Everything you need to know to apply for Social Security

If you’re approaching retirement, it’s important to understand when to apply for Social Security. The timing of your application can greatly affect the benefits you receive.

You can apply up to four months before you want to start receiving payments, but choosing the right age to apply is key. If you apply early, your benefits will be reduced, but delaying until after your full retirement age can increase your monthly payments.

By carefully considering your options, you can ensure you make the most of your benefits. Understanding when to apply for Social Security helps you plan effectively for retirement.

When to apply for Social Security

The timing of when you apply for Social Security can greatly affect the amount of your benefits. You can start receiving benefits at age 62, but waiting until you reach your full retirement age (which is typically 67 for most people) will allow you to claim the full benefit. If you decide to wait even longer, up until age 70, your monthly benefit will increase.

It’s important to understand the impact of early retirement on your Social Security benefit. While you can begin receiving benefits at 62, this choice comes with a reduction.

This means you’ll receive less than if you waited until full retirement age. Social Security continues to increase your benefit for each year you delay, providing an incentive for those who can afford to wait until their 70th birthday to apply for Social Security.

Social Security payments are typically delayed by one month. For example, benefits for the month of September will arrive in October.

Additionally, the specific day you receive your payment depends on your birthdate, with individuals born between the 1st and 10th receiving benefits on the second Wednesday of the month, those born between the 11th and 20th on the third Wednesday, and those born between the 21st and 31st on the fourth Wednesday.

How to apply for Social Security

To apply for Social Security, visit the Social Security Administration’s website at ssa.gov. The website offers separate applications for different benefits, such as retirement, spousal, disability, and Medicare.

This online process is straightforward and allows you to apply from the comfort of your own home.

If you prefer, you can call the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213 or schedule an in-person appointment at your local office.

 If you choose the latter, scheduling your appointment in advance can reduce the time spent waiting at the office. Social Security offices are busiest on Mondays, after federal holidays, and during the first week of each month.

What you’ll need to apply for social security

Before you apply for Social Security, you will need to gather a variety of documents. These documents help the Social Security Administration verify your eligibility and process your application smoothly.

Personal Information: You’ll need to provide your date and place of birth, Social Security number, and details about your citizenship status. Be sure to have proof of birth, such as your birth certificate, and documentation confirming your eligibility to work in the United States, such as your U.S. passport or other authorized documents.

Spousal and Family Information: If applicable, you’ll also need information about your current or former spouse. This includes their name, Social Security number, date of birth, and the dates and places of your marriage and any divorces or deaths. Additionally, if you have unmarried children under the age of 18, or up to 19 if they’re still in high school, or children with disabilities before the age of 22, you’ll need their details as well.

Previous Applications: If you or anyone else previously filed for Social Security benefits, you must provide relevant details about that application. This includes any claims for Medicare or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Banking Details: You will also need to provide routing and account information for the bank or financial institution where you want your benefits deposited.

Medicare Enrollment: If you are nearing 65, you will need to indicate whether you wish to enroll in Medicare Part B. This part of Medicare provides medical insurance coverage, and your decision will affect when your retirement benefits begin.

What you’ll need for your work history

To complete your Social Security retirement benefits application, you’ll need to provide a history of your work and earnings.

This includes your employer’s name and address for the past year, as well as a record of your earnings from previous years. You may be required to submit W-2 forms or self-employment tax returns to verify your income.

If you’re unsure of your earnings history, you can find a record of your earnings by creating an account with the Social Security Administration. You can also access your Social Security statement online, which details your earnings and projected benefits.

In certain cases, special work history details are needed. This includes information about any U.S. military service prior to 1968 or work in the railroad industry.

You will also need to disclose if you have earned Social Security credits under another country’s social security system or if you expect to receive a pension or annuity from a federal government job.

Special circumstances

If you’ve faced health challenges that have affected your ability to work, you’ll need to provide additional information. For instance, you may need to specify if you’ve been unable to work due to illness, injury, or a disability within 14 months of your application.

If you meet these conditions, be prepared to provide the dates when your inability to work began.

Some individuals may have received benefits on behalf of someone else, so it’s important to report any past applications for Social Security, Medicare, or SSI that were filed for you or your family.

When you apply for Social Security, the timing and the accuracy of the information you provide can affect the amount of your benefits. You should be aware of the various eligibility requirements and the information you’ll need for your application. Planning ahead and gathering the necessary documents can help streamline the process and prevent delays.