Retire Online with Social Security, Quickly and Easily
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: November 3, 2023
The idea of applying for Social Security retirement benefits might seem daunting, but it’s not. There’s no need to visit an office. You don’t have to use the phone. We have an online retirement application that you can complete in as little as 15 minutes and from the comfort of your home or office. In most cases, once your application is submitted electronically, you’re done. There are no forms to sign and usually no documentation is required. Social Security will process your application and contact you if any further information is needed.
It’s as simple as that. You can start your application.
You can apply online for retirement benefits or benefits as a spouse if you:
- Are at least 61 years and 9 months old.
- Are not currently receiving benefits on your own Social Security record.
- Have not already applied for retirement benefits.
- Want your benefits to start no more than 4 months in the future. (We cannot process your application if you apply for benefits more than 4 months in advance.)
You’ll have to create or sign into your my Social Security account as part of your application. If you don’t have an account yet, this is a perfect time to create one. Just as important, this is where you will be able to check your application for benefits. Like our other online services, my Social Security is available on your time and there’s no waiting in line or on the phone. You can see your entire work history going back to your first job to make sure we have all of your wages correctly tallied. Create or sign into your my Social Security account.
Are you curious about how much your retirement benefits will be? You can get an idea of what your benefits will be using our Retirement Estimator.
Social Security provides services for millions of people, but we also want to make your experience with us as simple and easy as possible. Our many online services, including retiring online, are part of that mission. You can access more by visiting our online services website.
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Tags: my Social Security, my Social Security account, online services, retirement
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Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
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Duane F.
I am trying to re enroll in Medicare parts A and B.
V.V.
Hello Duane. You can apply for Medicare online. If you do not want to apply online, or you need to speak to us for any reason, you can schedule, reschedule or cancel an appointment by:
•Calling us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday; or
•Contacting your local Social Security office. Thanks!
M
Good luck, just called that number, hour and a half wait!
Roberta
Why am I unable to apply online for my Retirement Benefits? Keep trying and I am told over and over again I cannot apply and to call. If I wanted to call, then I would have applied over the phone. Help, please.
V.V.
Hello Roberta. When you apply online you will be asked to create or log in to your personal my Social Security account. If we are not able to process your request, you will receive specific information on how to contact us by phone or schedule an appointment.
Carla K.
Currently, I am employed and taking my late husband’s SS. My plan is to retire at the end of June 2019. Starting July 1st, I would switch from my husband’s SS to start taking my SS. Would it be best if I made an appointment with SS in person?
V.V.
Hello Carla. You do not need an appointment, you can file for retirement benefits online.
If you do not want to apply for benefits online, or you need to speak to us for any other reason, you can schedule, reschedule or cancel an appointment by:
•Calling us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday; or
•Contacting your local Social Security office. Thanks!
Daniel H.
My mother in law is concerned about receiving her monthly security check. Has anyone heard of check s not being released¿
V.V.
Hi Daniel: Social Security is not affected by the government shut down. All payments will be made on schedule.
Linda E.
Requesting 2018 Form 1099 i am residing overseas and i need to file my taxes
Gildo P.
Good luck, retirees overseas cannot create an account to request anything this is Discrimination. You should visit or contact the US Embassy. Pray if you reside in Panama.
V.V.
Hi Linda, thank you for the question. The SSA-1099 is mailed by January 31 each year. If, for any reason, you do not receive your SSA-1099 in the mail, you may request a replacement SSA-1099/1042S for Tax Year 2018 by contacting your nearest Federal Benefits Unit for assistance.
Ron e.
Maybe I should drive a black 2016 Challenger drive around the block at somebody’s house so they can get $365 more and their social security
Peter M.
My birthday is April 2, 1949. I am trying to apply for benefits to be paid. In 2015 I filed and suspended my SS benefits (have not received any yet). In 2019 I will be seventy (70) and will need to start collecting benefits. I have a My Medicare account and tried the password that I thought was up to date, but was not let in. I would like to start receiving benefits when I am 70. Perhaps I need to complete the application (since I have already filed). I have the same wife and bank account as in 2015.
A.C.
Hi, Peter. Please contact your local Social Security office or call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 to set up an appointment to file to begin your benefits. If you are still having trouble accessing your my Social Security account, please call our dedicated my Social Security Hotline. To reach this hotline, call 1-800-772-1213, and select the prompt “helpdesk”. The help desk will be available to callers between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Generally, you’ll have a shorter wait time if you call later in the week. Thanks.
IRENE R.
I have been unable to get online to check my social security. It doesn’t seem to recognize me?????
Kim M.
How long will it take to get the spousal benefits I applied for on Dec19th,2018. My alimony has run out and I just paid my rent with my social security benifits, I can’t pay any more bills till I get the spousal benefits
A.C.
Hi, Kim. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask members in our Blog community to continue to work with their local office with specific questions about their case. You can also call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. We hope this is resolved soon.
Lesly F.
Why retired is not option for i work in this country soon in next two months i will turn 65 years old