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
Comments
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Elton C.
I need help with connecting to my online account.
Thanks, Elton Collins
572827147
ilona s.
I locked myself out of my account. The new system w a text was not in place for my account. Advise me please.
Ramona D.
My late husband was a vet and he passed away at 61. I was told that when I turn 60 I can draw some of his social security until my full retirement age, 66.5. This will not interfere with my benefits.
I did marry once after my husbands death and it was for nine months, will that void my chance of receiving some of my late husbands social security when we were married 21 years?
William P.
I received a letter from you on possible pension money coming to me by Con Agra flour mill in Buffalo, New York months ago. I worked there about 1970s-1990s. Over 10 work years with them. I have lost the letter you have sent me on this and if possible could you send me another letter about money coming to me Or could you send a letter to them on my behalf. I would appreciate your attention and help in this matter.. Respectfully,
Dolores P.
I am 59 years old and i have been unemployed since
2013. Do I qualify for retirement benefits
A.C.
Hi, Dolores. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. Generally, you will need to have 40 credits, or 10 years of work paying Social Security taxes, to qualify for any type of Social Security benefit. In addition, to qualify for disability benefits, you generally need to have worked for five out of the last 10 years before you became disabled. For a complete explanation of credits needed for the different types of benefits, visit our Benefits Planner: Social Security Credits. Additionally, age 62 is the earliest you can get retirement benefits. However, if someone never worked, he/she is not insured and does not qualify for those benefits. Individuals may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The SSI program pays benefits to disabled adults who have limited income and resources. You can find more information on the SSI program and how to apply here. Also, some people may be eligible to receive social services from the state in which they information about services in your area from your state or local live. These services include Medicaid, free meals, housekeeping help, transportation or help with other problems. You can get social services or welfare office. We hope this helps!
John L.
I have an account membership, but I would like to see my profile including my spouse/beneficiary after death.
V.V.
Hi John, thank you for your question. Your spouse’s survivor amount would be based on your earnings. The more you paid into Social Security, the higher their survivor benefit will be. If you are already receiving benefits when you die, survivors benefits are based on that amount. The percentage of that amount that your spouse would receive depends on how old they are when they file. We are only going to pay the highest benefit amount from either record, meaning you don’t get both retirement and widow(er)s benefits but the higher of the two.
Widow(er)s benefits are payable as early as age 60 (for a reduced benefit) or a full widowers benefit at full retirement age or older.
Use our Survivors Planner to look at how your family members are protected if you die.
C.C.
It’s this a legitimate email from S.S.A.?
Please call our office before Thursday, April 11, 2019 and ask for Any Representative. The telephone number is 866-226-2306. We need to talk to you about:
The month you can begin receiving benefits.
Your Medicare entitlement.
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.
Social Security Administration
Michele M.
Hello,
I have been trying for over a year to receive my social security benefits. I cannot seem to make any progress with your office. I spend much time in Israel, so they directed me to the Jerusalem office, but I notice they do not have my correct mailing address. Can someone please contact me either by email or phone?
email: dvorah.tri@mac.com
phone: 0542692859
Thank You,
Michele Berkowitz (I go by the name “Dvorah” in Israel.)
L.A.
Hi, Michele. We are sorry to hear about your experience. For your security, we do not have access to your private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community to continue to work with our offices with specific questions. Since you live outside of the United States, you can contact your local Federal Benefits Unit for assistance. Also our Office of Earnings & International Operations web page provides more information to assist our customers living abroad. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. We hope this is resolved soon.
Keith L.
Need to have more taxes taken out my Social security check
Keith L.
Need to have more taxes taken out of my social security check, how do I go about doing that