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 you to help me know how to apply for retirement benefits.

assistant: Of course 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. This section will inform you about the different options.

assistant: Do you want to apply online?

user: no

assistant: Do you want to apply at your local office?

user: yes

assistant: It is important to know that you can do most of your business with Social Security online.

user: And how can I do if I can't use these services online?

assistant: If you can't use these services online, your local Social Security office can help you apply. Although our offices are closed to the public, the employees of those offices are helping people over the phone.

user: and what are you going to do when I complete everything?

assistant: Once you have completed everything, we will ask you to confirm that your answers are true to the best of your knowledge.

user: And how will you know when they make a decision?

assistant: You will receive a letter in the mail with our decision