Apply for Retirement Benefits 
Social Security offers an online retirement application that you can complete in as little as 15 minutes. It's so easy. Better yet , you can apply from the comfort of your home or office at a time most convenient for you. There's no need to drive to a local Social Security office or wait for an appointment with a Social Security representative. In most cases , once your application is submitted electronically , you're done. Social Security will process your application and contact you by telephone or by mail if any further information is needed. Apply for Retirement Benefits Return to a Saved Application|Check Application Status If you prefer to complete your application in a language other than English , the online application will give you the option to schedule an appointment to apply for benefits in your preferred language. The online application is currently only available in English. 

Questions about our Social Security Retirement Benefits Application 


Who can apply for retirement benefits online? 
You can apply online for retirement benefits or benefits as a spouse if you : are at least 61 years and 8 months old ; Are not currently receiving benefits on your own Social Security record ; have not already applied for retirement benefits ; and want your benefits to start no more than 4 months in the future. We cannot process your application if you apply for benefits more than 4 months in advance. 

What about Medicare? 
If you already have Medicare , you can still use this application to apply for retirement benefits. If you don t have Medicare but are within 3 months of age 65 , you can use this application to apply for : both retirement and Medicare ; or just Medicare , if you aren't ready to receive retirement benefits yet. For more information , go to Medicare. 

What do I need to know before I apply? 
Before you apply for retirement benefits , there are certain Social Security " basics " you should know about : Your " fu

user: I went on your online site regarding retirement benefits but the page keeps asking me to sign-in.

assistant: There is a timer on those pages for security reasons.

user: Why is that?

assistant: As it stands, you will receive a warning after 25 minutes without doing anything and you will be able to extend your time on the page.

user: Well that doesn't work for me. Can I apply some other way?

assistant: Yes , you can also apply by calling 1 - 800 - 772 - 1213, by text telephone at TTY 1 - 800 - 325 - 0778 from 7 AM to 7 PM Monday through Friday.

user: After I apply can someone receive benefits on my work record?

assistant: We'll inform you if that is possible once your application has been processed.

user: Will I be able to receive benefits on my spouse's record?

assistant: You will also be informed of that once your application has been processed.

user: Is there a delay after I send in my application?

assistant: Once we receive your application it will be reviewed. After the review we will contact you if we need more information or if we need to see your documents.

user: And then is it good to go?

assistant: When we have all of the necessary information and documents your application will be processed and a letter will be sent to you about our decision in the mail.