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 need help with the online application for applying for retirement benefits

assistant: Select the " Apply for Retirement Benefits " button above .You ll be asked to create or sign in to your my Social Security account and then go through a series of screens that will ask you questions about yourself , your family , and your work .Fill out the online application .

assistant: Have you already begun the application and are you stuck on something?

user: I just started and got stuck on some questions

assistant: If you: get stuck on a question ,you can skip it and go back later .When you get to the end of the application , we 'll let you know if there are any questions you still need to answer .

user: and I can apply if I'm a spouse?

assistant: Yes, 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 . 

user: Where do I apply for retirement benefits if I do not live in the U.S.?

assistant: If you do not live in the U.S. or one of its territories you can also - Contact the nearest U.S. Social Security office , U.S. Embassy or consulate .