how to claim ssa 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.

How and when to apply for Social Security benefits?

• Your Social Security number
• Your birth certificate, or proof of U.S. citizenship
• Your W-2 forms or self-employment tax return (or both) for the last year you worked
• Your military discharge papers if you served in any branch of the military

How do I determine my social security benefit?

Try refreshing the page. Today's Social Security column addresses questions about how Social Security spousal benefits are calculated, whether it's necessary to file in January to get a given year's COLA and what effects of benefits rates not paying taxes can have.

How do you calculate Social Security benefits?

• Take your AIME and round down to the nearest dollar
• Multiply the first $895 of your AIME by 90%
• Multiply the amount in step 2 that is over $895, or less than or equal to $5,397, by 32%
• Multiple the amount in step 3 over $5,397 by 15%
• Add all totals from step 2-4 and round down to the nearest dollar. ...
• Multiply the amount in step 5 by 73.33%. ...

How to decide when to take Social Security retirement benefits?

• If you were born on January 1 st, you should refer to the previous year.
• If you were born on the 1 st of the month, we figure your benefit (and your full retirement age) as if your birthday was in the previous month. ...
• You must be at least 62 for the entire month to receive benefits.
• Percentages are approximate due to rounding.

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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.

Who qualifies for SSA benefits?

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.

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, and apply in August. Even if you are not ready to retire, you still should sign up for Medicare three months before your 65th birthday.

What documents are needed to claim Social Security benefits?

Social SecurityYour Social Security card or a record of your number.Your original birth certificate, a copy certified by the issuing agency, or other proof of your age. ... If you were not born in the U.S., proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status.More items...

What is the difference SSI and SSA?

But, the programs are different. SSA is an entitlement program and SSI is needs-based.

What is SSA benefit?

Social Security is part of the retirement plan for almost every American worker. It provides replacement income for qualified retirees and their families. This section of our website helps you better understand the program, the application process, and the online tools and resources available to you.

How long does it take to get your first Social Security check 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 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?

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.

What is the average Social Security benefit at age 62?

According to payout statistics from the Social Security Administration in June 2020, the average Social Security benefit at age 62 is $1,130.16 a month, or $13,561.92 a year.

How much Social Security will I get at the age of 65?

How Your Social Security Benefit Is ReducedIf you start getting benefits at age*And you are the: Wage Earner, the benefit amount you will receive is reduced toAnd you are the: Spouse, the benefit amount you will receive is reduced to6593.345.865 + 1 month93.946.265 + 2 months94.446.565 + 3 months95.046.946 more rows

Do you automatically get Medicare with Social Security?

You automatically get Medicare because you're getting benefits from Social Security (or the Railroad Retirement Board). Part B covers certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.

Who Can Apply For Adult Disability Benefits Online?

You can use the online application to apply for disability benefits if you: 1. Are age 18 or older; 2. Are not currently receiving benefits on your...

How Do I Apply For Benefits?

Here is what you need to do to apply for benefits online: 1. Print and review the Adult Disability Checklist It will help you gather the informatio...

What Information Do I Need to Apply For Benefits?

We suggest that you have the following information at hand. It will make completing the application much easier.

Information About Your Work

1. The amount of money earned last year and this year 2. The name and address of your employer(s) for this year and last year 3. A copy of your Soc...

What Documents Do I Need to provide?

We may ask you to provide documents to show that you are eligible, such as: 1. Birth certificate or other proof of birth; 2. Proof of U.S. citizens...

What Are The Advantages of Applying Using Our Online Disability Application Process?

Our online disability application process offers several advantages. You can: 1. Start your disability claim immediately. There is no need to wait...

What Happens After I Apply?

After we receive your online application, we will: 1. Provide confirmation of your application- either electronically or by mail. 2. Review the app...

What Other Ways Can I Apply?

You can also apply: 1. By phone - Call us at 1-800-772-1213 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you ca...

What is the Blue Book of Social Security Disability?

Disability Evaluation Under Social Security (Also known as The Blue Book) - Medical criteria for evaluating Social Security disability claims

How long is the waiting period for SSDI?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits have a five month waiting period, which means that benefit payments will not begin before the sixth full month of disability. The SSDI waiting period begins the first full month after the date we decide your disability began. There is no waiting period if your disability results ...

What is a disability starter kit?

The Disability Starter Kit will help you get ready for your disability interview or online application. Kits are available for adults and for children under age 18.

When will I get my ALS disability?

There is no waiting period if your disability results from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and you are approved for SSDI benefits on or after July 23, 2020. We pay Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits for the first full month after the date you filed your claim, or, if later, the date you become eligible for SSI.

When do you get your Social Security check?

If you are due benefits for the month of December, you will receive your first check in January for December.

How long do you have to withdraw Social Security?

Sometimes, life changes occur after you submit your application. You have up to 12 months to withdraw your application, if you change your mind. You will be required to repay any benefits you’ve already received. Learn more about Withdrawing Your Social Security Retirement Application.

How old do you have to be to get unemployment?

You must be at least age 62 for the entire month to be eligible to receive benefits. If you were born on the first or second day of the month, you meet this requirement in the month of your 62nd birthday. If you were born on any other day of the month, you do not meet this requirement until the following month.

What is disability under Social Security?

What We Mean By Disability. The definition of disability under Social Security is different than other programs. Social Security pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or for short-term disability. We consider you disabled under Social Security rules if all of the following are true:

What is the work incentive for Social Security?

There are also a number of special rules, called "work incentives," that provide continued benefits and health care coverage to help you make the transition back to work. If you are receiving Social Security disability benefits when you reach full retirement age, your disability benefits automatically convert to retirement benefits, ...

How to speed up disability application?

To speed up the application process, complete an Adult Disability Report and have it available at the time of your appointment.

How long does a widow have to be disabled?

The widow, widower, or surviving divorced spouse has a medical condition that meets the definition of disability for adults and the disability started before or within seven years of the worker's death.

What are some examples of compassionate allowances?

Examples include acute leukemia, Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS), and pancreatic cancer.

How many questions are asked to determine if you are disabled?

If you have enough work to qualify for disability benefits, we use a step-by-step process involving five questions to determine if you are disabled. The five questions are:

How long can you be disabled if you have a disability?

Your condition must significantly limit your ability to do basic work-related activities, such as lifting, standing, walking, sitting, or remembering – for at least 12 months. If it does not, we will find that you are not disabled.

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 are not getting survivors benefits?

If you are not getting benefits. If you are not getting benefits, you should apply for survivors benefits promptly because, in some cases, benefits may not be retroactive.

How old do you have to be to get a mother's or father's benefit?

Mother's or Father's Benefits (You must have a child under age 16 or disabled in your care.)

Can you get survivors benefits if you die?

The Basics About Survivors Benefits. Your family members may receive survivors benefits if you die. If you are working and paying into Social Security, some of those taxes you pay are for survivors benefits. Your spouse, children, and parents could be eligible for benefits based on your earnings.

Can you collect survivors benefits if a family member dies?

You may receive survivors benefits when a family member dies. You and your family could be eligible for benefits based on the earnings of a worker who died. The deceased person must have worked long enough to qualify for benefits.

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 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 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 ).

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.

How old do you have to be to apply for retirement?

If you are at least 62 years of age and you wish to apply for retirement or spouse’s benefits, you can use our online retirement application to apply for one or both benefits.