how to claim my social security benefits

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.

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.

Should you take Social Security at 62?

You can receive benefits as early as age 62, but your monthly payments will be reduced by 25% to 30% from your full benefits, depending on the year you were born. Or you can delay receiving benefits until as late as age 70, and your monthly payments will increase by 8% for every year you wait past your full retirement age.

How to win SSI claim?

This includes:

• a diagnosis in writing from your doctor and likely recovery time, if any;
• a written history of your medical condition;
• the results of clinical tests;
• laboratory findings from x-rays;
• prescribed treatment including your response;
• a statement from your doctor about what you are still able to do.

How much you will get from Social Security?

The maximum possible Social Security benefit for someone who retires at full retirement age is $3,148 in 2021. However, a worker would need to earn the maximum taxable amount, currently $142,800 for 2021, over a 35-year career to get this Social Security payment.

What are the requirements for claiming Social Security?

You can receive Social Security benefits based on your earnings record if you are age 62 or older, or disabled or blind and have enough work credits. Family members who qualify for benefits on your work record do not need work credits.

How do I claim my Social Security money?

Ways to Apply You can complete an application for Retirement, Spouse's, Medicare or Disability Benefits online. If you cannot submit your application online: You can call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778); or. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, visits to our offices are by appointment only for certain services.

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).

How do I collect my Social Security check?

The standard way to receive your benefit is by direct deposit to your bank account. It's easy to set up: Either go to the “My Profile” tab in your online My Social Security account, call Social Security at 800-772-1213 or ask your bank to do it for you. Another option is a Direct Express debit card.

When should I apply for Social Security benefits?

You can apply up to four months before you want your retirement benefits to start. For example, if you turn 62 on December 2, you can start your benefits as early as December. If you want your benefits to start in December, you can apply in August.

Does Social Security require direct deposit?

Federal law mandates that all Federal benefit payments – including Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits – must be made electronically. There are two ways you can receive your benefits: Into an existing bank account via Direct Deposit or. Onto a Direct Express® Debit Mastercard®

How do I start drawing Social Security?

How do you sign up for Social Security? 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.

How do I apply for Social Security for the first time?

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 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.

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.

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 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 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 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!

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.

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 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.