⚠ Disclaimer: Educational only. Not legal/tax/financial advice. Always verify on official government websites.
You can apply for Social Security retirement, disability, and spousal benefits entirely online at ssa.gov. Applications typically take 30 minutes.
📋 What You Need
- Social Security number
- Bank account for direct deposit
- Employment history
- Birth certificate or passport
1
Choose your start age
Starting at 62 reduces benefits by up to 30%. Delaying past FRA increases by 8% per year.
2
Create my Social Security account
Go to ssa.gov and click “my Social Security.”
3
Apply online
Go to ssa.gov/benefits/retirement and click “Apply for Retirement.”
4
Enter your work history
Review your earnings history to catch any errors.
5
Track your benefits
After approval, first payment arrives the month after it begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I receive benefits while working?
Yes, if at or above full retirement age.
How do I apply for SSDI?
Apply at ssa.gov/benefits/disability or call 1-800-772-1213.