Social Security: A Guide to Applying for Retirement Benefits

If you plan to retire in the near future, you are probably thinking of asking for social security services. There are several factors to consider before taking the plunge, but knowing the application process can help you prepare when you are ready.

You can start collecting social security services from the age of 62, but you will get more money the more you wait, and you will receive the maximum of advantages at the age of 70.

Whether you are starting to plan retirement or you are ready to apply today, we will guide you throughout the process and inform you about what you need to have ready before you start. To find out more, do not miss our social security sheet and our SSDI cheat sheet and our examination of the reasons why more people apply for advantages very early.

Gather your documentation

You will be asked for a lot of documentation when you ask for social security services, so it’s a good idea to get everything you need before going through the process.

What you need to apply for social security services

Personal information

• Your social security number
• Place of birth (city, state, country)

Work in the past 5 years

• Employers’ names
• Job dates
• Average hours worked
• Pay rate received

Spouse information

• Social security number of current or old spouse
• Date of birth of current or old spouse
• The date on which you were married or divorced
• Place of marriage (city, state, country)

Bank account details

• Routing and account number of your bank account

Eligible dependents

Your children could be eligible for advantages as dependents under your account if they are 17 or under, 18 or 19 years old and still at school (K-12), or have become disabled before 22 years. The eligible children can receive up to half of their parents’ full retirement services.

How to ask for social security services

When you are ready to request social security services, go to https://ssa.gov/apply. You will be invited to create a social security account if you have not already created one. It’s easy.

Once you are connected and on the Social Security Services page, you are wondering (an adult or a child) and what type of service you ask. Select everything that applies and click on the Learn to apply the button. The next page will give you a quick summary of your selections. In the submit a request section, click on the Online Button to start your application.

If you prefer not to apply online, you can call the Social Security Administration to 800-772-1213 To set an appointment to request services. The agent will make an appointment and will let you know if you can do so by phone or if you will have to go to a local branch to apply.

However, due to policy changes and layoffs, monitoring this path can be more difficult. The job deletions have led to waiting times longer than normal to reach the SSA by phone, local branches are crowded and the official site has had problems online. However, the latter will probably remain the easiest of your options, so registration for a social security account should be at the top of your list of things to do even if you choose to apply another way.

Although the SSA indicates that all complaints can be completed on the phone, a new fraud detachment system has been put in place which may require that certain candidates carry out additional steps. If your account is reported for fraud or potential irregularities, you may need to make the identity check in person in a local branch.

What happens after asking for benefits?

Once your request has been received, you will get a letter with a decision concerning your request. If you ask to receive services as soon as possible, you will generally get your decision to decision within 30 days. If you apply in advance, you will receive your letter closer to the time you have chosen to start receiving services. During the request process, you will have to select the month when you would like your advantages to start. If you are approved, your first payment will generally be sent for the following month.

You can always check the condition of your request by logging into your social security account for more, do not miss the four ways in which you could potentially lose your social security services.