Apply for retirement benefits :
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Online - Use Social Security's Retirement/Medicare Benefit Application to apply for retirement, spouse's, ex-spouse's or Medicare benefits.
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By phone - Call the SSA at
1-800-772-1213. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can call us at TTY1-800-325-0778 . -
In person - Visit your local Social Security office. (Call first to make an appointment.)
Reminders:
- 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 can sign up for just Medicare three months before your 65th birthday.
When You Apply
The SSA may ask you to provide certain documents like your Social Security card, birth certificate, and military papers to show that you are eligible and help decide how much your benefits should be.
Also, have bank information so you can sign up for Direct Deposit. If you do not have a bank account you can sign up for the Direct Express® card program.
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