- 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.
- 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 ...
- Gather documents. This step might be the hardest part, but still very straightforward. ...
- Complete application. With the information listed above, you should be able to complete your application. In person at your local Social Security office.
- Monitor status. Once your application is submitted, the Social Security Administration will contact you if they have any questions.
What is the maximum Social Security retirement benefit payable?
- $2,364 at age 62.
- $3,345 at age 66 and 4 months.
- $4,194 at age 70.
What is the maximum monthly Social Security benefit?
Those who collect Social Security in 2022 could receive up to $4,194 a month. Snagging the maximum monthly benefit isn't easy, so don't worry if you can't quite get there. One common myth about Social Security is that it pays all seniors the same amount of ...
What is the maximum Social Security benefit at age 66?
For someone retiring in 2020 at full retirement age (66 or 67 years old for most modern retirees depending on the year of birth), the maximum Social Security benefit is $3,011 per month. However, actual income is a function of what age you retire .
How do I apply for Social Security retirement benefits?
To qualify for retirement benefits you must:
- Be a US citizen or have legal authorization to work in the US
- Be between 62 to 70 years old
- Have worked for at least 10 years
- Have paid social security tax while working
How do I file 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. ... 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.
Can I apply for my SS benefits online?
You can apply online for Retirement or spouse's benefits or continue an application you already started. You must be at least 61 years and 9 months old and want your benefits to start no more than four months in the future.
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.
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. Bear in mind that this timetable only applies if everything runs smoothly.
Is it better to apply for Social Security in person or online?
While some may prefer to apply in person at their local Social Security office, an increasing number of retirees are finding it easier and more convenient to claim their benefits by retiring online at www.socialsecurity.gov.
How much does Social Security pay?
Social Security benefits are much more modest than many people realize; the average Social Security retirement benefit in January 2022 was about $1,614 per month, or about $19,370 per year.
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 to do if you get stuck on a question?
If you get stuck on a question, you can skip to the next question and come back later.
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.
How to apply for Social Security benefits in person?
You can do that by phone at 800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET. To apply for Social Security of any kind while living abroad, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
How to apply for survivor benefits?
To apply for survivor benefits, make sure you have: 1 The Social Security number and death certificate of the late wage earner on whose record you are applying. 2 Your Social Security number and those of any dependent children. 3 Your birth certificate or an acceptable religious record of your birth (such as a baptismal certificate). 4 Your marriage certificate (and divorce papers if filing as a former spouse ). 5 Tax records documenting your earnings.
What is needed to file for disability?
Along with the usual personal data (such as birth certificate and employment and earnings records), you’ll need to provide extensive documentation of your medical history and treatment and file an Adult Disability Report. The SSDI process also includes an interview, in person or by phone. You’ll find detailed information in Social Security’s Adult Disability Starter Kit.
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 ).
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 report a death online?
However, you cannot report a death or apply for survivors benefits online. In most cases, the funeral home will report the person’s death to us. You should give the funeral home the deceased person’s Social Security number if you want them to make the report. If you need to report a death or apply for benefits, ...
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 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.
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.
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.
