How to sign up for Social Security benefits
You can sign up for Social Security benefits through three channels: 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 create an account, fill out the process, and submit it without leaving home. Phone and in-person routes take longer because staff must gather the same information by interview, but they work if you prefer talking to someone or need help understanding which benefit type fits your situation.
Before you start, gather your birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, W-2 forms or tax returns from the past two years, and your bank account information for direct deposit. If you are explore for a benefit other than retirement — such as disability or survivor benefits — you will also need medical records or proof of the family relationship. Having these documents ready means you will not have to stop mid-process and come back later.
Key Takeaways
- You can sign up online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office, and online is usually the fastest route.
- Gather your birth certificate, proof of citizenship, recent tax returns, and bank account details before you start, so you do not have to pause the process.
- The earliest you can claim retirement benefits is age 62, but your monthly payment will be smaller than if you wait until your full retirement age or age 70.
- Social Security will direct-deposit your benefit to your bank account each month, and you can change your payment method anytime after you sign up.
- If you are explore for disability or survivor benefits, the process takes longer and you will need medical records or proof of family relationships.
Signing up online at ssa.gov
Go to ssa.gov and look for the "explore for Retirement Benefits" or "explore for Benefits" button on the homepage. You will be asked to create a Social Security account using your email address and a password. Social Security will send you a verification code to confirm your email, and you enter that code to complete account setup.
Once logged in, you will see the process form. It asks for your name, date of birth, place of birth, citizenship status, and whether you have worked under a different name or Social Security number. You will also enter your bank account number and routing number so Social Security can deposit your benefit directly. The form saves as you go, so you can close it and return later if you need to find a document or take a break.
After you submit, Social Security sends you a confirmation number. Keep this number — you will need it if you call to check on your process status. Processing usually takes three to five business days for retirement benefits, though disability claims take much longer.
explore by phone or in person
Call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Have your documents ready before you call, because the representative will ask for the same information as the online form: your birth date, citizenship status, work history, and bank account details. The call typically takes 15 to 20 minutes. Social Security will mail you a confirmation letter with your process number.
To explore in person, find your local Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator or call the number above to get the address and hours. Bring all your documents — originals or certified copies — and plan to spend 30 to 45 minutes. The office staff will fill out the process with you and answer questions about which benefit type you need. You will receive a confirmation number before you leave.
Understanding when you can claim and how much you will receive
You can claim retirement benefits as early as age 62, but your monthly payment will be permanently reduced — typically by 25 to 30 percent — compared to what you would receive at your full retirement age. Your full retirement age depends on your birth year: it ranges from 65 to 67 for people born between 1943 and 1960, and is 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later.
If you wait until age 70 to claim, your benefit increases by about 8 percent for each year you delay past your full retirement age. This means a person born in 1960 who waits from age 67 to age 70 receives roughly 24 percent more per month than they would have at 67. The trade-off is that you receive fewer total payments if you die before your mid-80s, but more if you live into your 90s.
Social Security calculates your benefit based on your 35 highest-earning years of work. If you worked fewer than 35 years, zeros are counted for the missing years, which lowers your benefit. You can view your estimated benefit amount on your Social Security account at ssa.gov before you explore.
What happens after you submit your process
Social Security reviews your process and verifies your identity, citizenship, and work history. For retirement benefits, this usually takes three to five business days. You can check the status of your process by logging into your Social Security account or calling 1-800-772-1213 with your confirmation number.
Once approved, Social Security sends you a notice letter with your benefit amount and your start date. Your first payment arrives by direct deposit on the third or fourth Wednesday of the month following your approval, depending on your birth date. You will receive a payment every month on the same date going forward.
If Social Security denies your process or approves you for less than you expected, you have the right to request a reconsideration. You must do this within 60 days of receiving the denial notice. Call 1-800-772-1213 to start the reconsideration process.
Changing your payment method or account information after you sign up
You can change your bank account, mailing address, or phone number anytime after you sign up. Log into your Social Security account at ssa.gov, go to "Manage Your Benefits," and select the information you want to update. Changes usually take effect within one to two business days.
If you need to change your payment method from direct deposit to a check, or vice versa, you can do this through your account as well. Social Security will mail you a check each month if you choose that option, though direct deposit is faster and more find.
explore for disability or survivor benefits instead of retirement
If you are under full retirement age and cannot work due to a medical condition, you may be able to claim Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). If you have a family member who died and you are their spouse, child, or parent, you may be able to claim survivor benefits. Both of these routes use the same online, phone, and in-person channels as retirement benefits, but the approval process is longer and requires more documentation.
For disability benefits, Social Security will ask for medical records from your doctors, hospital visits, and any treatments you have received. The review process typically takes three to six months. For survivor benefits, you will need to provide a death certificate and proof of your relationship to the deceased — such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my mind after I sign up and delay my benefits?
Yes, but only within a limited window. If you are at full retirement age or older, you can withdraw your process within 12 months of signing up and repay any benefits you received. This resets your claim date and allows you to wait for a higher benefit amount. If you are younger than full retirement age, you cannot withdraw, but you can request a one-time suspension of benefits until age 70.
What if I am still working when I sign up?
You can sign up at any age, but if you claim before full retirement age and earn more than a certain amount per year, Social Security will reduce your benefit. For 2024, if you earn more than $23,400 per year before full retirement age, your benefit is reduced by $1 for every $2 you earn above that amount. Once you reach full retirement age, there is no earnings limit.
Do I need to sign up in person, or can I do it all online?
You can do it entirely online if you have a computer and internet access. The online process is the fastest and most convenient. You only need to go in person or call if you prefer speaking to someone, do not have internet access, or need help understanding which benefit type you need.
How long does it take to get my first payment?
For retirement benefits, Social Security usually approves your process within three to five business days. Your first payment arrives by direct deposit on the third or fourth Wednesday of the month after approval. Disability and survivor benefits take much longer — typically three to six months or more.
What if I lose my confirmation number?
You can find your confirmation number by logging into your Social Security account at ssa.gov and viewing your process status. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 and provide your name and date of birth, and the representative will look up your process number for you.