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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Janet P.
I can’t log into my social security. I need help setting up my account again.
Beverly J.
Hi I started collecting my ss at age 62 n I get early retirement money n now I will be 66 this year so will I be getting my full retirement money
Ann C.
Hi, Beverly. Thanks for your question. Your payment amount is based on when you decide to start your benefits. If you choose to get benefits before full retirement age, they will be reduced. The amount you receive when you first get benefits sets the base for the amount you will receive for the rest of your life. Your benefits are reduced a fraction of a percent for each month before your full retirement age. For more information, visit our Benefits Planner: Retirement. We hope this helps.
joe e.
checking on medicare part b, to apply
Ann C.
Hi, Joe. If you are receiving Social Security retirement benefits, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Hospital Insurance (Part A) and Medical Insurance (Part B) at age 65. However, you may refuse Medicare Part B, during your Initial Enrollment Period, if you or your spouse, actively work and have coverage under a group health plan, based on that employment, then you do not need Medicare part B until the work activity ends or that health care coverage is dropped. 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. For more information, visit here. Please contact your local Social Security office for further assistance or call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. We hope this helps.
Marla S.
I turn 62 on April 28, 2020, and I plan to retire early May 2020 from my full time job. When should I apply for my Social Security if I decide that I need the income to help with my retirement annuity?
Earl D.
I turn 70 in September, 2019, but I am still working. May I apply in January, 2020, for benefits retroactively to September 2019, so I will receive the back benefits in 2020 when I will be retired and in a lower tax bracket?
Joseph N.
I will be receiving ssi retirement, and a portion of my spouses retirement, beginning March 27th, 2019. Am I entitled back pay for these two benefits? and when can I expect it.
Chiffon A.
I will be receiving ssi retirement, and a portion of my spouses retirement, beginning March 27th, 2019. Am I entitled back pay for these two benefits? and when can I expect it.
Ann C.
Hi, Chiffon. Thank you for your questions. Unfortunately, but for your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community to 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. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Michael F.
I have finished my SS application but can not sign it or submit it.
Patricia K.
I am currently collecting social security benefits from my late husband/s account, but in March 2019, I will be 70 and need to start collecting my own benefits. How can I do this?
Vonda V.
Hi Patricia: You can apply online for retirement benefits 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; and
•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.)
If you are unable or do not want to apply for benefits online, or you need to speak to us for any other reason, you can schedule 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!
Jeffrey A.
02/11/2019
The following was sent groundmailed out.
January 21st, 2019_01212019
Whom zone riviera questioneess, represent,
Whom zone riviera questioneess, represent,
The following write is sent to njpension njtreasury without anything more. Only simple replies about matters in way of emailing are done.
#
October 4th, 2018 ************************************
I’ll start here by saying I’m receiving social security from mental anguish because of the later years in nj state services. Quite a few to a few many years now has common juncture against things here; more by way of this insuranced and national benefit about insurance review and more to say troublesomely. At the age of 54, the expense disstanards around bordentown township are amazingly high thus putting a childhood simple estate property to near impossible keeping. A fair conduct would be review into exceptionize.
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Should the nj officials know if federal ssa does perspection at 55 years of age and if parallels with parallels unto pension benefits?
Would nj pension please forward information to social security because its complex about matters.
I had requested about a large payment done somewhat not long ago at all and you sending back on that status unto account.
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I HAVE NOT GOT THIS SPECIFIC INFORMATION BACK FROM NEWJERSEY PENSION. THEY ARE NOT CONTACTING SSA FOR ME THEREFORE NEVER HELPING FOR ANY TYPE OF REVIEW.