Where to file and what you need before you start

You can file for Social Security through the Social Security Administration (SSA) in three ways: online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. The online method is fastest — you can complete the whole process without waiting on hold or scheduling an appointment. You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and bank account information if you want direct deposit.

Before you file, know your full birth date, the names and birth dates of any spouse or ex-spouse you were married to for at least 10 years, and your work history for the past two years. If you are filing for someone else (a spouse, child, or parent), you will also need their Social Security number and birth certificate. Have these documents ready whether you file online, by phone, or in person.

Key Takeaways

  • You can file online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office, and online filing is usually the fastest option.
  • You need your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship, and bank account details to file.
  • The SSA will ask about your work history, any prior marriages lasting 10 years or more, and whether you are still working.
  • After you file, the SSA sends a decision by mail within two to three weeks for most online filings, or longer if additional information is needed.
  • You can file before your full retirement age, but your monthly payment will be permanently reduced if you do.

Filing online through ssa.gov

Go to ssa.gov and look for the "explore for Retirement Benefits" link on the homepage. Click it and select "explore Now." You will create a my Social Security account if you do not already have one — this requires your email address, a password, and answers to security questions. Once logged in, you will answer questions about your personal information, work history, and family situation.

The online form takes 15 to 20 minutes to complete. You will be asked whether you are still working, whether you have been married, and whether you have any children under 19 (or 19 if still in high school). At the end, you will see a summary of what you entered. Review it carefully, then submit. The SSA will send you a confirmation number by email and mail you a decision letter within two to three weeks.

Filing by phone

Call 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Have your documents ready before you call — the representative will ask the same questions as the online form. The call usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. At the end, the representative will give you a confirmation number and tell you when to expect your decision letter in the mail.

Phone lines are busiest early in the week and early in the month, so calling on a Wednesday or Thursday afternoon may mean a shorter wait. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call the TTY number at 1-800-325-0778.

Filing in person at a Social Security office

Find your local office at ssa.gov/locator or call 1-800-772-1213 to get the address and hours. You do not need an appointment, but wait times vary widely — some offices have walk-in hours in the morning, while others require you to take a number and wait. Bring originals or certified copies of your birth certificate, proof of citizenship (passport, naturalization papers, or state ID), and your Social Security card if you have it.

The in-person interview takes 20 to 30 minutes. The representative will ask the same questions as the online and phone processes. You will receive a confirmation number before you leave, and the SSA will mail you a decision letter within two to three weeks. In-person filing is useful if you do not have email, prefer to speak face-to-face, or need help understanding the questions.

What happens after you file

After you submit your process, the SSA reviews your work record and calculates your benefit amount. For most online filings, you will receive a decision letter in the mail within two to three weeks. If the SSA needs more information — such as proof of a prior marriage or clarification about your work history — they will call or mail you a request. Respond as soon as you can, because delays in providing documents can slow your decision.

Once approved, your first payment arrives by direct deposit or check, depending on what you chose during filing. Payments are issued on the third, fourth, or second Wednesday of each month, depending on your birth date. The SSA will mail you a notice showing your monthly benefit amount, the date your benefits start, and how you will receive payment.

Filing before your full retirement age

You can file for Social Security as early as age 62, but your monthly payment will be permanently reduced. The reduction depends on how many months before your full retirement age you file. If your full retirement age is 67 and you file at 62, your payment is roughly 30 percent lower than it would be if you waited until 67. If you wait until 70, your payment is roughly 24 percent higher than the full retirement age amount.

The SSA will tell you your full retirement age and the exact reduction percentage when you file. This is a permanent choice — once you start receiving benefits, you cannot go back and file later at a higher rate. Consider your health, life expectancy, and financial needs before you decide when to file.

Filing for a spouse, child, or parent

A spouse, ex-spouse, child, or parent may be able to receive benefits based on your work record. A spouse can file at your full retirement age or later and receive up to 50 percent of your benefit amount. An ex-spouse can file if you were married for at least 10 years, you are at least 62 years old, and you have been divorced for at least two years (or any length of time if your ex-spouse is 62 or older).

Children under 19 (or 19 if still in high school) and disabled adult children can receive benefits on your record. A parent age 62 or older can receive benefits if you have passed away and they were dependent on you for at least half their support. To file for any of these people, you will need their Social Security number, birth certificate, and proof of their relationship to you (marriage certificate, birth certificate, or adoption papers).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file online if I do not have an email address?

No, the online process requires an email address to create a my Social Security account. If you do not have email, you can file by phone at 1-800-772-1213 or in person at your local Social Security office. Both options do not require email.

What if I do not have my birth certificate?

You can file without it, but the SSA will ask you to send a certified copy later. You can order a certified birth certificate from your state's vital records office — search "[your state] vital records" online to find the office and fee. In the meantime, file online or by phone so your process is in the system.

How long does it take to get my first payment after I am approved?

Your first payment arrives one to two months after you are approved. Payments are issued on the third, fourth, or second Wednesday of each month based on your birth date. The SSA will tell you your payment date in the approval letter.

Can I change my mind after I file?

You can withdraw your process within 12 months of filing if you have not yet received any payments. After that, you cannot withdraw. If you have already received payments and want to stop, you must repay all benefits you received before you can file again at a later date.

What if I am still working when I file?

You can file while working, but if you are under your full retirement age, your benefits will be reduced by $1 for every $2 you earn above a yearly limit (the limit changes each year). Once you reach your full retirement age, there is no limit on how much you can earn. Tell the SSA about your current job when you file so they calculate your payment correctly.