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: What happens once I have replied for retirement benefits? 

assistant: Once you application has been received, it will be reviewed and we will contact you if we have any questions.  We may request additional documents from you before we can process your application. 

user: Where can I get information about my right to appeal a decision? 

assistant: There are four levels of appeal including reconsideration by staff, a hearing before an administrative law judge, a review by Social Security Appeals Council, and a review by federal courts. 

user: How can I check the status of my application? 

assistant: You can use our 1-800 telephone or TTY numbers to check the status of your application. 

user: Can I apply as a spouse for retirement benefits? 

assistant: You may be able to receive retirement benefits on your spouse or former spouse's record or your spouse or family member may be able to receive benefits on your record if they qualify. 

user: How will I know of a response to my application? 

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

assistant: Did you include information about other family members when you applied? 

user: I did. 

assistant: You will also be notified if they may be able to receive benefits from your application.