When retirement is just around the corner, it is natural to want to enjoy relaxing moments and devote yourself to additional leisure activities or hobbies. Anyway, the process can become complex when applying for Social Security benefits and ensuring medical coverage and a good quality of life.
Before applying for Social Security benefits, you must be sure about when you want to start receiving them. For example, if you turn 65 in November 2024, you could choose to start benefits at that time. Keep in mind that you can receive Social Security payments starting at age 62, although they will be a lesser amount, or wait until age 70 to get the maximum monthly benefit.
What to Know When Applying for Retirement
During the application process, you will need to have your Social Security number, information about your past and current jobs, bank details for direct deposits, and information about your spouse. In addition, experts recommend you to get professional advice about how the retirement age affect your benefits and consider tax aspects that come into play.
The important documents and data that Social Security Administration officials will ask you for are:
- Your Social Security number
- Your birthplace (city, state, country)
- Employment information of the last two years
- Dates of those places of work
- Social Security number and birthdate of your current or past spouses.
- Marriage or divorce date
- Where did you get married (city, state, country)
- Banking information: route number, account number, name of the bank
- Children information: Your children under 18 years old might be eligible to receive benefits, or if they’re still in high school, or if their became disabled before 22.
Ready to Apply for Social Security?
Once you are ready and have all the necessary information, it’s time to go to ssa.gov/apply and log in with your login information. If you don’t have a My Social Security account yet, you can create it right there on the spot.
From this point, you can select who you want to apply for and which benefit program you want to apply for. Your options include various types of benefits including retirement, family, disability and survivor benefits.
To start the application process, you must first scroll down until you find the box that indicates “Submit an Application”. Then, click on “Start Application” and make sure to read the terms of service carefully. Check the box that says “I accept” to proceed to the next step of the application.
If you have not already logged into your My Social Security account, you will be asked to do so before starting the application. It is important to verify your email address during this process. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the application properly.
When you have finally submitted your application, the SSA will have approximately 30 days to send you a letter by mail. If everything is correct and the requirements are met in full, the letter must confirm that your benefits have been approved, or you will be asked for more information.
If you need any more information or help, call an SSA agent at 800-772-1213. They will be happy to help you.