Retirement

What You Should Know About Applying For Retirement

October 31, 2019 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: October 31, 2019

" "Approaching and preparing for retirement can be a daunting task, but we are here to make it as easy as possible. Social Security has eliminated the forms, signatures, wait time, and appointments. We made it easy, convenient and secure. You can complete our online retirement application in as little as 15 minutes from your preferred location, at a time most convenient for you.

Before you apply, you should think about things like how you’ll receive benefits, your health, and whether anyone else in your family can get benefits on your record. Let’s go over the basics together, just to make sure you’re on the right track for retirement, when the time comes.

The age you choose to retire affects the amount of benefits you receive and when you can start receiving them. If you start them any time before your full retirement age, we’ll reduce your monthly benefit. Depending on your year of birth, your full retirement age is likely between age 66 and 67. You may start receiving benefits as early as age 62 or as late as age 70.

If you elect to receive benefits before you reach full retirement age, and continue to work, it can affect your benefits. Social Security has an awesome tool called the Retirement Estimator that calculates a personal estimate of how much your benefit will be at different ages and “stop work” dates. You can use it to find the best combination for your situation.

You can read about other things to consider before you make your decision about when to begin your benefits. If you’re ready to apply, you can do it online. It’s easy, convenient, and secure!

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About the Author

Mike Korbey, Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Mike Korbey, Deputy Commissioner for Communications

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  2. Adam B.

    I am putting together life skills training classes free to the public. I am in need of someone that can cover the basics of Social security and Disability. Is there a person that can be recommended?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Adam. Social Security can provide a speaker to discuss our programs, benefits, and services. We provide speakers free of charge, and they are generally available during business hours only. If you would like to request a speaker on behalf of your group, please visit here to complete the request form. All requests require at least 30 days advance notice to allow for scheduling arrangements. Please note that we are not able to fulfill all requests. Thanks for your interest in a speaker!

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  4. Danilo S.

    I am 62 years old and I was presently getting paid SSI benefit till last month(Oct.) And my benefit stop.i was advised to file retirement plan.do I have any option here? Either wait till IAM at the age of 66 to retire and retain my SSI b3nefit?

    • L.A.

      Hi Danilo. For your security, we do not have access to your personal information in this forum. For specific questions about your account, please call our toll free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), from Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. You may also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.

  5. Jana M.

    I was told I could apply for my social security benefits the year I turn 66. I turn 66 September 25, 2020. Can I apply January 2020 and start receiving the benefits at that time. Do I have to wait until 9/25/20 to receive benefits?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Jana. Please bear in mind that the decision on when to apply for benefits is a personal one. We can only provide you with the information to help you make the best choice according to your own situation. Eligible individuals can start receiving retirement benefits as early as age 62, but if you decide to start receiving benefits after your full retirement age, it may result in larger benefits. You earn delayed retirement credits automatically when and if you delay getting your benefits up until age 70. The benefit increase no longer applies when you reach age 70, even if you continue to delay taking benefits. Also, keep in mind that if you work and are full retirement age or older, the amount you make at work will not affect your Social Security benefits, no matter how much you earn. To help you plan, you can use our online calculators. Also, you can create a personal my Social Security account to verify your earnings, and get a copy of your Social Security Statement. Our system is set up to take applications four months in advance, and when you’re ready, you can apply for your benefits online. If you need further assistance call our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask to speak with one of our representatives, who are available Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. We hope this information helps!

  6. Teresa G.

    i Would like to talk to someone about what and when is the best option for me to start social security benefits. Also what paperwork I need to bring with me to get it started my birthday is 12-31-1957

    • A.C.

      Hi, Teresa. 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.

  7. Guy W.

    How about when you live in a another country? I live in Germany. i so far haven’t read how one can do that from here.

  8. Richard W.

    I started filling out retirement forms some months past but never finished or sent anything in to SS. Can I use the new online procedure to file?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Richard. Thanks for your question. 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.

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