When Do I Claim My Social Security Benefits?
Figuring out when to claim social security benefits is part of care work!
When Do I Claim My Social Security Benefits?
Starting your Social Security retirement benefits is a major step on your retirement journey. This page will guide you through the process of applying for retirement benefits when you’re ready to take that step. The online application is a convenient way to apply on your own schedule, without an appointment. You can also apply by phone or by appointment at a Social Security office.
Before You Apply
Before you apply, take time to review the basics, understand the process, and gather the documents you’ll need to complete an application.
1. Review Retirement Benefits Basics
You can start your retirement benefits as early as age 62 or as late as age 70. If you’re preparing to apply for retirement benefits, knowing when you’re eligible to apply and how the system works are the first steps in choosing what age is right for you. Before you submit an application, go to our Learn About Retirement Benefits page to understand:
· How you qualify for Social Security benefits.
· How your earnings and age can affect your benefits.
· What you should consider in deciding when to start receiving benefits.
· Retirement benefits for spouses and family members.
2. Understand The Application Process
The retirement benefits application process follows these general steps, whether you apply online, by phone, or in-person:
· Gather the information and documents you need to apply.
· Complete and submit your application.
· We review your application and contact you if we need more information.
· We mail you a decision letter.
· You start receiving your retirement benefits.
How Early Can I Apply?
Apply four months before you want your Social Security retirement benefits to start. If you want your benefits to start at age 62, you can apply at age 61 and 9 months.
Ready To Start Medicare?
If you’ll turn 65 within three months, you can use an online application to apply for Medicare and Social Security retirement benefits at the same time, or you can use it to apply for just Medicare.
Applying As A Spouse Or Family Member
You may be able to receive retirement benefits on your spouse or former spouse’s record. Likewise, your spouse or family member may be able to receive benefits on your record if they qualify.
Retirement Benefits For Survivors
If you are the spouse, divorced spouse, family member, or parent of a worker who has died and you are planning to apply for retirement benefits, review the Survivors Benefits page to see how Social Security survivor benefits relate to your situation.
Gather Information You Need to Apply
Before applying, be ready to provide your Social Security number and information about:
- Dates of current and previous marriages, and where you were married.
- U.S. military service dates and branches.
- Employer names and dates for the past two years.
- Self-employment income and type of business.
- Bank information to set up your direct deposit.
- Information on family members who may be eligible to receive benefits on your record.
- Your original birth certificate or other proof of your age. This must be the original document or a certified copy from the issuing agency.
- Proof of U.S. citizenship if you were not born in the U.S. and have not submitted proof for an earlier Medicare or Social Security claim. We must see the original document(s) or copies certified by the agency that issued them. We cannot accept expired, notarized, or photocopied documents.
- A copy of your W-2 tax form(s) and/or self-employment tax return from last year. A photocopy is acceptable.
- A copy of your U.S. military service papers if you served before 1968. A photocopy is acceptable.
Withdraw Your Application
Sometimes, life changes occur after you submit your application. You have up to 12 months to withdraw your application if you change your mind. You will be required to repay any benefits you’ve already received.
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