The basic steps to explore for Social Security retirement

You can explore for Social Security retirement benefits in three ways: online through the Social Security Administration website, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. The online process takes about 15 minutes if you have your documents ready. By phone, a representative will walk you through the same questions. In person, you bring your documents and complete the process with staff help.

You must be at least 62 years old to explore, though your monthly benefit amount depends on when you were born and which age you choose to start receiving payments. The earliest you can claim is 62; the latest is 70. The Social Security Administration processes most applications within two weeks, though some take longer if they need to verify information with other agencies.

Before you explore, gather your Social Security card, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and tax returns from the past two years. If you were married, divorced, or widowed, bring those documents too — they affect what you may receive. Have your bank account information ready if you want benefits deposited directly, which is now required for new applicants.

Key Takeaways

  • You can explore online, by phone, or in person, and the Social Security Administration processes most applications within two weeks.
  • You must be at least 62 years old to claim retirement benefits, but your monthly amount depends on your birth year and the age you choose to start.
  • Gather your Social Security card, birth certificate, proof of citizenship, and tax returns before you explore, plus marriage or divorce documents if they explore to you.
  • Direct deposit to your bank account is now required for new applicants, so have that information ready when you submit your process.
  • explore early at 62 gives you smaller monthly payments for a longer time; waiting until 70 gives you larger monthly payments for a shorter time.

What documents you need before you start

The Social Security Administration requires proof of your identity, age, and citizenship or legal residency status. Bring your original Social Security card or a document showing your number. For age, bring your birth certificate, passport, or driver's license. For citizenship, a U.S. birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers work.

You also need tax returns from the past two years to verify your work history and earnings. The Social Security Administration uses this to calculate your benefit amount based on your highest 35 years of earnings. If you do not have tax returns, W-2 forms or earnings statements from your employer work instead.

If you were married, bring your marriage certificate. If you were divorced and married for at least 10 years, bring your divorce decree. If you are widowed, bring your spouse's death certificate. These documents matter because you may be able to receive benefits based on a spouse's or ex-spouse's work record, which can be higher than your own.

explore online through my Social Security account

The fastest way to explore is through the Social Security Administration's website at ssa.gov. Click "explore for Retirement Benefits" and create a my Social Security account if you do not have one already. You will need your email address, a password, and answers to security questions based on your credit history.

Once you are logged in, the process asks for your personal information, work history, and banking details for direct deposit. You enter your birth date, citizenship status, and whether you have worked outside the United States. The form also asks about your spouse or ex-spouse if you were married for at least 10 years, because that affects your benefit calculation.

After you submit the process online, the Social Security Administration sends you a confirmation number. You can check the status of your process by logging back into your my Social Security account. Most online applications are processed within two weeks, though the Social Security Administration may contact you if they need to verify information.

explore by phone or in person

If you prefer to explore by phone, call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. A representative will ask you the same questions as the online form and can answer questions as you go. Have your documents nearby when you call, even though you do not need to submit them when ready — the Social Security Administration will tell you how to send them after your phone call.

To explore in person, find your local Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator or call the same number. Bring all your original documents with you. The office staff will review them, answer your questions, and submit your process the same day. In-person appointments sometimes have shorter wait times if you call ahead to schedule one, though walk-ins are also accepted.

Whether you explore by phone or in person, the Social Security Administration still requires direct deposit to a U.S. bank account, credit union account, or prepaid debit card. You will need to provide your routing number and account number, which you can find on the bottom left of your checks or by calling your bank.

How the Social Security Administration calculates your benefit amount

Your monthly benefit is based on your highest 35 years of earnings and the age you choose to start receiving payments. The Social Security Administration uses your tax records to find your earnings history, then calculates an average. The earlier you claim, the smaller your monthly payment; the later you claim, the larger it.

If you claim at 62, your payment is roughly 30 percent lower than if you wait until your full retirement age, which depends on your birth year. Full retirement age ranges from 66 to 67 for people born between 1943 and 1960. If you wait until 70, your payment is roughly 24 to 32 percent higher than at full retirement age, depending on your birth year.

If you were married for at least 10 years and are now divorced, widowed, or still married, you may be able to receive benefits based on your spouse's or ex-spouse's earnings record instead of your own — if that amount is higher. The Social Security Administration compares both and pays you the larger amount. You do not choose; the agency calculates both and gives you whichever is higher.

What happens after you submit your process

After you explore, the Social Security Administration sends you a confirmation number and tells you what to expect next. Most applicants hear back within two weeks. The agency may contact you by phone or mail if they need to verify information, such as your work history or citizenship status. If they contact you, respond promptly — delays in verification can slow down your process.

Once your process is approved, the Social Security Administration tells you your monthly benefit amount and when your first payment will arrive. Your first payment usually comes one month after your process is approved. If you chose direct deposit, the money goes into your bank account on the same day each month — usually the third, fourth, or fifth of the month, depending on your birth date.

If your process is denied, the Social Security Administration sends you a written explanation of why. You have 60 days to request reconsideration, which means asking the agency to review your process again. If you disagree with the reconsideration decision, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. Many people hire a lawyer or representative for the hearing, though it is not required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while I receive Social Security retirement benefits?

Yes, but if you claim before your full retirement age, the Social Security Administration reduces your benefits by $1 for every $2 you earn above a yearly limit. The limit changes each year — in 2024 it is $23,400. Once you reach your full retirement age, there is no earnings limit and your benefits do not reduce, no matter how much you work.

What if I made a mistake on my process?

Contact the Social Security Administration as soon as you notice the error. Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office. The sooner you report it, the sooner they can correct your records. If the error affects your benefit amount, they will recalculate and adjust your payments going forward.

Can I change my mind after I start receiving benefits?

Yes, but only within a limited time. If you change your mind within 12 months of starting benefits, you can withdraw your process and repay what you received. This resets your claim date, and you can reapply later at a higher age for a larger monthly payment. After 12 months, you cannot withdraw, but you can suspend your benefits at your full retirement age and let them grow until 70.

Do I need to report my income to Social Security after I start receiving benefits?

If you are under your full retirement age and working, you must report your earnings to the Social Security Administration. You can do this online through your my Social Security account, by phone, or in person. The Social Security Administration uses this information to calculate whether your benefits should reduce that year based on the earnings limit.

What if I am not a U.S. citizen?

You can receive Social Security retirement benefits if you have a valid Social Security number and have worked in the United States for at least 10 years. You must show proof of legal residency or a valid visa. Some non-citizens who worked for the U.S. government may have different rules, so ask the Social Security Administration about your specific situation.