What changed in how you file for retirement benefits

Social Security retirement applications now require you to create a my Social Security account online before you can file. You cannot walk into an office and hand someone a paper form anymore — the agency stopped accepting in-person applications for retirement in most locations. You can still call 1-800-772-1213 to speak with someone, but they will direct you to create an account and file online, or they can help you file over the phone using that same account.

The shift to online-first filing happened gradually over several years, and as of now, the Social Security Administration (SSA) no longer processes new retirement applications through the mail or in person at most field offices. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778. If you need language information, the agency offers interpreters through the online portal.

The reason for this change is speed: applications filed online are processed faster than paper forms, and you can check the status of your process anytime through your account. You also receive updates by email or text instead of waiting for a letter in the mail.

Key Takeaways

  • You must create a my Social Security account online and file your retirement process through that account; paper and in-person applications are no longer accepted in most places.
  • You can file online yourself, call 1-800-772-1213 to file over the phone with an agent, or visit a field office if you cannot use the phone or internet, though availability varies by location.
  • Online applications are processed faster than phone or in-person filings, and you can track your process status in real time through your account.
  • You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and bank account information to receive your benefit payments.

How to create your my Social Security account

Go to ssa.gov and look for the "my Social Security" link on the homepage. Click it and select "Create an account." You will need to provide your email address, create a username and password, and answer security questions. The SSA will send a verification code to your email — enter that code to confirm your identity.

If you already have a login.gov account (used for other federal agencies), you can use that to sign into my Social Security instead of creating a separate username. This is often faster because login.gov has already verified your identity.

Once your account is created and verified, you can log in anytime to see your earnings record, check your estimated benefit amount, and start your retirement process. The account also shows you any benefits you are already receiving and lets you change your address or direct deposit information.

Documents you need before you start filing

Have these items ready before you open your process: your Social Security number, your date of birth, your citizenship or immigration status, and your bank account number and routing number (so SSA can deposit your benefits). If you were born outside the United States, you will also need proof of legal residency or citizenship — a passport, green card, or naturalization certificate.

You should also know your work history, though the SSA already has this on file. If you worked under a different name or Social Security number at any point, mention that during your process so the agency can match your earnings correctly. If you are married or were married, have your spouse's Social Security number ready, because your marital status affects your benefit amount.

If you are filing before your full retirement age (which ranges from 66 to 67 depending on your birth year), you will need to report your expected earnings for the year, because benefits are reduced if you earn above a certain amount. The SSA will ask you about this during the process.

Filing online through my Social Security

Log into your my Social Security account and select "Retirement Benefits" from the menu. The process will walk you through a series of screens asking about your personal information, work history, and family situation. Most people can complete it in 15 to 20 minutes.

The system will show you an estimate of your monthly benefit amount before you submit. This estimate is based on your earnings record and the age at which you are filing. If you file at 62 (the earliest age), your benefit will be smaller than if you wait until 67 or 70. The process shows you these differences so you can decide.

After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Save this number — you can use it to check your process status in your account or when you call the SSA. The agency will contact you if they need more information or documents from you.

Filing over the phone or in person

If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. An agent can file your process over the phone and will ask you the same questions as the online form. You still need to create a my Social Security account afterward so you can track your process.

Some field offices still accept in-person applications, but this is rare and availability depends on your location. Call ahead to ask if your local office accepts retirement applications. If it does, bring the documents listed above and be prepared to wait — field offices are often busy and appointments may not be available for several weeks.

Filing over the phone or in person takes longer to process than filing online, so if you have any way to use the internet, the online process is faster. However, if you have a disability, language barrier, or other reason you cannot file online, the SSA will help you through the phone or in person.

How long processing takes and what happens next

Online applications are usually processed within 3 to 5 business days. Phone and in-person applications take 5 to 7 business days. During this time, the SSA reviews your earnings record, verifies your identity, and checks for any issues that might delay your benefit start date.

Once approved, your first benefit payment arrives in your bank account on a specific date each month. The SSA assigns you a payment day based on your birth date — people born on the 1st through the 10th are paid on the second Wednesday of the month, the 11th through the 20th on the third Wednesday, and the 21st through the 31st on the fourth Wednesday. If you prefer a paper check instead of direct deposit, you can request that, but direct deposit is faster and safer.

If the SSA needs more information from you, they will contact you by email, phone, or mail. Check your my Social Security account regularly during processing to see if any documents are requested. Responding quickly helps speed up approval.

What to do if you run into problems

If you cannot create your my Social Security account, the most common reason is that your identity did not verify. This can happen if your name, address, or Social Security number in SSA records does not match what you entered. Call 1-800-772-1213 and an agent can help you troubleshoot or file over the phone instead.

If your process is denied or delayed, the SSA will send you a notice explaining why. Common reasons include missing documents, earnings records that do not match your work history, or immigration status issues. The notice will tell you how to appeal or provide missing information. You have 60 days to respond.

If you filed online and your process is taking longer than expected, log into your account and check the status. If it shows "pending" for more than a week, call the SSA with your confirmation number and ask what is holding up your case. Sometimes a straightforward phone call resolves the delay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file for retirement benefits before I turn 62?

No. The earliest age you can file for Social Security retirement is 62. If you are younger than 62, you cannot start benefits, even if you have stopped working. You can create a my Social Security account and check your estimated benefit amount, but you cannot file an process until you reach 62.

What if I do not have internet access or an email address?

Call 1-800-772-1213 and an agent will file your process over the phone. You will still need to create a my Social Security account afterward, but the agent can walk you through that process or help you set one up. If you do not have an email address, you can use a family member's email temporarily, or the SSA can mail you updates instead.

Can I change my mind after I file?

Yes, but only within a limited time. If you change your mind within 12 months of filing, you can withdraw your process and file again later. However, you can only do this once in your lifetime. After 12 months, you cannot withdraw. If you filed early and now regret it, speak with an SSA agent about your options.

What happens if I am still working when I file?

You can file for retirement and keep working, but your benefits will be reduced if you earn above a certain amount before your full retirement age. For 2024, that limit is $23,400 per year (this amount changes yearly). The SSA will ask about your expected earnings during your process and adjust your benefit accordingly. Once you reach full retirement age, you can earn as much as you want without any reduction.

How do I check the status of my process after I file?

Log into your my Social Security account and select "Retirement Benefits." You will see the current status — whether it is pending, approved, or if more information is needed. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 with your confirmation number and an agent will tell you the status over the phone.