What You Need to Do to Claim Social Security

To get Social Security benefits, you must contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) directly and submit a claim. You can do this online through their website, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. The SSA will ask for documents proving your age, citizenship or legal residency, and work history. Once you submit your claim, the SSA reviews it and tells you whether you may have access to and when payments begin.

The timing matters: you can claim as early as age 62, but your monthly payment will be smaller than if you wait. If you wait until your full retirement age (which ranges from 66 to 67 depending on your birth year) or until age 70, your payment increases. Most people claim between 62 and 70, and the choice depends on your health, finances, and how long you expect to live.

Key Takeaways

  • You must contact the Social Security Administration yourself — they do not automatically send you benefits when you turn 62 or reach retirement age.
  • You can claim online at ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local Social Security office in person.
  • You will need a birth certificate, proof of citizenship or a green card, and documentation of your work history (your Social Security statement shows this).
  • Your monthly payment depends on your age when you claim: claiming at 62 gives you less per month than waiting until 70, but you receive payments for longer.
  • The SSA typically makes a decision on your claim within two to three months, though some claims take longer if they need more information.

Claiming Online Through ssa.gov

The fastest way to claim is through the SSA's website at ssa.gov. You will need to create a my Social Security account if you do not already have one. Go to the homepage, select "Sign in to my Social Security," and follow the prompts to set up an account using your email address and a password. Once your account is active, you can start your claim without leaving home.

After you log in, look for the option to "explore for Retirement Benefits" or "explore for Benefits." The form asks for your personal information, work history, and banking details for direct deposit. You will also choose the month you want your benefits to start — this does not have to be the current month, and you can request a date up to four months in the past. The SSA will tell you when ready if your claim is incomplete or if they need additional documents.

Claiming by Phone or In Person

If you prefer to speak with someone, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. The line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Have your Social Security number, birth certificate, and proof of citizenship or legal residency nearby when you call. The representative will walk you through the claim process and can answer questions about how your age affects your payment amount.

You can also visit your local Social Security office in person. Find the nearest office by entering your zip code at ssa.gov/locator. Walk-in appointments are available, though wait times vary. Bring the same documents you would need for a phone claim: your Social Security card, birth certificate, and proof of citizenship or a green card. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment in advance, which can reduce your wait time.

Documents You Will Need

The SSA requires specific documents to process your claim. You must bring or submit an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. If you were born outside the United States, you will also need proof of citizenship (a naturalization certificate or passport) or a green card if you are a lawful permanent resident. Non-citizens who have worked in the United States may still be able to claim if they meet residency requirements.

You will also need proof of your work history. The SSA has a record of your earnings based on the Social Security taxes you and your employers have paid. You can view your earnings record by logging into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov. If there are errors in your record, report them to the SSA before you claim, because your benefit amount is based on your 35 highest-earning years. If you have worked under different names (due to marriage, for example), bring documentation of the name changes.

How Your Payment Amount Is Calculated

Your monthly Social Security payment depends on three things: how much you earned during your working years, how long you worked, and what age you claim. The SSA calculates your "primary insurance amount" (PIA) based on your 35 highest-earning years. If you worked fewer than 35 years, the SSA counts the missing years as zero, which lowers your benefit.

Your age when you claim changes your payment by a large amount. If you claim at 62, you receive about 70 percent of your full retirement age benefit. If you wait until your full retirement age (66 or 67, depending on your birth year), you get 100 percent. If you wait until 70, you get about 124 percent. This means someone who claims at 70 receives a significantly larger monthly check than someone who claimed at 62, even though the person who claimed at 62 has already received payments for eight years.

What Happens After You Submit Your Claim

After you submit your claim online, by phone, or in person, the SSA sends you a notice confirming they received it. They will review your documents and work history. If everything is in order, you typically receive a decision within two to three months. If the SSA needs more information, they will contact you by mail or phone and tell you what documents to send.

Once your claim is approved, the SSA tells you your monthly payment amount and when your first payment arrives. Payments are deposited directly into your bank account on the same day each month — usually the third, fourth, or fifth of the month depending on your birth date. You can check the status of your claim anytime by logging into your my Social Security account.

Special Situations: Divorced, Widowed, or Disabled

If you are divorced, you may be able to claim on your ex-spouse's work record if you were married for at least 10 years and are at least 62 years old. You do not need your ex-spouse's permission, and claiming on their record does not reduce their benefits. The amount you receive is based on their earnings history, not yours, so this can be helpful if they earned significantly more than you did.

If your spouse has died, you may be able to claim survivor benefits as early as age 60 (or age 50 if you are disabled). Widows and widowers can also claim on the deceased spouse's record. If you have children under 19 (or 19 if still in high school), they may also be able to claim benefits based on the deceased parent's record.

If you became disabled before reaching retirement age, you can claim Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) instead of waiting until 62. The process is similar — you contact the SSA and submit a claim — but you will need medical evidence of your disability. SSDI has different rules than retirement benefits, and the SSA will guide you through what documents you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim Social Security before age 62?

No. The earliest age to claim retirement benefits is 62. If you are disabled, you may be able to claim Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) at any age, but that requires medical proof of disability. Contact the SSA to learn whether you may have access to for SSDI.

What if I am still working when I claim?

You can claim and keep working, but if you claim before your full retirement age, your benefits are reduced if you earn above a certain amount. In 2024, the SSA reduces your benefit by one dollar for every two dollars you earn above $23,400 per year. Once you reach your full retirement age, there is no earnings limit. The SSA will explain how your work affects your benefits when you claim.

How long does it take to get my first payment?

The SSA typically makes a decision on your claim within two to three months. If approved, your first payment arrives one to two months after approval. If your claim needs more information, the process takes longer. You can check the status of your claim anytime through your my Social Security account.

Can I change my mind after I claim?

Yes, but only within a limited time. If you claim and then change your mind, you can withdraw your claim within 12 months of when you claimed. You must repay all benefits you received. After 12 months, you cannot withdraw. If you claimed early and regret it, you can suspend your benefits at your full retirement age and let them grow until age 70, though this is a different process than withdrawing.

What if I was born outside the United States?

You can claim Social Security if you are a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) and have worked in the United States long enough to earn credits. You will need to bring proof of citizenship or your green card when you claim. Some non-citizens may also may have access to under specific rules. Contact the SSA to discuss your situation.