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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Barbara
I’m still waiting for the letter with my appointment nothing and it’s been 3 weeks
Brian E.
How soon before I retire should I request benefits? I am going to retire on May 23,2019
Vonda V.
Hello Brian. Our system is set up to take applications four months in advance, and you can apply for your benefits online. Keep in mind that benefits are paid the month after they are due. So, for instance, if you want your benefits to begin with the month of June, you will receive your first benefit payment in July. Please visit our Social Security Retirement Planner for more information.
Thanks!
Tara I.
The system is saying you cannot verify my information even though it is all correct. What is the problem?
Vonda V.
Thank you for your question, Tara. Sorry to hear you are having difficulties creating your my Social Security account.
For assistance with your account, you may:
•Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
•Contact your local Social Security office.
Walter B.
How do you re-enter your application
There is NO place that asks for re-enter code!!!!!!!!!!!
Vonda V.
Hi Walter, thanks for using our blog. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on how to return to an online application.
William J.
I can’t get any information online to open for retirement social security please help
Vonda V.
Hi William. If you’re asking about when one is eligible for Social Security retirement benefits, you may start receiving benefits as early as age 62 or as late as age 70. Monthly benefits are reduced if you start them any time before your “full retirement age”. Your full retirement age depends on your date of birth. It may be between age 66 and 67. This could affect the amount of your benefits and when you want the benefits to start.
The Benefits Planner: Retirement provides detailed information about Social Security retirement benefits.
Nancy
I wish the on-line links on the site actually worked. I applied online on March 3, have not received any information since except the indicator on the site saying my application has been received and is in the “initial” stage of processing… six weeks later. When I try to access the link that is supposed to connect me with more information I get an error message saying I am forbidden access. I am retiring in June and really need to know where my application stands.
Vonda V.
Thank you for contacting us, Nancy. Unfortunately, and because of security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot assist you.
To inquire about your application and your error messages, contact your local office or call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
ELLA B.
if you are already get social security and you want to get some of your husband ss is it to late to get some I been getting it seen 2014
Vonda V.
Hi Ella, thank you for your question. When your husband files for Social Security, we will automatically look into additional spouse’s benefits for you. Remember, in order to qualify for additional spouse’s benefits, your own full retirement amount (not the reduced amount if you filed early), must be less than half of your husband’s full retirement amount.
Teresa s.
Can I file for early retirement on line ? I applied for disability benefits on line I was told if I did one application on line I cannot do another. Is this true ? I have tried. I logged into my account but can’t get past first page? I would appreciate any information.
Thank you
Paula B.
I am planning to retire at the end of June. I turn 66 on July 15 and want to start getting my ss benefits after that. When will my first benefit come?
Keshav R.
I would like you to hold 15%, of my benefits for tax purposes starting this month if possible. Appreciate your help in this matter as soon as possible.
Thanks