Apply for Retirement Benefits 
Starting your Social Security retirement benefits is a major step on your retirement journey. This page will guide you through the process of applying for retirement benefits when you re ready to take that step. Our online application is a convenient way to apply on your own schedule, without an appointment. You can also apply by phone or by appointment at a Social Security office. 

Ready To Retire? 
Start your application today Apply Online For Retirement Benefits Jump to a topic on this page : Before You Apply / How To Apply / Once You've Applied 

Before You Apply 
Before you apply , take time to review the basics, understand the process, and gather the documents you ll need to complete an application. 

Review Retirement Benefits Basics 
You can start your retirement benefits as early as age 62 or as late as age 70. If you re preparing to apply for retirement benefits, knowing when you re eligible to apply and how the system works are the first steps in choosing what age is right for you. Before you submit an application , go to our Learn About Retirement Benefits page to understand : How you qualify for Social Security benefits. How your earnings and age can affect your benefits. What you should consider in deciding when to start receiving benefits. Retirement benefits for spouses and family members. 

Understand The Application Process 
The retirement benefits application process follows these general steps, whether you apply online, by phone, or in person : Gather the information and documents you need to apply. Complete and submit your application. We review your application and contact you if we need more information. We mail you a decision letter. You start receiving your retirement benefits. 

How Early Can I Apply? 
Apply four months before you want your Social Security retirement benefits to start. If you want your benefits to start at age 62 , you can apply at age 61 and eight months. 

Ready To Start Medicare? 
If you

user: Could you please give me some information on how to apply for benefits if I am not currently living in the U.S.? 

assistant: You would need to contact the Federal Benefits Unit for your country of residence if you live outside the U.S. or a U.S. territory and wish to apply for retirement benefits. 

assistant: Are you attempting to begin a retirement account? 

user: I am not yet.  I am just seeking information to prepare myself for my retirement as the time draws nearer. 

user: What are the alternatives to checking my status online? 

assistant: We have 1-800 telephone and TTY numbers that you will be able to use to check your status once your application has been submitted. 

user: Can you give me any information about finalizing the application process and signing the online application? 

assistant: Before you sign the online application, you will have a chance to review your answers and make any necessary changes.  Once you have filled everything out, we will ask you to confirm that your answers are true to the best of your knowledge and then you can sign the application and submit. 

user: Can I include information with my application for other family members at the same time? 

assistant: If you have included information about other family members when you applied, we will let you know if they may be able to receive benefits from your application.