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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Don F.
I was told my wife should receive 1/2 of my full retirement benefit even though I choose not to collect my Benifits yet (I’m 64)
She is 69 and started collecting her minimal benefit …..can she adjust her benefits ?
Sally A.
My birthday is 7/26/57. Can I apply now or wait until the 26th?
Ann C.
Hi, Sally. Thanks for the question. If you are referring to an application for retirement benefits, our system is set up to take applications four months in advance. You can apply for Social Security retirement benefits when you are at least 61 years and 8 months of age. When you are ready you can complete the online application for Social Security retirement benefits in as little as 15 minutes. To get started, go here. We hope this helps.
Robert c.
I cannot find my password.
Ann C.
Hi, Robert. For instructions on how to reset your password, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.
Kristin V.
DOB: 01/22/1953. I am retired. My husband is a full-time professor at Portland State University. I have full health coverage through him. I get a monthly Social Security benefit for disability. I have Part A Medicare. When do I need to apply for Medicare Part B?
Ann C.
Hi, Kristin. Thanks for your question. Generally, if you or your spouse are still working and are covered under a group health plan based on that employment, you don’t need to file for Medicare part B until you or your husband stops working or drops health care coverage. However, you should speak to your personnel office, health benefits advisor, or health plan to see what’s best for you. To read more about whether you need Medicare Part B, click here. We hope this helps.
Sandra
I feel like I have been put on a back burner! I withdrew from social security months ago, sent back the funds as required and have been in limbo since! My check still has not been cashed, and I have not received a corrected 1099. I have made 3 trips to the local office. They have tried to find out what is going on, to no avail. Why would this take so long?
Ann C.
Hi, Sandra. We are sorry to hear about your experience. 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 continue 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. You can also contact or visit your local Social Security office for assistance. You can ask to speak to a manager on your next visit or call. We hope this is resolved soon.
Ho K.
I’d like to make an appointment for Social Security Benefit. I am going to be 70 years old soon.
I’d like to go to the following office.
3230 E. Imperial Hwy Suite 150 1st floor
Brea, Ca. 92821.
Date: Apr. 24 (Wednesday), 2019.
In the morning is preferred if possible.
What do I need to bring when I visit the office?
Thank you for your help.
Dean B.
Do I need to visit an office to receive ss spousal benefits? I want to wait till I’m 70 for my own ss but I will be eligible (FRA) to collect spousal benefits come fall.
Paul L.
Can spouses benefit based on one have of husband benefits be applied for on line
Ann C.
Hi, Paul. A spouse can apply online. For more information, visit our Benefits Planner: Benefits for Your Spouse web page. We hope this helps.
Maressia F.
Where do you apply at 65 for insurance part A and B ( not at age 67 to apply for social security benefits)?
Ann C.
Hi, Maressia. If you are already getting Social Security retirement benefits, you will be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B automatically. However, because you must pay a premium for Part B coverage, you have the option of turning it down. If you are not already getting retirement benefits, you should contact us about three months before your 65th birthday to sign up for Medicare. You can sign up for Medicare even if you do not plan to retire at age 65. For more information and to file online, visit our Medicare Benefits web page. We hope this helps.
AK
I have a question: I retired last October. I am currently 63 years old but am not currently receiving social security benefits. I was married to my ex-husband for more than 10 years. Do I qualify to collect social security under his social security?
Ann C.
Hi, AK. Thanks for your question. To be eligible for divorced spouse benefits, you had to be married to your former spouse for at least 10 years, and you cannot be eligible for a higher benefit on your own record. If you are insured on your own record, we will pay that benefit amount first. However, if you also qualify for a higher amount as a divorced spouse, you will get a combination of benefits that equals that higher amount. For more information, visit our Benefits Planner: If You Are Divorced web page. We hope this helps.
AK
Am I able to collect divorced spouse benefits now? I am not receiving social security benefits now. What do I need to do to start collecting on my divorced spouse benefit now?