Soon-to-Be Retiree? Here’s How to Apply for Social Security Benefits

If you’re planning on retiring soon, you may feel a bit overwhelmed — not just because you’ll no longer be working, which is a big change to your day-to-day, but also because there’s a lot to sort out during this transitional period. One thing that will and should be on your mind is applying for Social Security benefits. It may sound like an intimidating task, but we’ll go over some of the things you need to know and what to have at the ready when applying. 

Retirement and Social Security benefits don’t always go hand in hand. You can receive Social Security benefits as early as age 62, and you can wait longer before applying to get a bigger monthly payout, so figuring out when is the best time for you to apply is ultimately up to your needs and lifestyle.

If you’re ready to apply or just want to get a better sense of the process, we’ll show you below. For more on Social Security, don’t miss the SSI and SSDI cheat sheet and the SSI payment schedule.

Here’s what you’ll need to apply for Social Security benefits

When you’re ready to apply for your Social Security benefits, you’ll need this information on hand. 

Personal information: 

• Your Social Security number
• Where you were born (city, state, country)

Employment information:

• Names of employers for the past two years
• Dates of employment

Current and past spouse information:

• Your current or former spouse’s Social Security number and birthday
• Date you got married or divorced
• Where you got married (city, state, country)

Banking details:

• Routing and account number for your bank account

Name of eligible children: 

• Your children could be eligible for benefits if they’re under age 18, or 18 or 19 and still in high school, or who became disabled before 22

How to apply for Social Security benefits

When you’re ready to apply for Social Security benefits, go to ssa.gov/apply. If you haven’t yet created a Social Security account, you’ll need to now. Create a free My Social Security account. 

From here, you’ll select who you want to apply for and what you want to apply for. Your choices include several types of benefits, including retirement, family, disability and survivor benefits. Once you’ve made your selection, click Learn how to apply.

Next, you’ll scroll down to the box that says “Submit an application.” Click Start application and read through the terms of service and check the “I agree” box to move on to the next step. 

If you haven’t already, you’ll be prompted to sign in to your My Social Security account before you start the application, and you’ll need to verify your email address. Follow the onscreen prompts to complete the application.

If you need help applying, you can also set up an appointment with a Social Security agent by calling 800-772-1213. They can either set up a phone or an in-person appointment.

How long does the application process take?

Once your application has been submitted, the Social Security Administration says you should get a letter in the mail within 30 days of the month you requested your benefits to start. Your letter will either confirm your benefits are approved or will ask for more information. 

You can also keep tabs on your application by checking the status with this Social Security tool.

Once you begin receiving Social Security benefits, you may still need to file your taxes — find out here.