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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Robert L.
Received letter and phone call from SS Admin Jamaica, NY. and want me to contact office @866-226-2306 about my claim. Is this phone # truely from SS Admin?
V.V.
Hi Robert. Thanks for checking in with us. Generally, we will only contact you if you have requested a call or have ongoing business with us. Recently, scams — misleading victims into making cash or gift card payments to avoid arrest for Social Security number problems — have skyrocketed. Our employees will never threaten you for information or promise a benefit in exchange for personal information or money. To inquire, you should call your local office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. You can also call our national toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
Toni L.
What do I do with the application online after I complete it?
V.V.
Hi Toni, thank you for using our blog. On the Overall Summary page, at the very bottom, is the electronic signature box and the Submit Now button. You can log in to or create a my Social Security account to check the status of your application online. We hope this is helpful.
Eileen D.
I have completed this form on my tablet, but there is no box at the bottom to sign or tgat says submit, do I need to find a laptop?
Toni L.
How to I complete the application for spousal benefits only? The online application has a section and I completed it as follows:
Benefits to start in 03/2020: No
Benefits should start in: 01/2020
The specific reason this start date was selected:Other Reason
Description of other reason:I work I want spouse bene only
If eligible for both retirement and spouse’s benefits, delay receipt of retirement benefit: Yes
So basically, 2 questions:
1: Did I complete this section properly for spousal benefits only
2: How do I actually submit the application as there is no “submit” button?
V.V.
Hi Toni. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance or you can contact your local Social Security office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. We hope this helps.
Patricia W.
How do you generate or start receiving your monthly benefit check if filed Part A a year ago (at your Max Retirement Age) but withdrew app to start drawing benefit check. because you were still working full time.
But NOW you want to sttart drawing your income check. ????
I’m not disabled. Last year I turned 66 (MRA) but still working full time. so I only applied for Medicare Part A because I still have medical insurance at work. . I didn’t want to start drawing the monthly SSI check yet because since I was still working. – wanted to wait another year before I start drawing the check. NOW, I am ready to start drawing my monthly benefit check. Can’t reach anyóne by phone because if the COVID-19 epidemic. Went on-line to my account and can’t find any information how to start generating your monthly check.
V.V.
Hi Patricia, thank you for your question. Our system is set up to take retirement applications four months in advance of when you want your benefits to begin. If you are ready to apply, you can complete the retirement application online in as little as 15 minutes.
Jim p.
My wife turns 67 this year in June and at that time plans to only work 3 days a week. Can she collect half of my SS (I will be 66 when she retires) while she works 3 or less days a week, and doesn’t collect her SS benefits?
Is there a way for her to collect half my SS benefit without any penalties to her or me?
I plan to continue working full time making a decent wage?
JOHN B.
When do I have to notify you that I wish to collect my social security benefits? Also please open my SS LINK, it somehow got shut down (password error?) TY john
Paul D.
You state it is easy to process an application online. I do not think so. I filed for benefits in November 2019 to start receiving in February 2020. It is January 20th and I still have not received a confirmation that my application was approved.
Debra D.
Applied for my social security month ago.
Have heard nothing.
Cannot get into my acct.
A.C.
Hi, Debra. We are sorry to hear about your experience. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with 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.
Debbie
I turn 66 in January 2020. I am 8 months older than my spouse and my benefits will be lower than his in September 2020 when he reaches FRA.
Can I apply online now for my FRA benefits and still be entitled to receive the spousal benefit when he reaches FRA? I understand that I would get my amount plus an amount that makes my total spousal benefit 50% of his. Is that correct? Also, how and when would I apply for the spousal benefit once he reaches FRA and applies for his benefit? I can’t get a grasp on this new Deemed Filing rule and how it applies in my situation. One article I read said that when I apply for my benefit, I am Deemed to have applied for the spousal benefit so that when he applies for his FRA benefit, I will AUTOMATICALLY begin to receive the higher spousal benefit amount as opposed to my lower amount that I would have been receiving for several months. Please advise me on the proper steps both my husband and myself should take when filing, to be sure we will be getting the full amount we should be entitled to. Also, do we need to provide any supporting documentation, ie. Certified copy of marriage license? I don’t want to do this incorrectly and end up leaving money on the table. Thank you
A.C.
Hi, Debbie. Thanks 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, visit here. If you have additional specific questions, please 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. We hope this helps.
dennis g.
Can I make changes to my application claim ?
67536698
MY CORRECT EMAIL ADDRESS IS
d.leibach@hotmail.com
L.A.
Hi Dennis. Unfortunately, but for your security, we do not have access to your Social Security claim in this forum. Please call our toll-free number 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or follow up with your local Social Security office for assistance. We hope this helps.
L.A.
Hi Dennis. For your security, we do not have access to your personal information in this forum. For specific questions about your account, 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 your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.