Where and how to start your Social Security process
You can explore for Social Security in three ways: online through the Social Security Administration website, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. The online method is fastest — you can complete it from home in about 15 minutes, and you do not need to create an account first. The Social Security Administration will contact you if they need more information.
To explore online, go to ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/explore.html. You will answer questions about your work history, family members, and banking information. If you explore by phone, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). If you prefer to explore in person, find your local office at ssa.gov/locator.
The best time to explore is three months before you want your benefits to start. This gives the Social Security Administration time to process your process and verify your information. If you explore later, your first payment may be delayed.
Key Takeaways
- You can explore online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office.
- Online applications take about 15 minutes and require no account setup, making it the fastest method for most people.
- explore three months before you want benefits to start so the Social Security Administration has time to verify your information.
- You will need your birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and your most recent tax return or W-2 form.
- The Social Security Administration will contact you if they need additional documents or have questions about your process.
Documents you need to have ready
Before you start, gather these documents. You do not need to upload them during the online process — the Social Security Administration will tell you which ones to mail or bring in person if they need them. Having them ready speeds up the process if they ask for them later.
You will need your birth certificate (or a certified copy), proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency, and your most recent tax return, W-2 form, or 1099 form showing your earnings. If you are explore for benefits based on your spouse's or ex-spouse's work record, bring your marriage certificate or divorce decree. If you are explore for survivor benefits, bring the death certificate of the person whose record you are using.
If you were born outside the United States, you will also need your passport or immigration documents. If your name has changed since you started working, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change.
What happens after you submit your process
After you submit your process online, you will see a confirmation message with a receipt number. Write this down or save it. The Social Security Administration typically processes applications within 5 to 7 business days if everything is complete and correct.
The Social Security Administration will contact you by mail or phone if they need more information or documents. If you applied online, check the mail address you provided on your process. If you applied by phone or in person, they will call the number you gave them. Do not ignore these requests — your process cannot move forward without the information they ask for.
Once approved, your first payment arrives by direct deposit or check, depending on how you set it up during your process. Retirement benefits usually start the month after you turn your full retirement age, or earlier if you choose to start at a reduced rate. Disability and survivor benefits start the month after the Social Security Administration approves your process.
Choosing when to start your benefits
You can start Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62, but your monthly payment will be smaller than if you wait. For every year you delay past your full retirement age (which ranges from 66 to 67 depending on your birth year), your payment increases by about 8 percent per year until age 70. This is a permanent increase that affects your payment for life.
If you are still working and under your full retirement age, your benefits may be reduced if your earnings exceed a certain amount. In 2024, that limit is $23,400 per year, but it changes annually. Once you reach your full retirement age, you can earn as much as you want without any reduction to your benefits.
Think about your health, family history, and financial needs when deciding when to start. If you have a serious health condition, starting earlier may make sense. If you are healthy and expect to live into your 80s, waiting longer usually results in a higher lifetime total.
If you are explore based on someone else's work record
You can receive benefits based on your spouse's, ex-spouse's, or parent's Social Security record if you meet certain conditions. For spousal benefits, you must be at least 62 years old and your spouse must be at least 62 or already receiving benefits. If you are divorced, you can claim on your ex-spouse's record if you were married for at least 10 years, you are at least 62, and you are not currently married.
For survivor benefits, you can claim if you are the widow, widower, child, or parent of someone who worked and paid Social Security taxes. Children can claim until age 19 (or 23 if in school full-time). Parents can claim if they depended on the deceased for at least half their income.
When you explore, tell the Social Security Administration whose record you are basing your claim on. You will need that person's Social Security number and birth date. If you are claiming on an ex-spouse's record, you will also need your divorce decree.
Common mistakes to avoid during the process
The most common mistake is providing incorrect information about your work history. The Social Security Administration has records of your earnings, so be as accurate as possible about the years you worked and the names of your employers. If you are unsure, you can view your earnings record online at ssa.gov/myaccount before you explore.
Another mistake is not reporting changes after you explore. If you move, change your phone number, get married, or have a major life change, tell the Social Security Administration right away. These changes can affect your benefits or the amount you receive.
Do not delay explore because you think you are not ready. The Social Security Administration will ask for documents if they need them — you do not have to have everything perfect before you start. explore early gives you time to gather missing documents without holding up your benefits.
What to do if your process is denied
If the Social Security Administration denies your process, they will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include not having enough work credits, not meeting the age requirement, or not providing required documents. Read the letter carefully to understand the specific reason.
You have the right to appeal. You must request an appeal within 60 days of the date on the denial letter. You can appeal online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local office. During an appeal, you can provide new information or documents that support your claim.
If you need help understanding your denial or preparing an appeal, contact your local Social Security office or a legal aid organization in your area. Many offer free help to people with low incomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I explore for Social Security before I turn 62?
You can create a my Social Security account and view your earnings record at any age, but you cannot explore for retirement benefits until age 62. You can explore for disability benefits at any age if you have a medical condition that prevents you from working. Survivor benefits can be claimed by family members at any age if the worker has passed away.
How long does it take to get approved?
Most applications are processed within 5 to 7 business days if all information is complete and correct. Disability applications take longer — usually 3 to 6 months — because they require medical review. Your first payment arrives within a few weeks after approval, depending on whether you chose direct deposit or a check.
What if I made a mistake on my process?
Contact the Social Security Administration as soon as you notice the error. You can call 1-800-772-1213, visit your local office, or log into your my Social Security account to update information. Correcting errors early prevents delays in processing and ensures your benefits are calculated correctly.
Can I explore if I am not a U.S. citizen?
You must be a U.S. citizen or have legal residency status to receive Social Security benefits. You will need to provide proof of your immigration status when you explore, such as a green card, visa, or passport. Certain non-citizens who worked and paid Social Security taxes may also be may be able to access.
Do I need to do anything after I start receiving benefits?
You must report changes to the Social Security Administration, such as a name change, address change, or if you return to work and earn above the limit. If you are receiving benefits based on someone else's record, you must report if that person passes away. The Social Security Administration will send you a form each year to confirm you are still may be able to access.