- 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.
When should you start claiming Social Security benefits?
You get flexibility when it comes to filing for Social Security. Whether you should file upon retirement ... age 65 but don't need your benefits right away to pay your bills, then it could make sense to hold off until FRA to claim then.
Is there faster way to get Social Security benefits?
To qualify, ex-spouses must meet the following conditions:
- The marriage must have lasted at least 10 years
- Two or more years must have passed since the divorce
- They must not have remarried
- They must be at least 62 years old and must not qualify for higher Social Security benefits based on their own employment history
How can you maximize your Social Security benefits?
Use these 6 strategies to increase your household's lifetime benefits
- Don’t Take the SSA’s Advice at Face Value. Going straight to the source seems like a great way to get accurate information about the best time to file for ...
- Withdraw Your Social Security Application. Here’s one opportunity to reverse a claiming decision you regret. ...
- Suspend Your Social Security Benefits. ...
- Maximize Your Household Benefits. ...
How to optimize your Social Security benefits?
Those include:
- What is your full retirement age?
- How much income will you need in retirement?
- What makes you more comfortable — taking a smaller benefit sooner, or waiting for a bigger benefit later?
How do I begin my Social Security payments?
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.
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.
What is the best month to start Social Security?
Individuals first become eligible to receive a benefit during the month after the month of their 62nd birthday. So, someone born in May becomes eligible in June. Since Social Security pays individuals a month behind, the person will receive the June benefit in July.
What documents do you need to start collecting Social Security?
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Do Social Security benefits start the month of your birthday?
Your birthday generally determines your monthly payment schedule: If the birthday is between the first and the 10th day of the month, the benefit payment arrives on the second Wednesday of each month. If the birthday is between the 11th and the 20th, the payment comes on the third Wednesday of the month.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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 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!
When are Social Security benefits paid?
Social Security benefits are paid the month after they are due.
How long can you withhold unemployment benefits?
This means we cannot withhold benefits for any month we consider you retired, regardless of your yearly earnings.
How long do you have to retire in mid year?
Sometimes people who retire in mid-year already have earned more than the annual earnings limit. However: We have a special rule that applies to earnings for one year, usually the first year you begin receiving benefits.
What is the decision to receive retirement benefits?
Deciding when to start receiving your retirement benefit is a personal decision, based on many factors that are unique to each individual. For example, in addition to the monthly benefit amount, you may want to consider personal and family circumstances, including whether you are working or plan to work, current and future financial resources and obligations, and current and anticipated health and longevity.
Is it important to decide when to start receiving Social Security?
Choosing when to start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits is an important decision that affects your monthly benefit amount for the rest of your life. Your monthly retirement benefit will be higher if you delay claiming it.
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.
How long does it take to confirm an email address?
Confirm your email address or phone number by entering a one-time security code within 10 minutes of receiving it in order to help keep your personal information safe.