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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Edward K.
Can I apply for SS retirement on line if I need my DD-214 to receive credit for my active military service?
A.C.
Hi, Edward. To see if you are eligible to file online, visit our Retirement Benefits page. If proof of your military service is needed, we will let you know. Thanks!
Freda J.
I was expecting to receive my SSI this month and have not seen any activity. Please check to see why this has not happened.
A.C.
Hi, Freda. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. If you do not receive your electronic payment on the scheduled pay date, please contact your bank or financial institution first. They may be experiencing a delay in posting your payment. If you still need to report a late, missing, or stolen Social Security payment, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions for further instructions. We hope this helps.
Erlina B.
Please remove my online account cause I’m having problem logging into my account. Please send me my yearly Social Security Statement for me to review. Erlina B. Ballesteros , Hi. 96761 tel #808-385-4222 Thank you!
A.C.
Hi, Erlina. We are sorry to hear you have had difficulty with your personal my Social Security account. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. If you are still unable to access an account or encounter a problem with your personal my Social Security account, you may:
•Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
•Contact your local Social Security office. Your local office can also assist with your statement. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. We hope this helps.
Denise E.
Can you apply for Social security benefits any time between your 62nd birthday and on? Or do you need to apply on your 62nd birthday year only? And not be able to apply when you turn 63.
SUE H.
What is the toll free phone # for medicare to ask about Part D insurance forms?
Susan H.
How do you apply for Part D medicare. I have been searching and can’t find the form. I found Part B form.
Email: russellhitz@centurylink.net
Sandy S.
I need forms to fill out for Medicaid. I have the free part, I think it is part A. Do not have B. I called and was told the forms would be emailed. They have not been.
V.V.
Thanks for your question, Sandy. If you are covered under a group health plan based on current employment, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) that will let you sign up for Medicare Part B. You have an 8-month SEP to sign up for Part A and/or Part B that starts at one of these times (whichever happens first):
• The month after the employment ends
• The month after group health plan insurance based on current employment ends.
Usually, you don’t pay a late enrollment penalty if you sign up during a SEP. To learn more about the Medicare enrollment periods visit http://www.Medicare.gov. Please call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 if you need further assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Lynne S.
I am currently receiving spousal social security benefits. Would like to consider switching over to receiving my benefits through social security. How do I start that process, and how much will my monthly benefit be once I begin receiving benefits from my account?
Dave S.
My wife already is drawing her social security benefit, when I start drawing my social security will my wife automatically be eligible for her spousal benefit from my social security, 1/2 of my social security is more than her social security benefit.
A.C.
Hi, Dave. Thank you for your question. For your wife to qualify for spouse’s benefits, you must be receiving retirement or disability benefits. Also, if she qualifies for Social Security benefits on your own record, we pay that amount first. But if she also qualifies for a higher amount as a spouse, she’ll get a combination of benefits that equals that higher amount. Visit our Retirement Planner: Benefits For Your Spouse for more information. For any additional specific questions, your wife can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. Generally, she will have a shorter wait if she calls later in the day. She can also contact her local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Turnquist
As much as I am appreciative of this option, I am currently entertaining the idea of what a person to person in the departmental offices can help me divulge for myself.