Retirement

Retire Online with Social Security, Quickly and Easily

January 10, 2019 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last 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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About the Author

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

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Comments

  1. Margaret B.

    When I retired in 1965, I was notified that my retirement benefits would be $344 a month. After visiting the local office, I was told I would only receive about $200 a month because of my retirement income from another source. I’ve been told lately that Social Security cheated me because the $344 a month represented what I had put in. What are my next steps in contesting the amount I should have received?

  2. robert b.

    am curious to know about death benefits plan. will I be buried or cremeated.my preference is to be buried. if so will there be a anything such as a stone?

  3. karen A.

    HOW DO I KNOW I AM GETTING MY FULL BENEFITS ?
    I DO NOT THINK MY SOCIAL SECURITY CHECK IS CORRECT .
    I THINK I SHOULD BE GETTING A LARGER BENEFIT .

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Karen. 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.

  4. ralph

    most of these options offer in this page have limitations, I don’t know why it says I can apply for a replacement social security card online, but after getting in mysocialsecurity account I was prompted by a message stating I have to visit the social security office, so in my case the statements and info in this ssa pages is not correct

  5. C.C.

    I recently applied for SS benefits online and received this email requesting that I call the telephone number listed. Is this request Legitimate!!!

    Dear xxxxx

    Please call our office before Wednesday, April 3, 2019 and ask for Any Representative. The telephone number is 866-226-2306. We need to talk to you about:

    Reviewing your earnings record

    The month you can begin receiving benefits.

    Your claim for Social Security benefits.

    When you call our office, please have this letter with you. It will help us to serve you more quickly.

    • Ann C.

      Hi, C.C. To check to see if the call was valid, 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.

  6. Lena D.

    I applied for social security benefits more than three months ago. Since then the status has been set at “in process” and I have heard nothing for SS Administration. Is something happening? Should I re-apply?

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Lena, thank you for your question. For your security, we do not have access to your information in this venue and cannot look up your application status. However, you should not re-apply until you speak to a Social Security representative. You will need to contact your local Social Security office or call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available to help you Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

  7. kenry v.

    i am trying to start my retirement, but it keeps on asking for disability. i am not disabled. Thanks

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Kenry, thank you for using our blog. At the beginning of the online application, there is a screen titled “Information About Applicant”. If you go back to that screen, check to see if you answered the last question yes, indicating that you have been unable to work in the last 14 months due to a disability. If you’re not disabled, change that to a no and it will just be a retirement application. If you continue to have difficulties, please call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to speak to a representative.

  8. Beverly L.

    The information that was given after my husband death, did that open up for me with my retirement at the age of 67. Was I old enough to receive anything at the time.I received the $255. but any of his Social Security monthly. have a lot of questions. I hope you can answer. Thanks

  9. Beverly L.

    When my husband passed away 01-6-2007, the information I gave and sent was that giving me lead way for my paper work. My retirement age is 67, so will I have to do more paper work , come in office with a appointment.

  10. Rosy A.

    I was told I could retire at age 55 and no one would be denied this as long as you have long term residence and applied at the residence you currently live.

    I did enter into enrollment at 6 years old, why don’t you have a page for us?

Comments are closed.