When and how to start your Social Security claim
You can file for Social Security retirement benefits starting at age 62, though your monthly payment will be smaller than if you wait. The Social Security Administration (SSA) processes claims through their website, by phone, or in person at a local office. Most people file between ages 62 and 70, and the age you choose affects how much you receive each month for the rest of your life.
You do not have to be retired to file — you can still work and collect benefits, though earnings above a certain amount will reduce your payment in the years before you reach full retirement age. The SSA has a retirement estimator on their website that shows what you might receive at different ages based on your actual earnings record.
The process itself takes about two weeks if you file online, longer if you file by phone or in person. You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and bank account information for direct deposit. If you are married, your spouse may be able to file on your record, which affects the timing and amounts involved.
Key Takeaways
- You can file for retirement benefits as early as age 62, but your monthly payment increases if you wait until age 70.
- The SSA accepts applications online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office.
- You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship, and bank details to complete your process.
- Filing online typically takes about two weeks; phone and in-person applications may take longer.
- Your spouse may be able to receive benefits on your record even if they did not work, which requires a separate filing step.
Filing online through ssa.gov
The fastest way to file is through the SSA's website at ssa.gov. You create a my Social Security account, which requires your Social Security number, email address, and a password. The account lets you check your earnings record before you file, so you can spot any errors that might lower your benefit amount.
Once you are logged in, you navigate to "Retirement" and select "explore for Retirement Benefits." The form asks for your personal information, work history, and banking details for direct deposit. You can save your progress and return later if you do not finish in one sitting.
After you submit, the SSA sends you a confirmation number and tells you what happens next. Most online applications are processed within two weeks, and you will receive a notice in the mail with your approval decision and first payment date. If the SSA needs more information, they will contact you by mail or phone.
explore by phone or in person
If you prefer not to file online, you can call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. A representative will walk you through the process over the phone and can answer questions about how your age or work history affects your benefit. The call usually takes 15 to 20 minutes, though wait times vary depending on call volume.
You can also visit your local Social Security office in person. Find the nearest office on ssa.gov by entering your zip code. Walk-in hours vary by location, and some offices require you to make an appointment first. Bring your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship, and bank account information with you.
Phone and in-person applications take longer to process than online filings — typically three to four weeks — because the SSA has to enter your information into their system. You will still receive a confirmation number and a notice in the mail with your decision.
Documents you need before you file
| Document | Why you need it | What counts |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security number | To identify your earnings record | Your Social Security card or any official document with your number |
| Birth certificate | To verify your age and identity | Original or certified copy; a photocopy is not accepted |
| Proof of citizenship or legal residency | To confirm you are may be able to access for benefits | U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, green card, or visa |
| Bank account information | For direct deposit of your monthly payment | Routing number and account number from a checking or savings account |
| Marriage certificate (if applicable) | To establish your spouse's right to benefits on your record | Original or certified copy if your spouse will file |
Gather these documents before you start your process, whether you file online, by phone, or in person. If you do not have a certified birth certificate, you can order one from your state's vital records office — the SSA's website has links to each state's office. Processing a birth certificate order can take two to four weeks, so start early if you need one.
If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or naturalization certificate. If you are a permanent resident, bring your green card. The SSA will not process your process without proof of citizenship or legal residency.
How your age affects your monthly payment
The age you file determines your benefit amount for life. If you file at 62, your monthly payment is roughly 30 percent lower than if you wait until your full retirement age — which ranges from 66 to 67 depending on your birth year. If you wait until 70, your payment is roughly 24 percent higher than at full retirement age.
The SSA's retirement estimator shows you the actual dollar difference for your situation. You enter your birth date and current earnings, and it displays what you might receive at ages 62, full retirement age, and 70. This tool uses your real earnings record, so the estimates are specific to you, not a general average.
If you are still working when you file, the SSA reduces your benefit by one dollar for every two dollars you earn above a yearly limit — this limit changes each year. Once you reach full retirement age, there is no earnings limit, and you receive your full benefit no matter how much you work.
What happens after you file
After you submit your process, the SSA reviews your earnings record to calculate your benefit amount. They check that you have worked long enough to be may have access to to benefits — generally 40 work credits over your lifetime, which is roughly 10 years of work. If you do not have enough credits, the SSA will tell you in writing and explain your other options.
If your process is approved, you receive a notice in the mail with your benefit amount and your first payment date. Your first payment arrives by direct deposit on the third or fourth Wednesday of the month after you file, depending on your birth date. The SSA sends you a benefit statement each year in December showing your payment amount and any changes.
If the SSA needs more information, they contact you by mail or phone. Do not ignore these requests — if you do not respond within 30 days, the SSA may deny your process. If that happens, you can file an appeal, which starts a separate process that takes several months.
Filing for your spouse or as a survivor
If you are married, your spouse may be able to receive benefits on your record even if they did not work enough to earn their own benefit. Your spouse must be at least 62 years old, or any age if they are caring for your child under 16. Your spouse files a separate process, either online or by phone, and the SSA calculates their benefit based on your earnings record.
If you have children under 19 (or 19 if still in high school), they may also receive benefits on your record. Each family member receives their own benefit, though there is a family maximum — the total amount paid to all family members cannot exceed a certain percentage of your benefit. The SSA explains the family maximum in your approval notice.
If you pass away, your family members may be able to receive survivor benefits. Your spouse, children under 19, and dependent parents can all file for survivor benefits based on your earnings record. Survivor benefits are handled through a separate process process, and family members should contact the SSA as soon as possible after a death.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my mind after I file?
Yes, but only within a limited window. If you filed within the last 12 months, you can withdraw your process and file again later at a higher age. You must repay any benefits you already received. After 12 months, you cannot withdraw, but you can suspend your benefits at full retirement age or later, which increases your payment rate until you restart them.
What if there is an error on my earnings record?
Check your earnings record through your my Social Security account before you file. If you spot an error, contact the SSA by phone or in person with your W-2s or tax returns as proof. Correcting an error can take several weeks, so report it as soon as you notice it. Errors that lower your benefit can mean hundreds of dollars less per month.
Do I have to file at my full retirement age?
No. You can file anytime between 62 and 70. Filing earlier means a smaller monthly payment but you collect benefits for more years. Filing later means a larger monthly payment but you collect for fewer years. The SSA's retirement estimator helps you see the trade-off for your specific situation.
What if I am still working when I file?
You can file and keep working. Before you reach full retirement age, the SSA reduces your benefit by one dollar for every two dollars you earn above a yearly limit. Once you reach full retirement age, there is no limit, and you receive your full benefit regardless of earnings. The SSA recalculates your benefit each year based on your actual earnings.
How long does it take to receive my first payment?
Your first payment arrives by direct deposit on the third or fourth Wednesday of the month after you file, depending on your birth date. Online applications are processed in about two weeks, while phone and in-person applications take three to four weeks. You receive a notice in the mail before your first payment showing your benefit amount and payment date.