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Reviewed July 31, 2026

Submit a Social Security retirement application

Pick the start month, use the official SSA application route, and respond promptly if Social Security asks for evidence.

File within the correct window

You can apply up to four months before the month you want retirement benefits to begin. The first payment generally arrives in the following month.

Before starting

  • Review your Social Security earnings record and benefit estimates.
  • Choose the month you want benefits to begin.
  • Consider whether continued work before full retirement age may affect payments.
  • Check Medicare timing separately if you are near age 65.

Application routes

  • Online: use Social Security’s official benefit application when the service is available for your claim.
  • Telephone: call Social Security and arrange assistance or an appointment.
  • Local office: contact the office first and follow its filing instructions.
  • Outside the United States: use the Social Security office, U.S. embassy, or consulate route that serves your place of residence.

Steps

  1. Open the official SSA application service and select retirement benefits.
  2. Enter your identity, family, work, earnings, citizenship, and prior-benefit information.
  3. Choose the requested benefit start month and answer the Medicare questions that appear.
  4. Provide direct-deposit information and review every answer before submission.
  5. Save the confirmation and follow the instructions for any documents SSA must see.

Information SSA may request

Be ready with Social Security numbers and birth details, marriage and divorce history, information about eligible children, current and prior employers, recent earnings, self-employment, railroad work, foreign Social Security credits, certain government pensions, and military service before 1968 when applicable.

Documents may depend on your record

SSA may request proof of age, citizenship or lawful status, military service papers, recent W-2 forms, or a self-employment tax return. Some proofs must be original or certified by the issuing agency. Follow the case-specific instructions shown after filing.

Do not delay only because a document is missing

Submit the application and the records you have. Social Security says you can provide missing documents later and may be able to help verify them.

Official links

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