

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:

What are the benefits of Social Security?

Social Security benefits include retirement and disability income, Medicare and Medicaid, and survivor benefits. American employers and employees pay into Social Security via payroll deductions. Through these deductions, workers are essentially prepaying for a guaranteed lifetime monthly income paid in retirement.

How much tax do I have to pay on Social Security?

You may have to pay federal and state income taxes on your Social Security benefits. For federal income taxes, this generally applies if you have other taxable income in addition to your benefits. For example, individuals with income between $25,000 and $34,000 could pay income tax on up to 50 percent of their benefits. Individuals with income greater than $34,000 could pay income tax on up to 85 percent of their benefits. Spouses filing jointly with income between $32,000 and $44,000 could pay income tax on up to 50 percent of benefits and on up to 85 percent on income greater than $44,000. (4)

Do you need Social Security to retire?

The answer to this question will depend on your individual situation and your immediate and long-term financial needs.

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.

Can I get my Social Security account back after a temporary freeze?

When you request a temporary lift of your credit freeze or fraud alert, the Identity Services Provider may automatically reinstate it after your temporary lift expires. If you don’t want to temporarily lift your security freeze or fraud alert, you can visit your local Social Security office to open an account in person.

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 age can I retire from Social Security?

A. Let me simplify with three choices: One, you retire at 62 (the earliest allowed age for retirement benefits) and opt for a lifetime of reduced monthly benefits. 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.

How much will Ralph get if he waits to file for unemployment at age 62?

Thus, each check will be smaller. If Ralph waits for his benefits until age 70, he'll get $1,320 a month, 32 percent higher than the "full" amount.

Can I check my Social Security benefits online?

A. Yes. One of the best is the government's online My Social Security account. You can sign up for an account in a few minutes. Once you've got one, you'll be able to get estimates of what your benefit will be at different ages. You also can check whether your annual earnings as stored in Social Security's computers are accurate, a key step in ensuring that your future retirement benefits reflect your work history.

Can I postpone Social Security benefits?

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.

Will Social Security recipients receive the same amount?

He'll receive fewer payments over a shorter period of time, so each check will be larger. By the way, Social Security does the numbers with the goal that, on average, people will receive the same lifetime amount regardless of when they begin benefits.

Can I take survivor benefits at 62?

A. Yes. For instance, if you're married, the survivor benefit that some day may be paid to your spouse will also depend on when you initially take your retirement benefits. If you take reduced benefits at 62, that lifelong reduction will carry over into your spouse's eventual survivor benefit

When can I get my Social Security benefits back?

You can ask Social Security to resume payments at any time until you turn 70. If you haven’t done it by then, Social Security will automatically reinstate your benefits in the higher amount.

How to request a suspension of Social Security?

When you resume collecting Social Security, you’ll have locked in a higher monthly payment for life. You can request a suspension by phone, in person at your local Social Security office or in writing.

What happens to Social Security if you are suspended?

When you resume collecting Social Security, you’ll have locked in a higher monthly payment for life.

Can I suspend my Social Security benefits?

Can I suspend Social Security benefits and restart them at a higher value? En español | Yes. If you have reached your full retirement age (the age at which you are entitled to 100 percent of the benefit calculated from your lifetime earnings) but are not yet 70, you can request a suspension of retirement benefits.

Can I collect my wife's Social Security if my husband's Social Security is suspended?

Similarly, you cannot collect spousal benefits on your wife’s or husband’s record if your own retirement payments are suspended. If you have not yet reached full retirement age — currently 66 and 2 months and gradually rising to 67 — the only option for stopping Social Security payments is to apply for a “withdrawal of benefits,” ...

Can you collect family benefits if you are suspended?

A voluntary suspension is for retirement benefits only. There is no such provision for family and survivor benefits. As long as your retirement benefits are suspended, your spouse and children cannot collect family benefits on your work record.