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: Hello, I would like to know what to do once I have applied?

assistant: Once we receive your request, we will review it and contact you if we have any questions. We may request additional documents from you before we can process your request.

user: How can I check the status of the request?

assistant: You can check the status of your application online using your personal my Social Security account.

assistant: can't verify your status online?

user: If I find it difficult to verify it online

assistant: in that case you can call us at 1 - 800 - 772 - 1213 TTY 1 - 800 - 325 - 0778 from 8:00 a.m. at 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

user: What do I do while preparing to apply for benefits?

assistant: First gather the documents listed on our Medicare, Retirement & Spouse Online Application Checklist. Instructions on how to submit your documents will appear at the end of the online application.

user: where can I get more information?

assistant: visit Appeal a decision.

user: How do I request the benefit?

assistant: Applying online is the easiest way to complete your application in a time that works for you, without having to go to the Social Security office. You can also file an application over the phone or at a Social Security office.