When and how to file for Social Security retirement

You can file for Social Security retirement benefits starting at age 62, but your monthly payment will be smaller than if you wait. The Social Security Administration (SSA) processes applications through their website, by phone, or in person at a local office. Most people file between ages 62 and 70, depending on when they need the money and how long they expect to live.

Filing online at ssa.gov is usually the fastest route — you can complete the application in about 15 minutes if you have your documents ready. If you prefer to talk to someone, you can call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit a Social Security office in your area. The SSA will ask you to verify your identity and citizenship, review your earnings record, and confirm your birth date and banking information.

The SSA typically makes a decision within two to three weeks if you file online, though it can take longer if they need to verify information or if you have a complex work history. You do not have to wait for approval to start planning — you can see your estimated benefit amount on your my Social Security account before you file.

Key Takeaways

  • You can file online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office.
  • Filing at 62 gives you a smaller monthly payment than waiting until your full retirement age or age 70, but you receive payments for more years overall.
  • You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship, and banking information to complete your application.
  • The SSA usually decides within two to three weeks, and payments typically start the month after you file or the month you turn 62, whichever is later.

What documents you need before you file

Gather these items before you start your application: your Social Security number, a birth certificate or other proof of birth date, proof of U.S. citizenship (passport, naturalization certificate, or birth certificate issued by a U.S. state), and your banking information for direct deposit. If you were married before, bring divorce papers or a death certificate if your spouse has passed away — the SSA may owe you benefits based on an ex-spouse's or deceased spouse's earnings record.

If you worked outside the United States or received a government pension from work that was not covered by Social Security (such as some military or federal employee pensions), have that information ready. The SSA will ask about it because it may reduce your benefit amount under rules called the Government Pension Offset or Windfall Elimination Provision.

You do not need to print or mail anything if you file online. The SSA will ask you to upload documents or verify them through your my Social Security account. If you file by phone or in person, bring originals or certified copies — the SSA will not accept photocopies.

How your benefit amount is calculated

Your monthly payment is based on your highest 35 years of earnings and the age at which you claim. The SSA calculates your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) — the payment you would receive at your full retirement age — and then adjusts it up or down depending on whether you claim early or late.

If you claim at 62, your payment is roughly 30 percent lower than your full retirement age amount. If you wait until 70, your payment is roughly 24 to 32 percent higher (the exact increase depends on your birth year). Between 62 and 70, your payment grows by about 8 percent per year for each year you delay.

You can see your estimated benefit at three different ages — 62, your full retirement age, and 70 — by logging into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov. The SSA updates this estimate every year, so check it before you file to make sure the earnings record is correct. If you spot an error, report it right away because the SSA can only correct records going back three years, three months, and 15 days.

Full retirement age and how it affects your payment

Your full retirement age depends on your birth year. If you were born between 1943 and 1954, it is 66. If you were born between 1955 and 1960, it rises by two months for each year of birth, reaching 67 for those born in 1960 or later. This is the age at which you receive your full benefit amount with no reduction.

If you claim before your full retirement age, your payment is permanently reduced. If you claim after your full retirement age, your payment grows by 8 percent per year until age 70, after which it stops growing. There is no advantage to waiting past 70.

If you are still working when you claim, the SSA will reduce your payment by $1 for every $2 you earn above an annual limit (the limit changes yearly and is higher in the year you reach full retirement age). Once you reach full retirement age, there is no earnings limit — you can work and receive your full benefit.

Filing online, by phone, or in person

Online filing is available at ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/applyme.html. You will need to create or log into your my Social Security account. The application takes about 15 minutes and you can save your progress and return later if needed. You will upload documents or the SSA will retrieve them from other agencies. This is usually the fastest option.

Phone filing is available by calling 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Wait times are often shorter early in the morning or late in the week. The SSA will mail you forms to sign and return, or they may ask you to upload documents through your my Social Security account. This takes longer than online filing because of the mail step.

In-person filing at a local Social Security office lets you hand over documents and ask questions face-to-face. Find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator. Offices are busiest early in the month and early in the week, so call ahead or visit during mid-month if you can. Bring originals or certified copies of all documents — the SSA will not accept photocopies.

What happens after you file

The SSA will send you a notice by mail within two to three weeks (or longer if they need more information). The notice will tell you whether you were approved, what your monthly payment will be, and when payments will start. If you filed online and the SSA approves you, you may see the decision in your my Social Security account before the letter arrives.

Payments are made by direct deposit to your bank account, or by debit card if you do not have a bank account. Your first payment usually arrives the month after you file, or the month you turn 62, whichever is later. If you filed before you turned 62, payments will not start until the month you turn 62.

After you start receiving benefits, you must report certain life changes to the SSA: if you get married, divorced, or remarried; if you leave the country for more than 30 days; or if your citizenship status changes. You can report changes through your my Social Security account or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Spousal and survivor benefits

If you were married for at least 10 years and are now divorced, you may be able to receive benefits based on your ex-spouse's earnings record without affecting their benefits or their ex-spouse's benefits. You must be at least 62 and your ex-spouse must be at least 62 (or deceased). Bring your divorce papers when you file.

If your spouse is still living and you are at least 62, they may be able to receive a benefit based on your earnings record once you file, even if they have not reached their own full retirement age. This is called a spousal benefit and is usually about half of your full retirement age amount.

If you pass away, your spouse, children, and parents may be able to receive survivor benefits based on your earnings record. They do not have to wait until they reach retirement age to file — children can receive benefits until age 19 (or 23 if in school full-time), and a surviving spouse can receive benefits at any age if caring for a child under 16.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my mind after I file?

Yes, but only within certain limits. If you filed within the last 12 months and have not yet reached your full retirement age, you can withdraw your application and file again later at a higher age. You must repay any benefits you received. If you are past your full retirement age, you cannot withdraw, but you can suspend your benefits to let them grow until age 70.

What if I made a mistake on my application?

Contact the SSA right away at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office. Mistakes about your name, birth date, or citizenship can delay approval. Errors in your earnings record are more serious — the SSA can only correct them going back three years, three months, and 15 days, so report them as soon as you notice them.

Do I have to file online?

No. You can file by phone or in person if you prefer. Online filing is usually faster, but all three methods work. If you are not comfortable with computers, calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting a local office are good options.

What if I am still working when I claim?

You can claim and keep working, but your payment will be reduced if you earn above an annual limit (the limit changes yearly). Once you reach your full retirement age, there is no earnings limit. The SSA will adjust your payment upward later to account for the months they reduced it.

How do I know if my earnings record is correct?

Log into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov and review your earnings history. If you spot missing years or incorrect amounts, contact the SSA within three years, three months, and 15 days of the error. Bring W-2s or tax returns as proof. Correcting errors before you file ensures your benefit is calculated correctly.