How to Apply for Social Security Benefits

You apply for Social Security benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA). Most people do it online with a free my Social Security account, though you can also call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office. Set aside a little time to gather your details first, because the application asks about your work history, your family and your bank account.

• A my Social Security account, created by verifying your identity with Login.gov (or ID.me if you live outside the U.S. or do not have a Social Security number)
• Your date and place of birth and your Social Security number
• Your bank or financial institution's Routing Transit Number and account number
• Your current spouse's and any former spouse's name, Social Security number and date of birth or age, plus dates and places of marriage and dates of divorce or death if relevant
• Names of any unmarried children under age 18, age 18 to 19 and in elementary or secondary school, or disabled before age 22
• Your employer's name and address for this year and last year, and what you earned in each
• Your original birth certificate or other proof of birth, and proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status if you were not born in the United States
• A copy of your W-2 form(s) or self-employment tax return for last year
• A copy of your U.S. military service papers, such as a DD-214, if you had military service before 1968

1. Check what you may qualify for at ssa.gov, where you can see what benefits you may qualify for and how to apply.
2. Create your free my Social Security account at ssa.gov. You first verify your identity with Login.gov; if you live outside the U.S. or do not have a Social Security number, you can create an account with ID.me.
3. Sign in and choose Apply for Benefits to start your application. You can apply for retirement, disability and Medicare benefits online.
4. Work through the questions about you, your work and your family. You do not have to finish in one sitting, so save your progress and come back another day if you need to.
5. Enter your bank's Routing Transit Number and account number so your payments can be sent by direct deposit.
6. If you are within 3 months of age 65, say whether you want to enroll in Medical Insurance, which is Part B of Medicare.
7. If you are applying for retirement benefits, choose the month you want your benefits to begin.
8. Submit the application through your account. If you apply online, a list of documents the SSA needs to see will appear at the end, along with instructions on where to submit them.
9. Send in the documents you have. The SSA accepts photocopies of W-2 forms, self-employment tax returns and medical documents, but it must see the original of most other documents, such as your birth certificate, and will return them to you.
10. Check your status in your my Social Security account, where you can see where you are in your application or appeal process.

Most people qualify for retirement benefits with at least 40 work credits, which is about 10 years of work. In 2026, you earn one credit for every $1,890 of earnings, up to four credits a year, and credits beyond 40 do not increase your benefit.

You can start collecting as early as age 62, but your monthly benefit is permanently reduced. Full Retirement Age is between 66 and 67 depending on your birth year, and delaying past it up to age 70 increases your payment. Benefits are based on your 35 highest-earning years, so it is worth checking your earnings record in your my Social Security account and contacting the SSA if you spot an error before you file.

If you keep working before Full Retirement Age, the SSA subtracts $1 from your payments for every $2 you earn above the annual limit, which is $24,480 in 2026. In the year you reach Full Retirement Age, $1 is subtracted for every $3 you earn above a different limit, $65,160 in 2026.

Do not delay your application just because you are missing paperwork. Submit the application and whatever documents you have, because waiting could cost you benefits you are due. In many cases your local office can verify your information with your state Bureau of Vital Statistics online at no cost to you.

If you mail documents, write your Social Security number on a separate sheet of paper and include it in the envelope, and do not write anything on the original documents. Do not mail foreign birth records or documents from the Department of Homeland Security; bring those to a Social Security office instead, where they will be examined and returned.

If your application is denied, you have four levels of appeal: reconsideration, a hearing with an administrative law judge, a review by the Appeals Council, and finally a federal court district action. You can request reconsideration through your online account.

Can I apply for Social Security online? You can apply for retirement, disability and Medicare benefits online through your my Social Security account, and check your application status there too.

What if I do not have all the documents? Submit the application and any documents you do have. You can provide the missing ones later, or the SSA may be able to help you get them.

Can I get benefits based on my spouse's record? If your spouse is receiving retirement benefits, you may receive up to 50% of their Full Retirement Age benefit amount. If a spouse or ex-spouse has passed away, survivor benefits may be available.

How long until I get my card or payments? If you are requesting a Social Security number for the first time, your card arrives by mail in 5 to 10 business days after approval.

What if my application is denied? You can appeal. The first step is reconsideration, which you can request through your online account, and the process can go as far as federal court.