Once you hit a certain age, you start thinking about Social Security. It might bring up some questions that you don’t know how to answer. This is common. Most people don’t even consider Social Security until they start thinking about retirement.
But those questions come and they can be overwhelming:
What is involved in applying for Social Security? At what age can you draw Social Security? What is the process for letting the federal government know that you are ready to do so?
In this article, we’ll answer all of these questions, and arm you with the information necessary to make use of Social Security successfully in your life.
Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
- 1 Drawing Social Security Benefits
- 2 Types of Benefits
- 3 Eligibility Requirements for Retirement Benefits
- 4 How to File an Application for Social Security Retirement Benefits
- 5 What You Need for Retirement Benefits
- 6 Applying for Survivor Benefits
- 7 FAQs about Social Security
- 7.1 Can I work and receive my retirement benefits?
- 7.2 What happens to my Social Security benefits if I receive a pension from my job and that job was with the Federal Government and not covered by Social Security?
- 7.3 Do military benefits affect my Social Security benefits?
- 7.4 If I take money out of my IRA will it affect my Social Security benefit?
- 8 How to Contact the Social Security Administration
- 9 Applying for Social Security Is Meant to Be Easy
Drawing Social Security Benefits
The Social Security Administration is responsible for processing all applications for benefits. It is a good idea to begin your application process about four months before you actually want to begin receiving benefits. That way, when the need arises, you’ll already be set up.
Types of Benefits
- Retirement Benefits
- Survivor Benefits
Eligibility Requirements for Retirement Benefits
- You must be 61 years and 9 months old.
- You must not have applied for retirement benefits before this.
- You must not be currently receiving Social Security benefits.
- You must be at least 4 months out from the time you expect your benefits to start.
If your condition is keeping you from working and earning a livable wage, you should probably file for disability. If you are currently working full-time, but your condition is getting worse, then you should file for disability as soon as your earnings drop below the earnings limit for SSD benefits and SSI benefits.
Disability benefits can pay up to $2700/month, depending on your work history and disability condition. You can also qualify for a lump sum of money owed to you. See how much you may be able to collect – get a 100% free evaluation now!
How to File an Application for Social Security Retirement Benefits
- In person: You will need an appointment in order to apply in person for your Social Security benefits. You will need to find and contact your local SSA office to make an appointment. Call 800-772-1213 to find the local office.
- By phone: There are very specific hours when you can apply by phone. These hours are Monday through Friday Eastern Time from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 800-772-1213 and TTY 800-325-0778. It is best to call at the least busy times – at the end of the day, at the end of the week, and at the end of the month.
- Online: You can apply for Social Security benefits online anytime you choose – 24 hours a day/7 days a week. This is, in fact, the easiest way to do so, but be aware that you may not be able to apply for all your benefits online. You might, however, need to complete the application either in-person or on the phone. The online system will tell you how to proceed.
What You Need for Retirement Benefits
Here are the documents you will need when applying for Social Security Benefits:
- Proof of citizenship in the United States or proof of lawful permanent resident status if born outside the U.S.
- You need your original birth certificate, not a copy. If you do not have an original, you can include a copy that is certified by the hospital or agency that issued the original one.
- A copy of your W-2 form for the current/previous year or if you were self-employed, a copy of last year’s tax return.
- If you served in the military before 1968 – a copy of your DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.
You will also need to provide your recent earnings, eligibility for a federal pension, marital history, and whether other family members can claim any benefits on your record.
Applying for Survivor Benefits
- You must apply in person or by phone, not online.
- You must provide the Social Security number of the deceased.
- Your Social Security number and the Social Security number of any dependent children of the deceased.
- Your birth certificate or religious record of birth.
- Your marriage certificate or divorce decree.
- Death certificate of deceased.
- Record of earnings of the deceased in the form of W-2s or tax returns.
- Apply the same month the retiree or covered worker dies.
FAQs about Social Security
There are many commonly asked or wondered about questions regarding applying for and receiving your Social Security Benefits. Some of these are included below, along with the answers.
Can I work and receive my retirement benefits?
The answer is yes but not a lot. There are limits on how much you can earn in any month and receive your full retirement benefits. If you are not at full retirement age of 65 and you earn more than allowed in a year, SSA will reduce your Social Security Benefit by the total amount of your earnings. Once you reach full retirement age, you may earn any amount and your benefits will not be reduced.
What happens to my Social Security benefits if I receive a pension from my job and that job was with the Federal Government and not covered by Social Security?
If this occurs your Social Security benefits are determined by a different formula and they are reduced based on your government pension. This is also true if you receive a pension for out of the country employment.
Do military benefits affect my Social Security benefits?
No. Your Social Security benefit is not reduced by your military benefits. You can receive full benefits from both.
If I take money out of my IRA will it affect my Social Security benefit?
No. The SSA does not include IRAs, pensions, interests, annuities, or dividends as part of your earnings.
How to Contact the Social Security Administration
As mentioned above you can contact the Social Security Administration by phone or online. It is best to have an appointment if going in person. It is not helpful just to walk into an SSA office. Use the following contact information to set up an appointment:
Phone: 800-772-1213
Website: www.ssa.gov
Applying for Social Security Is Meant to Be Easy
As you can see, it really isn’t very difficult to apply for Social Security benefits, whether retirement or survivor. The SSA does try to make it as easy as possible. Just be sure that no matter how you apply you have the proper information and documents with you. If you forget even one, you might stand in line for an hour only to be told you must come back later with the proper documents and information.
If your condition is keeping you from working and earning a livable wage, you should probably file for disability. If you are currently working full-time, but your condition is getting worse, then you should file for disability as soon as your earnings drop below the earnings limit for SSD benefits and SSI benefits.
Disability benefits can pay up to $2700/month, depending on your work history and disability condition. You can also qualify for a lump sum of money owed to you. See how much you may be able to collect – get a 100% free evaluation now!
Ii am on a pension I have my 6yr old Grandson living with me as his mother is no longer allowed to have him, social services are involved, she continues to claim for him which I have notified the fraud team, in the mean time what help can I have in taking care of him please.
If he is entitled to social security payments you need to apply to be his representative payee. Go to a local social security office.
What is needed to become the Payee for my sister? She is a Schizophrenia patient with dementia. She no longer has the ability to communicate verbally. I do have her POA for Financial and Health Care.
I applyed for social security retirement in october and have not heard anything it is supposed to start in January please tell me what is wrong
I would like to apply for Social Security. It is December 21, 2018 but do not what to draw until I am 63, which is in March of 2019. Can I apply now or do I need to wait?
How do I have taxes taken out of my social security check?
My wife passed 27 April 2016 she worked 30 years for the Maryland Government Education system. I wasn’t aware of her survivor benefits that I could apply for them until a friend informed that I might. Is to too late to apply for them.
There is no time limit to file for a widow or widower benefit. These benefits will actually grow if you delay claiming them until you reach full retirement age. However, there is a time limit to collect the lump-sum death benefit. This is a one-time payment of $255.
I need to apply for medicare health insurance. I am 78 years old and did nor sign up at 65 years; I pay for Blue Care through City of Punta Gorda (City self insured plan). I need to make appointment to meet with someone at the social security administration office located at 1600 Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte Fl. I have been trying to talk to someone at 1 -800- 772-1213 and local 941-743-4065. Please help. I had to wait until January 1 to sign up with benefits 6 months from sign up.
How much money can I make in the year I retire in?
Donny,
Your definitive answer lies in the age at which you start claiming benefits.
For example, if you were born between 1943 and1954, your Full Retirement Age (FRA) is set at Age 66.
You begin claiming retirement benefits prior to your FRA then in 2019 SSA will deduct 1.00 for every 2.00 you earn over 17,640.00.
In the year you reach FRA (let’s say 2019) SSA will deduct 2.00 for every 3.00 you earn up to the month prior to the month you actually reach FRA.
At FRA you are free to earn as much as you want without this earnings test reduction. Your PIA will be recalculated to adjust for losses. Don’t hold your breath because your break even point will take some time.
Omitted: the earnings limit threshold in 2019 if this is the year you reach FRA is set at 46, 920.00. The lower and higher limits may change each year.
Do the earnings for the year prior to receiving retirement benefits included in the limit ($17,640)? As an example, if I am under the FRA and start receiving benefits in July of this year and my earnings were $15,000 through June, does that mean I could only earn $2,640 for the remainder of the year before my retirement benefit amount is reduced? Thanks.
How can I get my Social Security benefits reviewed. According to others that are receiving benefits I don’t seem to be getting enough.
Betty,
I find it somewhat troubling to hear you have been informed that you should be getting more. What are the basis for this assertion?
Here are some things to consider before the long wait:
(1). What type of benefit are you in receipt of?
(2). How old were you when you filed for benefits ? You could very well be receiving reduced benefits based on early filing and/or early filing on behalf of another wage earners record.
(3). Have you opened a MySSA.gov account and reviewed your Earnings record if in receipt of benefits based on your own record? If you are drawing off of another’s record you will not be able to access that record.
(4). You can get quite a bit of your questions answered by first reviewing your own account online. Hope this helps
I’m 63 and the company I work for is closing in April 2019 how do I go about getting social security?
Hi Rosa,
Hopefully you have received an answer to your query by now but if not…..63 in 2019 places your DOB in 1956 making your Full Retirement age (FRA) at 66 and 4 months. You absolutely can file at age 63 for retirement benefits under Social Security. On your 63rd Birthday you will be looking at 78.3% of your Primary Insurance Amount. Understand your leaving a whopping 21.7 % on the table. Plus when you turn 65, unless you decline SSAwill deduct monthly Mecicare Part B Premiums. IJS. Open a My SSA.gov account online and you can simply follow the easy step by step application process. Good Luck
I am retired fed government disabled for 15 years . I turn 65 in March 2019 . I make less than $2700.oo a month . I’ve paid AS. For 15 years . Can I appy for disability?
I am trying to get my SS rechecked. I don’t seem to get enough for all the years I worked
Doris, you can check your earnings record on file with SSA yourself simply by going online and open a MySSA.gov account. Not only a secure site but reliable. Good Lick
How does the benefits work if I have remarried. I am not old enough to get retirement,but my husband is.
I have applied for SS retirement benefits effective February. Bill from Medicare would normally come out of SSN benefits. How is the transition from something I write a check for to automatic accomplished? Do I still have to make the February payment to retain coverage?
My husband passed away in December and had a telephone appointment and have not heard from them. What should I do?
I am turning 65 in march 2019 iam still employed which forms do I need to file for part b medical please advice iam
covered by my employer for full health benefit
coo
Pam, as long as you are covered by an active Employee Group Health Plan (EGHP) you can work until you are 100 years of age without enrolling in Medicare Part B.
The key word here is “active” coverage by a current employer.
Because Medicare Part A is “Premium Free” for most citizens, I personally recommend signing up for Part A “only” when eligible.
Good luck Pam
I retired from Social Security in 09/2013. I have 41 years of service and
will turn age 65 in 04/2019. Can I file online ?
Yes
I am 66 and want to apply to delay my social security benefits and receive only my divorced spouse’s benefit until a later date. Can I do this online?
Yes you can. SSA Form 2-BK. Lucky you..from the sounds of it looks like you are grandfathered under the new law (BBA of 2015). Just be sure and I mean absolutely sure you make an unequivocal statement that you wish to narrow the scope of application to divorce spousal benefits. At 66, obviously your FRA you would be entitled to the max of 50% of your ex spouse’s PIA. Then switch at 70 to your own retirement adding an additional 32%.
my husband & I are still working and plan on to but want to apply for SS & Medicare Part B.
If we go to our local SS office, would our passport suffice for the birth certificate? Thank You.
I need to make appointment to fill out forms for my medicare. Also to find out how much I would receive if I retire on my 65th birthday?
Hi Ken,
First, if you are 65 in 2019 tells me you were born in 1954. Further, this means your Full Retirement Age is 66 and not 65 (born between 1943 and 1954) for Title I retirement benefits.
Secondly, you are within or soon to be entering your Initial Enrollment Period for Medicare. 3 months before your 65th Birthday, the month of your 65th Birthday and 3 months after your 65th Birthday. That’s right, you have a 7 month Initial Enrollment Period (IEP).
Providing you are not nor intend to be working for an employer who offers current active group health insurance then it is advisable to enroll during your IEP to avoid potential late enrollment penalties.
If you are insistent on retiring at age 65 and filing for your social security retirement benefit at a little less than 100% of your Primary Insurance Amount then by all means do so. When you do this Social Security will automatically enroll you into Medicare and deduct your Part B monthly premiums of 135.50 (more if your 2017 income was in excess of 85K (filing single) or 170K (married filing jointly).
If you wait until you reach FRA of 66 and are actively employed and covered by an employee’s group health plan, you can delay enrolling into Medicare without penalty and receive 100% of your socsec retirement. Under Medicare you will have an 8 month special enrollment period.
Another option. You can enroll into Medicare without filing for your Socsec retirement until your FRA. You will be directly billed monthly by Medicare’s Payment Processing Center. And yes you can apply directly online.
If you enroll within one of the 3 months before your 65th your coverage will begin on the first day of the month of your 65th Birthday.. but should you enroll in the month of your 65th or in any one of the latter 3 months your Medicare coverage will be delayed.
If this is a bit too much, contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program also known as SHIP in many states. The service is free. These are the ground troops on the front line of Medicare.
You may be leaving 5/12ths of 1% per month for every month you claim before FRA on the table.. Your FRA is 66 and not 65. 65 is the age you are eligible to enroll in Medicare unless sooner disabled. Good Luck
Correction: 1st para. Title II Benefits vice TITLE I (sry)
How can I collect social security under my ex-husband. We were married in 1986 and divorced in 2009.
Pat,
If I am at least 62 and unremarried after being married at least 10 years and divorced at least 2years I am gathering original marriage certificate and or license and original Divorce Decree, and headed to Social Security. I have no idea as to your age but Ex Spousal Benefits are reduced if claimed before FRA. For example 50% max of the other ex’s retirement benefit PIA becomes around 35% at age 62.
My wife is on Social Security Disability and would like to find out what she would receive on Social Security now. She is 66 yrs old. How do we find out how much she would receive.
I was told by another SS agent that I can walk in w/o and appt to verify my monthly $ amount I would receive when I apply for my late husband’s SS in September 2019 . Is this true? Also he has been dead for 11 years. Do I really have to show a W2 form? I do not have any W2 for him.
I need to make appointment by phone or in person apply for spousal benefits my spouse passed away Jan 4
Where do I apply for retirement benefits? I started my account information, but there wasn’t anything to let me know if I have officially applied for the benefits.
I moved from Tennessee to Texas and need to change bank account where balance of SS monies is being deposited each month. How do I do this without having to go to a SS office?
Mary,
To set up or change direct deposit go to SSA.gov and simply open you online secure account.
I am 62 years and three months old. If I apply for social security can I also apply for social security disability at the same time?
Is Social Security disability (SSDI) considered “taxable” or “non-taxable” income???
Mary,
The old and favorite government response is warranted here I,e.
Sometimes, maybe, it all depends (sry)
Currently, your Social Security disability benefits may be taxable if your total income exceeds $25000.00 as an individual, or $32000.00 for a couple. I recommend you refer to IRS Pub 915 and complete the worksheet for a definitive answer to your particular situation. A pretty simple form.
I am 74 and my husband is 77 I have been told that I can draw half the amount my husband draws from his ss with out lowering his ss I only draw $500. a month mine has dropped $200. dollars sence I started drawing ss and it is all I have to live on
Christine,
I will do my best here to simplify an appropriate answer to your inquiry. Should my following spill meet with ambiguity I recommend you take some time one morning and go to the Social Security Office. So here it goes:
(1). There was a time before passage of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 signed by President Obama on 2 Nov 2015., in which couples took advantage of a claiming strategy not designed for this purpose.
(2). This law closed loopholes that couples took advantage of to maximize their benefits.
(2). I’m almost 99.9% sure based on your inquiry you guys have missed both windows of opportunity.
A. First both spouses must file in order for one spouse to claim spousal benefits. I am referring specifically to married couples and not divorcees.
B. One strategy is referred to as File and Suspend. The older spouse at Full Retirement Age (66 for those born between 1943-1954) files and immediately suspends thus opening the door for Auxilary Benefits or in your case (maximum spousal benefits) at the other spouses Full Retirement age. Basically the younger spouse could file at 62 and collect reduced benefits or wait until she is 66, file a restricted application, and claim unreduced spousal benefits until age 70 and then switch to her own retirement benefits if it would yield more. The older spouse could allow his own benefit to grow from age 66 thru 70.
B. The second strategy as mentioned above is called Filing a restricted application. She awaits until she is 66 before filing and narrows the scope of her application to Spousal Benefits while allowing her own to grow.
C. The catch. The grand parenting clause under the BBA of 2015.
1. The older spouse must have filed and suspended prior to 30 April 2016.
2. For the other (younger) spouse to file a Restricted Application at Full Retirement Age, he or she must have been 62 on or before 2 Jan 2016. (read again)
D. Thus if you and your spouse are not grandparented under the BBA of 2015 you are both considered “Deemed.” This means when you or your spouse files you are filing for all benefits you may be eligible for.
E. So what’s next in line for either spouse at ages 74 and 77? In all likelihood, Survivor Benefits unfortunately. And without going into detail there exist several situations and calculations that will affect the amount of these benefits.
I would definitely contact your local SHIP Office., State Health Insurance Assistance Office and inquire into the Medicare Savings Plan (MSP) which if you qualify in your state could put that monthly Part B Medicare premium that SSA has been deducting from your monthly benefit check, back in your wallet. Also if you qualify for MSP you can get alot of help with Prescription Drug cost through a program called EXTRA HELP (LIS) Part D.
BOTTOM LINE: If 50% of your spouse’s retirement benefit at a minimum is twice the amount of 100% of your own retirement benefit could possibly yield what is referred to as Excess Spousal Benefit. If not, your offset would be set at 0.
I hope this helps or at least motivates you to seek advice from the SSA.
My father passed 1/14/2019, but my mom just received the death certificate. Since it isn’t the same month my father died, does that mean she will not be able to apply for Survivor benefits?
Absolutely not. My best advice to you. Make an appointment with your local SSA Office. Go with Mom. Normally, funeral directors notify the SSA if one was used. Check with them first. Nothing happens overnight with SSA. Your mother, if eligible will know if SSA has been notified if she soon receives a check in the mail for 255.00. There are times that this application process can get lost in memory when working with a Funeral Director. But by all means, get over to the SSA Office.
Mailed SSA retirement appeal, 2 months ago. It still not showing online, on my account. Submitted to the local office in Sanford, not showing either, very strange considering I have 90 days and a shady lawyer.
I sent a letter tthe SSA Office in Fitchburg, MA wondering why I never got an increase in benefits for 2019. I received a letter from the SSA requesting my SS Number. I would assume the SSA Office would have my SS Number. I’m very suspicious of the frauds going around. I hope to hear your reply.
Ray, yes you will or should make an appointment. Secondly, you will be applying for Survivors Benefits as a Widower. I caution, before you sign on the dotted line, talk to someone about maximizing your benefits even if you still are insistent on applying. The education is invaluable.
Hi Ed,
Go online to SSA.gov and open your secure account(MySSA.gov). Your answer lies within. Several reasons could be present in which results in no visible increase. You could have been subjected in previous years to the Hold Harmless provision which prevented any reduction to your SSA benefit because of an increase to Medicare premiums. That2.8 % raise could have been attributed to Part B Premium in 2029, still without reducing your benefit. Quite the confusing bearing reply but I encourage you to open your account and see if your Part B Premium has increased from past years.
Correction: last paragraph 2019 vice 2029 (sry)
For saying it is easy to apply, I find that is a lie. I am currently still working and I am not planning on retiring for a couple more years. I turn 65 this month and I have been told that I still need to sign up for Medicare even though I won’t use it. This is not an easy task because your websites keep taking me to ads. All I want is an easy way to do what I have to do, Why is it so complicated? What happens if I don’t sign up by June or July?
Hi Rich,
Let me make it simple for you. And should you want to delve into the statutory playbook, reply to my email and I will send you the applicable rules.
#1. So long as you have current “active” employer group health plan, you can continue to work until you are 100 if your heart so desires without having to sign of for Medicare. Further, no one can make you sign up for Medicare ever. The key word here is having Current “active” coverage.
#2. If you work for an employer who has fewer than 20 employees or fewer than 100 employees (if disabled) then it woul make perfectly good sense to sign up for Medicare as Medicare then in this case would become Primary.
#3. You can enroll in Part A of Medicare and it will not have much effect unless you are hospitalized in a Medicare approved facility and your current active coverage may not cover some expenses. I am assuming you have paid into Social Security system through payroll taxes and are fully insured (10 yrs or at least 40 quarters of work credits). Your Part A is then Premium Free.
Ya
#3. Talk to someone who knows what they are talking about. There are SHIP offices in every state and this service is free. SHIP stands for State Health Insurance Assistance Program. Some states go by different names but nonetheless all offer free counseling. Google my friend
My local SSA advised that to claim SS Retirement Benefits, enrollment in Medicare Part A was mandatory and opting out was not an option. Since it conflicts with contribution/participation in my company’s HSA, they suggested I either withdraw my application or accept I would lose the advantages of the HSA. However, the SSA agent at the general call center advised I could submit documentation to that SSA office/agent that enrollment in Part A conflicted with my HDHP HSA (seems she already knows that); and then they can process the application without Part A enrollment. I asked for a reference to policy or webpage and was told that our phone conversation was recorded and I could provide that to the local agent. The documentation of conflict is clear in IRS Publication 969 so I think I’m being led a merry chase. Do you know of a means to claim retirement benefits without enrolling in Part A? I haven’t been able to decline Part A although it sounds simple enough. In the online application, I checked the box that I did not want to apply for Medicare but apparently that does not include Part A.
Thank you
I have been receiving benefits based on my divorced spouse’s work history. I will be 70 in July & want to switch to benefits based on my own work history. I CAN’T DO THIS ON LINE via my account. I can’t get through to SSA local office by phone. Now what?
Hello, I am thinking about moving back to my country of birth. Can I make arrangements to have my pension deposited into a bank account there?
Hello. I am 65 years old and plan on working until I am 70 years old., after which time I will collect my social security benefit. My wife, however, just turned 64 and is retired and would like to collect SS benefits now. Can she file as an individual and receive those benefits without impacting my plan to wait until I am 70 to apply for mine? Also, can she get spousal benefits when I file, thereby increasing the amount she receives – in effect, more than doubling the amount she is now entitled to get at age 64?
Can I make an Appointment with my local social security office to get advice on the best time to apply for my Social Security benefit, I just turn 65 and need advice on weather to apply now or wait until 70
I canceled my retirement and received confirmation I had done so. I received a letter saying “We have not heard from you since we told you that we approve your request…etc.
The letter is telling me I need to send a check or money order. Is this a fraud attempt? I need to be contacted immediately.
trying to get direct deposit for ss checks went to bank and filled out papers sent into SS said rejected… Called said could not help???crazy
I have applied for retirement about a month ago, I was called yesterday (3/27/19) I was left a message to call back, and I tried that number to no avail. I could not understand the message entirely, so I dont have the womans name either. I tried everything and allowed others to hear the message to no avail. I need this benefit, What is wrong.
I want to apply for retirement benefits because i cannot perfom.my job.due to excessive back.pain. I am 64 yrs. old & only can work 4 hrs per day. I work at a major college as a custodian. Am i allowed to work 4 hrs. per day as i know you are only allowed to work so many hrs. Is that possible????
Can I apply for Social Security Retirement AFTER applying for SSDI, but not yet been approved for SSDI?
I have been approved for LTD benefits by a private insurance carrier. The private carrier has required me to apply for SSDI. If the private insurance carrier terminates my monthly benefit prior to SSDI being approved, then I would have an urgent need to apply for Social Security Retirement. Would I first need to withdraw my application for SSDI in order apply for Social Security Retirement?
I will be turning 65 in July. I am currently receiving survivors benefits. I would like to know if I can switch to start receiving my benefits. Medicare will automatically start the $135.00 deductible from what I am receiving now which will take away from my income. I’m receiving retirement from my previous job..