Social Security Benefit Application
You Can Apply for Social Security Benefit:
Online – Use SSA Social Security Retirement/Medicare Benefit Application to apply for retirement, spouse’s, ex-spouse’s or Medicare benefits.
By phone – Call us at 1-800-772-1213. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can call us at TTY 1-800-325-0778.
In person – Visit your local Social Security office. (Call first to make an appointment.)
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.
Important Reminders before applying for Social Security Benefits:
You must be at least 61 years and 9 months old to apply for retirement benefits.
If you are already age 62, you may be able to start your benefits in the month you apply.
You should apply for benefits no more than four months before the date you want your benefits to start.
Benefits are paid the month after they are due. (If your benefits start in April, you will receive your first benefit payment in May.)
If you are not getting Social Security and you are not ready to retire, you should still use our online retirement benefit application to sign up for just Medicare three months before your 65th birthday. read more
To obtain a current Social Security benefits letter, you have a few different options. You can either request the letter online, by phone, or by visiting your local Social Security office in person.
If you choose to request the letter online, you can do so by creating an account on the Social Security Administration’s website. Once you have an account, you can request a benefits verification letter, which will provide information on your monthly benefit amount and eligibility status.
Alternatively, you can call the Social Security Administration’s toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 and request a benefits verification letter over the phone. If you prefer to visit a Social Security office in person, you can use the Social Security Office Locator on the SSA website to find the nearest office and make an appointment.
Regardless of which option you choose, it’s a good idea to have your Social Security number and other identifying information handy, as well as any documentation that may be required to verify your identity and eligibility for benefits.