Find out how to plan for your Social Security Retirement benefit and what you need to do once you start getting your payment.

Check eligibility if you're not sure what to apply for. Apply for Medicare if you only need health insurance right now.

Apr 24, 2024 · The easiest and most convenient way to apply for retirement benefits is by using our online application. You will need to create or log in to your personal my Social Security account.

Jan 2, 2016 · Learn about the filing rules for married couples regarding retirement and spouses benefits that will help you decide when to claim your benefits.

If you apply online, a list of documents we need to see will appear at the end of the application, along with instructions on where to submit them. The documents we may ask for are:

Estimate your benefit amount, determine when to apply, and explore other factors that may affect your retirement planning.

You will need proof of identification and other documents to apply for retirement benefits. If you can’t find all of your documents, you should still apply to avoid losing benefits you may be due.

Life events Age milestones Approaching age 65 (Medicare eligibility) Approaching Retirement Becoming an adult

To find out how much your benefit will be reduced if you begin receiving benefits from age 62 up to your full retirement age, use the chart below and select your year of birth.

The most important thing is to make an informed decision. Base your decision about when to apply for benefits on your individual and family circumstances. We hope the following information will help you …