- A Birth Certificate. The SSA will typically request a birth certificate to prove your age. ...
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship. In addition to checking that your age makes you eligible for Social Security benefits, the SSA will want to ensure you are a U.S. citizen.
- Social Security Card. You'll need to provide your Social Security number to receive retirement benefits. ...
- Identification Card. To prove your identity, you can show one of several documents. A U.S. driver's license, a state-issued non-driver identification card or a U.S. ...
- Employment Records. When filling out an application, you'll need to have a copy of your W-2 forms from the prior year. ...
- Spousal Records. If you are applying for a Social Security spousal benefit, you may be asked for certain documents to show proof of marriage.
- Military Service Documentation. If you served in the military before 1968, the SSA will ask you to provide a copy of your U.S. military service papers.
Why does PayPal need my SSN?
- paystub showing your SSN
- tax document signed by a 3 rd party preparer
- 1099 form
- W2 issued by your employer
How to have a comfortable retirement on social security alone?
To develop a retirement strategy:
- Think about how old you'd like to be when you retire. ...
- Estimate how large your retirement nest egg should be. There are several ways to do this. ...
- Using a calculator to break your big goals down into small ones. ...
- Budget to save and invest enough each month. ...
What documents are needed for Social Security retirement?
- The name and address of your employer (s) for this year and last year;
- The amount of money earned last year and this year. ...
- A copy of your Social Security Statement or a record of your earnings. ...
- The beginning and ending dates of any active U.S. ...
What do first 3 digits of SSN mean?
What do the first 3 digits of your Social Security mean? Area Number The nine-digit SSN is composed of three parts: The first set of three digits is called the Area Number. The second set of two digits is called the Group Number. The final set of four digits is the Serial Number. What state you were born in by SSN?
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...
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 information do I need to set up a My Social Security account?
To create a my Social Security account, you must be at least 18 years old and have: A valid email address; • A Social Security number; and • A U.S. mailing address. Step 2. Provide some personal information to verify your identity.
How do I apply for Social Security for the first time?
You can:Apply online (it should take about 15 minutes)By telephone using 1-800-772-1213.In person at your local Social Security office. An appointment, made by phone, is required (1-800-772-1213).
How far in advance do I need to apply for Social Security?
four monthsYou 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.
How long does it take to get first Social Security check after applying?
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 is the average Social Security benefit at age 62?
$2,364At age 62: $2,364. At age 65: $2,993. At age 66: $3,240. At age 70: $4,194.
What questions does Social Security ask to verify identity?
To verify the identity of the signer, we match the disability applicant's answers during the application process with the following information in our records: name, date of birth, Social Security number, place of birth, work history, and mother's maiden name.
What is the maximum Social Security benefit?
The maximum benefit depends on the age you retire. For example, if you retire at full retirement age in 2022, your maximum benefit would be $3,345. However, if you retire at age 62 in 2022, your maximum benefit would be $2,364. If you retire at age 70 in 2022, your maximum benefit would be $4,194.
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 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.
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:
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.
What Documents Do You Need to Apply for Retirement Benefits?
We request different documents depending on your circumstances. You can help by being ready to provide the information and documents listed below. You can also use our Checklist For The Online Medicare, Retirement, And Spouses Application to help you gather the information you need to apply.
If You Don't Have All Of The Documents
Even if you don't have everything, don't delay applying for Social Security retirement benefits. You can provide the missing documents later. We may be able to help you get them.
How many credits do I need to get Social Security?
The number of credits you need depends on your age when you apply and the type of benefit you are applying for. No one needs more than 40 credits for any Social Security benefit.
How many Social Security credits do I need to qualify for 2021?
The amount needed for a credit in 2021 is $1,470. You can earn a maximum of four credits for any year.
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.
