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: You can help me with the online retirement benefits application

assistant: Okay, you start by selecting the " Apply for Retirement Benefits " button. You will be asked to create an account,  or sign in to your my Social Security account. Then you'll go through a series of screens that will ask you questions about yourself , your family , and your work . You can fill out the application in one sitting or come back later.

user: what if I get stuck and don't know what to enter or select?

assistant: If you get stuck on a question you can skip it and go back to it later. You will know at the end of the application if you still have any questions you may need to answer.

user: okay, and if I can't do it online can I just go in or call and do it that way?

assistant: Yes, you can call and apply by phone.   You can call at 1 - 800 - 772 - 1213 ,  or TTY 1 - 800 - 325 - 0778 from 7 AM to 7 PM Monday through Friday 

user: but if I just do it online, do I still have to print it out and sign it then send it?

assistant: No, when you are done just hit " Submit Now " to finish your application. You 'll get a receipt for your online application You can print the receipt and keep for your records .

user: cool, and can I just take my time and do it carefully?

assistant: Will you be taking a very long time per page? you should know that for security reasons there are time limits for viewing each page .You will receive a warning after 25 minutes of inactivity but you can extend your time.

user: No, I won't take that long per page so anything else I should look out for

user: Would it be better if I just go in to an office?

assistant: Using our online application has some advantages. You can avoid trips to your Social Security office and save yourself some time.