how to apply for social security benefits by phone

If you are ready to apply now, you can:

• Complete your application online.
• Call our toll-free telephone number 1-800-772-1213. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can call us at TTY 1-800-325-0778.
• Call or visit your local Social Security office.

Full Answer

How do I contact social security by phone?

You can file for the following benefits online:

• Retirement;
• Medicare;
• Spouses; and
• Disability.

Why is SSI calling me?

They may also call you to check any differences between your answers on the application and information they receive from other Federal agencies about your income or resources. When SSA calls you for more information, they should never ask you for bank account numbers, credit card numbers, or life insurance policy numbers.

How to check your Social Security benefits online?

Resources are things you own, such as:

• Cash
• Bank accounts
• Stocks
• U.S. savings bonds
• Land
• Life insurance
• Personal property
• Vehicles
• Anything else you own that could be converted to cash and used for food or shelter

How to call Social Security by phone?

• If you want to visit a Social Security Administration office, search online on the Social Security Administration’s website for the office closest to you.
• However, in most cases it will be quicker and easier to report the death over the phone.
• If you are deaf and you need to call in to report a death, you can call the TTY number at 1-800-325-0778.

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 do I start the process of getting Social Security benefits?

You can apply:Online; or.By calling our national toll-free service at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visiting your local Social Security office. ... 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 phone number is 800 772 1213?

CONTACTING SOCIAL SECURITY Our toll-free number is 1-800-772-1213. Teleservice representatives are on duty to answer your calls between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Recorded information and services are available 24 hours a day and on weekends.

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).

What form do I use to apply for Social Security benefits?

You can apply: Online; or. By calling our national toll-free service at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visiting your local Social Security office.

What month do you get your first Social Security check?

Social Security benefits are paid the month after they are due. If you tell us you want your benefits to start in May, you will receive your first benefit check in June.

What is the best day to call Social Security office?

If you cannot handle your business through our automated services, you can speak to a Social Security representative between 8 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Generally, you'll have a shorter wait time if you call during the week after Tuesday.

How do I talk to a real person at Social Security?

To speak to a Social Security Representative either in person or on the phone, you can do any of the following:Go to your local Social Security office in person.Call Toll-free: 1-800-772-1213 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. local time.TTY (for deaf or hard of hearing) 1-800-325-0778 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. local time.

What is the minimum Social Security benefit for 2021?

The amount of the benefit which can be paid is contingent on the number of earnings years which were over the threshold. In December of 2021, an individual with 11 years of coverage would have a benefit of $45.50 while an individual with 30 years of coverage would have a benefit of $950.80.

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 your first Social Security check retroactive?

All of which brings us to retroactive benefits. Here are the rules: If you first claim Social Security after reaching full retirement age, you can backdate your application and receive benefits for the months after reaching your full retirement age, not to exceed six months.

Paying Taxes On Your Retirement Benefits

Social Security retirement benefit recipients must pay Federal income taxes on their benefits. Due to personal income levels, about one-third of recipients actually have to pay some amount annually.

Eligibility For Social Security Spousal Benefits

Before applying for benefits, you should be married for at least a full year. In addition, your spouse must have already started to collect benefits and youll need to be at least 62 years old.3

Information You Need To Apply For Social Security Over The Phone

When you are ready to submit your Social Security application by phone, be ready to answer specific questions about your eligibility. The representative you speak with will need to ask you questions that relate to:

Eligibility For Retirement Benefits

When you work and pay Social Security taxes , you earn Social Security credits. Most people earn a maximum of four credits per year. In 2021, you earn one Social Security or Medicare credit for every $1,470 in covered earnings each year. You must earn $5,880 to get the maximum four credits for the year.

Leaving The United States

If you are a U.S. citizen, you can travel or live in most foreign countries without affecting your eligibility for Social Security benefits. Your checks can be sent there. However, there are a few countries where Social Security will not send your checks.

Information Needed To Apply

The application process should not take long, but you’ll need to have certain information on hand to make sure it goes smoothly, including the following when applicable:

Social Security Application Process

If youre ready to apply for Social Security benefits, youve probably already given some thought to things like when you want your benefits to start or what kind of documents you might need to apply. A lot of that will will of course depend on the type of benefits youre seeking.

How to find the phone number of a local office?

You can find the phone number for your local office by using our Office Locator. If you cannot reach your local office, you may call our National 800 Number toll-free at 1-800-772-1213.

What is SS-5 form?

Request a form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card, to: apply for an original Social Security card or a replacement card if yours was lost or stolen, request a name change on your card, or. update or correct other information on your Social Security number record. Informational Messages.

What is the number to call to apply for Social Security?

You can file your application by calling 1-800-772-1213.

What do you need to know about Social Security?

Social Security office case workers need to know your name, Social Security Number (SSN), where you were born and your native language. Work history. In order to submit your SS application, you need to answer questions regarding how long you worked and paid Social Security taxes.

Is the Social Security Administration responsible for the application process?

The process is direct, and you can file your application using this method no matter where you are located. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is responsible for managing this program. This is a federal initiative, which means application procedures are the same nationally.

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.

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.

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.