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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Gaatha
The idea is great with retirement there are no many options for daily activity. Great ideas are here Gaatha is one of the best of who love to listen to some beneficial stuff like literature. The account in Social society is the option for benefits.
Joseph W.
Hello I’m turning 65 Oct 8, 2020 what do i need to do or what should I registered for?
V.V.
Hi Joseph, thanks for using our blog. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on when to start receiving Social Security retirement benefits. If you are within three months of age 65 or older and not ready to start your monthly Social Security benefits yet, you can use our online retirement application to sign up just for Medicare and wait to apply for your retirement or spouses benefits later. It takes less than 10 minutes, and there are no forms to sign and usually no documentation is required.
If you have medical insurance coverage under a group health plan based on your or your spouse’s current employment, you may not need to apply for Medicare Part B at age 65. You may qualify for a “Special Enrollment Period” (SEP) that will let you sign up for Part B during:
•Any month you remain covered under the group health plan and you, or your spouse’s, employment continues.
•The 8-month period that begins with the month after your group health plan coverage or the employment it is based on ends, whichever comes first.
We always suggest that individuals speak to their personnel office, health benefits advisor, or health plan representative to see what’s best for them, and to prevent any penalties or delayed enrollment in the future.
Andy S.
Hello
My name is Andy Ignacio , I was born in Rome New York,.Left to go to Austria to learn German and to be trained in The Art of European Service and Hospitality. I am married with an Austrian, have a Son 14 Years old. Have been living in Austria since 1989, Year of Marriage. Worked in the US for 14 Years. I will be 68 on Nov. 23rd. And I wish to retire and Receive Benefits. I am still an American Citizen but do not live in the States . What do I do and How?
V.V.
Hi Andy, thanks for using our blog. Even though you are unable to create a my Social Security account because you live outside the country, you may still file your application online.
We recommend that individuals living outside the United States contact the nearest Federal Benefit Unit in the area for any assistance related to Social Security programs and benefits. Also, our Office of International Operations home page provides more information to assist our customers living abroad.
Cathy M.
I’ve been trying to apply for my retirement benefits since April. The first time it was pulled with no explanation, this time I received an follow up e-mail but every time I called the number I’ve had to leave a message with no response. I understand that you probably have a skeleton crew but some kind of response would be appreciated. If I mail something to my local office will someone get it since it is closed to in person appts. Thank you in advance for any information you can me.
V.V.
Hi Cathy, thanks for using our blog. 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. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.
Sandra
I completed the application online and there is no Submit button?
Eugene L.
I’d like to apply for retirement benefits this year i’ll be 62,im the payee for my adult nephew’s SSDI.Will his benefits cause a problem applying for my retirement funds?
V.V.
Hi Euguene, thanks for using our blog to ask your question. As the representative payee for your nephew, you are responsible for managing his payments on his behalf. Those funds must be in an account completely separate from your personal accounts to ensure there are no discrepancies.
You can apply online four months before you want your Social Security retirement benefits to start. If you want your benefits to start at age 62, you can apply at age 61 and eight months. We hope this is helpful!
ADRIEN B.
I WANT TO DELETE RETIREMENT ON LINE
V.V.
Hi Adrien, thanks for using our blog. You will need to 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. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.
Marco a.
yo vivo en Miami y todas las oficinas del gobierno estan cerradas….
Marco A.
Buenas tardes deseo retirarme y viajar a mi pais como puedo hacerlo desde aki ?
Jeff C.
I am currently receiving half of my wife’s ss and delaying my own until I turn 70. I will turn 70 this coming August, do I have to apply again or will my own payments begin automatically? Thanks in advance
JMC
V.V.
Hi Jeff, thanks for using our blog. You need to apply to receive Social Security retirement benefits and you can do that four months before you want your benefits to start. When you’re ready to apply for retirement benefits, use our online retirement application, the quickest, easiest, and most convenient way to apply.
If you are unable to apply online, call us at 1-800-772-1213 or you can contact your local Social Security office to make an appointment. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.
J.Brown
Will Jeff Cooper’s spousal benefits be canceled automatically once he applies for his own benefits?