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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Gus
If I’ve signed for Part A and I’m still working can I sign up for a HSA Savings Plan at work?
L.A.
Hi Gus. In this forum, we do not have access to your personal information. It might be best for you to consult with your human resources department and with http://www.Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (TTY 1-877-486-2048). You should also contact your local Medicare SHIP (State Health Insurance Program Coordinator) to discuss your health insurance options. We hope this helps.
nancy M.
6VJ4-V05-MN86 (914)377-9064 18Rollins St apt 2W Yonkers NY 10705
Frank A.
My wife is retiring in December, I am already retired, but under her insurance. What do I need to do? What forms do I need to fill and turn into Social Security.
A.C.
Hi, Frank. Thanks for your question. It sounds like you are referring to signing up for Medicare Part B. If you are covered under a group health plan based on your wife’s current employment, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) that will let you sign up for Medicare Part B. You have an 8-month SEP to sign up for Part A and/or Part B that starts at one of these times (whichever happens first):
• The month after the employment ends
• The month after group health plan insurance based on current employment ends.
Usually, you don’t pay a late enrollment penalty if you sign up during a SEP. You should always check with your health benefits advisor, or health plan representative to see what’s best for you. To learn more about the Medicare enrollment periods visit http://www.Medicare.gov. Please call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 if you need further assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. We hope this helps.
Valerie S.
Been trying to apply online for social security retirement. Unfortunately the page never comes up. I have tried multiple times, nothing.
L.A.
Hi Valerie. Please note that for your security, we do not have access to your personal information in this forum. Please call our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), from Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. You may also contact the local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Lena
My husband has enough credits to be eligible for SS benefits and he also has an online MySocialSecurity account but I cannot find appropriate Q&A for his situation. He is 58 and wants to retire now but he can wait to collect SS benefits until 67. How can he estimate his benefits? How much his benefits will be reduced if he retires at 58? Thank you.
A.C.
Thanks for your question, Lena. We have an online calculator where he can test various scenarios and retirement ages to estimate his benefits. We hope this helps.
Kenneth J.
I will be 68 on 15 December 2019. I plan to retire and want to receive my SS benefits based on age 68 and would like to start receiving SS immediately. Am I able to begin receiving my monthly benefits in December which is the month in which I become 68 or must I wait until January?
A.C.
Hi, Kenneth. Keep in mind benefits are paid the month after they are due. So, for instance, if your benefits begin with the month of December, you will receive your first benefit payment in January. The exact payment date is determined by your date of birth. For future pay dates, you may find the schedule of Social Security benefit payment calendar useful. We hope this helps.
Angela A.
The login and password I am using is not working. I am not sure if I am using the right one How do I find out or change. please send to my e mail ty
A.C.
Hi, Angela. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. If you are still unable to access your account or encounter a problem with your personal my Social Security account, you may:
•Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
•Contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Norma S.
I am eligible and ready to apply for my Social Security benefits. However, I also want to apply for spousal benefits for my husband who is already receiving Social Security payments. Can this be accomplished at same time as my application or does it require a separate application once I am signed up? If it can be done at same time that I apply, can it be done online? I did not see anywhere on the application that would provide for this. Since waiting time at my local office is often 2-3 hours, I would like to avoid going to the office. If that is required, do both of us need to be present? P.S. I have tried the phone #s provided on numerous occasions and can never get anyone on the line. Hopefully you can help me with some clarity and specificity.
A.C.
Hi, Norma. Thank you for your questions. To qualify for spouse’s benefits, your husband must be receiving retirement or disability benefits. Also, if 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, you’ll get a combination of benefits that equals that higher amount. For more information and how to apply, visit here. For specific questions, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. Generally, you will have a shorter wait if you call later in the day. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Rodney W.
I have postponed my retirement until I turn 70. I will turn 70 this coming June 25th, 2020. When should I request my retirement to start? I’ve heard that it’s the year I turn 70. If this is turn, How do I go about requesting my retirement to start Jan., 2020?
Thanks so much!
Rodney Walthers
L.A.
Hi, Rodney. It sounds like you are asking about what rules we have in place when a person reaches their full retirement age. For people in the calendar year that they reach their full retirement age, they can earn higher work limits that year. Visit the Retirement Planner: Plan for Your Retirement website for more information. When ready, you may apply for benefits as early as four months before you want to start your benefits, using our online retirement application.
Ray M.
I will be 65 on 12/30/2019 , I want too set up my retirement , and I will need help to set health care too
A.C.
Hi, Ray. If you are unable to file online, you can schedule an appointment 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. Representatives are available between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday but you will generally have a shorter wait time if you call later in the day. Hope this helps!