You must be at least age 62 for the entire month to be eligible to receive benefits. If you were born on the first or second day of the month, you meet this requirement in the month of your 62nd birthday. If you were born on any other day of the month, you do not meet this requirement until the following month. Show
You can apply up to four months before you want your retirement benefits to start. For example, if you turn 62 on December 2, you can start your benefits as early as December, and apply in August. Even if you are not ready to retire, you still should sign up for Medicare three months before your 65th birthday. When you’re ready to apply for retirement benefits, use our online retirement application, the quickest, easiest, and most convenient way to apply. More Information How Early Can I Apply How To Apply You can apply: You can help by being ready to: We may ask you to provide documents to show that you are eligible, such as:
Important We accept photocopies of W-2 forms, self-employment tax returns or medical documents, but we must see the original of most other documents, such as your birth certificate. (We will return them to you.) Do not delay applying for benefits because you do not have all the documents. We will help you get them. What we will ask you
Note You also should bring along your checkbook or other papers that show your account number at a bank, credit union or other financial institution so you can sign up for Direct Deposit, and avoid worries about lost or stolen checks and mail delays. What documents do you need to start collecting Social Security?What Documents Do You Need to Apply for Retirement Benefits? (En español). Your Social Security card or a record of your number.. Your original birth certificate, a copy certified by the issuing agency, or other proof of your age. ... . If you were not born in the U.S., proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status.. How do I start signing up for Social Security?You can apply:. Online; or.. By calling our national toll-free service at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visiting your local Social Security office. ... . If you do not live in the U.S. or one of its territories, you can also contact your nearest U.S. Social Security office, U.S. Embassy or consulate.. Is it better to apply for Social Security online or in person?Applying online is the easiest way to complete your application at a time that works for you, without a trip to the Social Security office.
How long does it take to get your first Social Security check after you apply?Benefit applications can take up to three months to process, so apply three months before your planned start date. If you are drawing spousal or survivor benefits on another person's earnings record, your payment date depends on that person's birthday and follows the schedule above.
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