If you're thinking about retiring soon, applying for Social Security benefits is probably already on your mind. It may seem like a daunting task, but finding something to occupy your time when you're not working is probably harder. You can sort that out sometime in the future, but preparing to apply for Social Security should come first, and we'll show you how to do it.
Keep in mind that just because you're retiring doesn't mean you immediately have to apply for Social Security benefits. You can start receiving benefits as early as the age of 62, but you can wait longer to get a larger payout per month if you want.
For more, here's the Social Security payment schedule and here are four ways you can lose your Social Security benefits.
What information do I need to apply for Social Security benefits?
Before you start your application, it'd be best to have everything you need ready and available to you. Here's what you'll need to have handy when you apply for Social Security benefits.
Personal information:
- Your Social Security number
- Your location of birth (city, state, country)
Earnings history:
- Verification of your record of earnings
Employment information:
- Places of employment for the past two years
- Start and end dates of employment
Current or former spouse information:
- Your spouse's or former spouse's Social Security number and birthday
- Date of marriage or divorce
- Where you were married (city, state, country)
Banking information:
Routing and account number for your bank account
Information on eligible children:
Your children may also qualify for benefits if:
- They're under the age of 18
- Are 18 or 19 and still attending high school
- Have become disabled before the age of 22
If you haven't already, now's the time to create your Social Security account online. It'll allow you to not only apply for benefits but also manage and estimate your monthly check. Once you've done that, you can head to www.ssa.gov/apply to begin the application process.
When applying, you'll be asked to choose what type of benefits you are applying for. Your choices include:
- Retirement
- Family
- Disability
- Survivor
Here you can also apply for Supplemental Security Insurance if you have a disability or are over the age of 65. If for any reason you're unsure of what selection to make, you can check your eligibility on the SSA website.
Once you have made your selection, click Learn how to apply. From there, you can click the Start an application button to begin the application process. If you haven't already, you'll be asked to log into your My Social Security account and confirm your email address. Follow the instructions for the application and submit.
Other ways to apply for Social Security benefits
If you'd rather not apply for Social Security benefits online, you can call 1- 800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment. Tell the agent that you want to schedule an appointment to apply for benefits. They will schedule the appointment for you and will also be able to tell you whether it will be done over the phone or in person.
How long does the Social Security benefits application process take?
After you've successfully completed your application, you'll need to wait to receive a letter in the mail telling you whether you were approved or if more information is needed. Typically the letter will come about 30 days after you apply for benefits.
You can always check the current status of your application by heading to the SSA website.
For more, check out our Social Security and SSDI cheat sheet and what the 2025 COLA increase could be.