The easiest way to apply for retirement benefits is online. You can apply for Social Security benefits by visiting the Social Security website and clicking on the “Retirement” section, then navigating to “Apply for Benefits.” The system will guide you through the application process, asking you to provide personal information, starting with your name, address, and Social Security number.
Applying Online
If you have a computer and internet access, the easiest way to apply for Social Security benefits is online. Visit the ssa.gov website and click on the “Retirement” section on the homepage, then “Apply for Retirement Benefits.” The system will guide you through the application process, asking you to provide personal information, starting with your name, address, and Social Security number.
Note: The Social Security Administration takes all necessary precautions to protect your personal information online. Once you enter the initial information, the system will provide you with an application number. Make sure to write it down, as you will need it later if you wish to complete the application or check the status of your application.
Required Information for Application
The application process doesn’t take long, but you will need some basic information to ensure a smooth process, including the following when applicable:
- Date and place of birth
- Marriage and divorce information
- Names and birthdates of children who are disabled or unmarried and under 18 years old, or who are between 18 and 19 years old and attending school full-time
- Military service information in the U.S. if applicable
- Details of your employer or self-employment for the current year and the previous two years
- Bank direct deposit information
The form will also ask for additional information about other income and whether you have previously applied for SSI or other Social Security benefits or Medicare.
Selecting a Benefit Start Date
The form will also ask you to specify the start date for your benefits. There is a benefits estimator embedded in the form to help you make the decision.
The Social Security Administration dispenses benefits in the month following the start date you request. For example, if you indicate that you want your benefits to start in September, you will receive your first check in October.
You should keep in mind that the amount of the benefit checks will depend on the age at which you start collecting benefits. The longer you can wait to start receiving payments, the higher your monthly payment will be. However, while you are not required to start receiving Social Security by age 70, your benefits will not increase after that age.
Submitting Your Application
You can electronically sign your application and submit it online, so there’s no need to mail it. However, you may need to send supporting documents, such as proof of birth and your Social Security card, or any other evidence of U.S. citizenship, and copies of your most recent W-2 or self-employment forms. If that is the case, you will receive specific instructions on how to do so.
Even if you do not have the documents, the Social Security Administration may be able to help you obtain them, and advises against delaying your application.
Note: Many fields in the online application do not accept punctuation or special characters of any kind. If you receive an error message when attempting to navigate to the next page, check all fields and remove any punctuation.
Once you electronically sign the application, keep a copy for your personal records by printing it or saving it electronically. If the Social Security Administration has any further questions, a representative will contact you. You can always call 800-772-1213 with any questions you may have. You can also check the status of your account online using the application number you received during the application process.
Source:
https://www.thebalancemoney.com/how-do-i-apply-for-social-security-benefits-2894599
}@media screen and (max-width: 480px) {
.lwrp.link-whisper-related-posts{
}
.lwrp .lwrp-title{
}.lwrp .lwrp-description{
}
.lwrp .lwrp-list-multi-container{
flex-direction: column;
}
.lwrp .lwrp-list-multi-container ul.lwrp-list{
margin-top: 0px;
margin-bottom: 0px;
padding-top: 0px;
padding-bottom: 0px;
}
.lwrp .lwrp-list-double,
.lwrp .lwrp-list-triple{
width: 100%;
}
.lwrp .lwrp-list-row-container{
justify-content: initial;
flex-direction: column;
}
.lwrp .lwrp-list-row-container .lwrp-list-item{
width: 100%;
}
.lwrp .lwrp-list-item:not(.lwrp-no-posts-message-item){
}
}
.lwrp .lwrp-list-item .lwrp-list-link .lwrp-list-link-title-text,
.lwrp .lwrp-list-item .lwrp-list-no-posts-message{
};
}
Leave a Reply