Steps to Start Social Security Benefits

Step 1: Understand When You Are Eligible to Start Social Security Benefits

Retirement Benefits:

• You can start receiving Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62, but if you do, your monthly benefits will be reduced.
• If you wait until your full retirement age (typically 66 or 67, depending on your birth year), you will receive your full benefit amount.
• Delaying benefits until age 70 can increase your monthly benefits due to delayed retirement credits.

Disability Benefits (SSDI):

• If you become disabled and meet the SSA’s eligibility requirements, you can start Social Security Disability benefits after you have worked and paid into Social Security for a specific amount of time.
• To qualify for SSDI, you must have a medical condition that has lasted (or is expected to last) for at least 12 months or result in death.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI):

• This is a need-based program for low-income individuals, and you can apply at any age if you meet the SSA’s financial and disability criteria.

Step 2: Apply for Social Security Benefits

There are a few ways to apply for Social Security benefits, depending on which type you are seeking:

Online Application:

• The easiest and quickest way to apply is by visiting the SSA website at www.ssa.gov. You can apply for retirement, disability, or SSI benefits online.
• You’ll be asked to provide personal information such as your Social Security number, work history, and medical information (for disability claims).

By Phone:

• If you prefer to speak with someone, you can apply over the phone by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778). The SSA representative will assist you with the application process.

In Person:

• If you need help in person, you can visit your local Social Security office to apply. Use the SSA Office Locator tool on their website to find the nearest office.

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

Whether applying online, by phone, or in person, you’ll need to have certain documents ready to complete your application:

• Social Security number: This is necessary to verify your identity.
• Birth certificate or proof of age: The SSA requires proof of your age when applying for retirement benefits.
• Tax returns and income: For SSDI and SSI applications, you’ll need to provide your income details and tax records from previous years.
• Medical records: For disability benefits, you will need to submit your medical records and any reports from your treating doctors.
• Work history: A list of the jobs you’ve held, including your employer’s name, dates of employment, and the kind of work you performed.
• Direct deposit information: To receive your benefits, you’ll need to provide banking information for direct deposit.

Step 4: Decide When to Start Your Benefits

Choosing when to start your Social Security benefits can have a significant impact on the amount you receive each month. Here are the key choices to consider:

• Start at age 62: You can start receiving retirement benefits at age 62, but your benefits will be reduced. For each month you claim benefits before your full retirement age, your monthly payment is reduced by about 0.5%.
• Start at full retirement age (66 or 67): If you start at your full retirement age, you will receive the full amount of benefits based on your earnings history.
• Start after full retirement age: If you delay receiving benefits until after your full retirement age (up to age 70), you will receive delayed retirement credits, which will increase your monthly benefit.

If you are applying for SSDI benefits, the timing is usually based on when your disability started and when your application is processed.

Step 5: Wait for a Decision

After you’ve submitted your application, the SSA will review it and decide whether to approve or deny your claim. The waiting time for a decision varies:

• Retirement Benefits: If you’ve applied for retirement benefits, the process is typically faster, and you should hear back within a few weeks.
• Disability Benefits (SSDI): The process may take longer, especially if you are applying for SSDI. It can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months or longer to receive a decision, depending on the complexity of your claim and whether additional information is needed.
• SSI Benefits: SSI applications are also processed separately, and the decision can take several months, especially if the SSA needs to verify your financial information.

Step 6: Start Receiving Benefits

Once your application is approved, you will start receiving your Social Security benefits. Payments are typically made on a monthly basis.

• For retirement and disability benefits, payments will begin the month after your application is approved. The exact date depends on your birthdate.
• For SSI, payments are typically made at the beginning of each month.

You can choose to have your benefits paid directly to your bank account via Direct Deposit, which is the fastest and most secure way to receive payments.

Step 7: Monitor Your Benefits and Keep Records

Once your benefits start, you’ll need to keep an eye on them to ensure everything is accurate:

• Create an SSA Online Account: You can manage your benefits, view your payment history, and update your contact information by setting up an online account with the SSA.
• Check for annual statements: The SSA will send annual benefit statements to help you track your benefits and any changes in your payment amount.
• Report any changes: If your financial or medical situation changes, it’s important to report these changes to the SSA as they can affect your eligibility or benefit amount.