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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Lawrence
Can a 60 year old single male suffering hardships borrow from future benefits?
Jana D.
What month do benefits start? I will turn 62 next June (2020) and am thinking about retiring so I can take care of my grandbaby. Would my benefits start June 1 or July 1? I can’t find the answer anywhere.
Thank you.
Ann C.
Hi, Jana. Thank you for your question. To begin receiving reduced retirement benefits at 62, you are required to be age 62 for the entire month. For Social Security purposes, individuals born on the first or second day of the month are considered age 62 for the “full” month and could be entitled to benefits for the month of their 62nd birthday. Retirement benefits are paid the month after they are due. So, for instance, if you want your benefits to begin with the month of July, you will receive your first benefit payment in August. The exact payment date is determined by your date of birth. For more information, check out our Benefits Planner: Retirement. We hope this helps.
Terry P.
Can my wife draw her Social Security at 65, December, if she is now drawing off mine.
Pauline D.
I applied for my social security retirement benefits online 8 weeks ago and haven’t heard a word. It just says it’s processing. Why is that?
Ann C.
Hi, Pauline. Thanks for your question. The length of time it takes to process a retirement application can vary depending on whether we need to verify documents or other personal information. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. If you would like to speak with someone regarding the status of your application, please call 1-800-772-1213, M-F between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. and ask a representative to assist you, or you can contact your local office.
Deb A.
Does my husband need to be on SS for me to get some of his income when I decide to sign up when I turn 62?
Ann C.
Hi, Deb. Thank you for your question. To qualify for spouse’s benefits, your husband must be receiving retirement or disability benefits. Also, when you qualify for Social Security benefits on your own record, we pay that amount first. But if you also qualify for a higher amount as a spouse later on, you’ll get a combination of benefits that equals that higher amount. Visit our Retirement Planner: Benefits For You As A Spouse for more information. We hope this helps.
Sheila
I am receiving social security. I’m wondering if I’m entitled to my ex husband railroad pension? He worked there from Jan 1970 to 1983. We were married for 19 years!
Chad M.
What do I need to do to make an appointment with a real person in Billings, MT?
Ann C.
Hi, Chad. \You do not have to make an appointment to come in to our offices, but with an appointment, you will be helped before our walk-in customers. You can schedule an appointment with your local office by calling us at 1-800-772-1213 between 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and a representative will assist you. In most cases, you can handle your business by phone. We hope this helps.
Annamma J.
I would like to know about my retirement/social security
Gilbert A.
Hello, My name is Gilbert A. Montoya, I recently been diagnosed with “ALS” and have not worked since February 2019. What can I do to start receiving Social Security…..
Thank you,
Gilbert A. Montoya 505-285-5482
Ann C.
Hi, Gilbert. We are sorry to hear about your condition. Individuals with Compassionate Allowance conditions, such as Lou Gehrig’s disease (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, “ALS”), may receive a decision on their claim in a matter of weeks, or it may take longer. It can vary depending on several factors, but primarily on how quickly we obtain medical evidence from a doctor or other medical source and whether an additional medical examination is necessary.
In addition, generally, Medicare begins after a person has been entitled to Social Security disability benefits for 24 months. However, ALS is exempt from the 24-month waiting period. For additional information on Medicare for disability beneficiaries, see page 10 of our publication, What You Need To Know When You Receive Social Security Disability Benefits. You can file for disability or Medicare by visiting our online services page. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. We hope this helps.
Richard L.
Can I work and collect social security if I’m over 70
Ann C.
Hi, Richard. You can work while you receive Social Security retirement (or survivors) benefits. At 70, you’ve already reached your full retirement age. If you work and are full retirement age or older, the amount you make at work will not affect your Social Security benefits, no matter how much you earn. For more information, check out our publication, How Work Affects Your Benefits. We hope this helps.