You should apply for retirement benefits four months before you want your benefits to start. The easiest and most convenient way to apply for retirement benefits is by using our online application. You will need to create or log in to your personal my Social Security account. If we are not able to process your request, you will receive specific information on how to contact us by phone or schedule an appointment.
Apply for Retirement Benefits
We may need to see certain documents to complete your application. If you apply online, a list of documents we need to see will appear at the end of the application, along with instructions on where to submit them. The documents we may ask for are:
- Your original birth certificate or other proof of birth [more info] (You may also submit a copy of your birth certificate certified by the issuing agency).
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status if you were not born in the United States [more info].
- A copy of your U.S. military service paper(s) (e.g., DD-214 - Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) if you had military service before 1968 [more info].
- A copy of your W-2 form(s) [more info] and/or self-employment tax return [more info] for last year.
For more information, go to Apply for Retirement Benefits.
You can also apply:
- By phone - Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- In person - Visit your local Social Security Office. (Call first to make an appointment.)
If you do not live in the U.S. or one of its territories you can also - Contact the nearest U.S. Social Security office, U.S. Embassy or consulate.
Other Questions You May Find Helpful
- How far in advance can I apply for Social Security retirement benefits?
- How do I return to an online application for retirement benefits that I already started but did not finish?
- How do I check the status of a pending application for benefits?
You should apply for retirement benefits four months before you want your payments to start. The easiest and most convenient way to apply for retirement benefits is by using our online application. You will be asked to create or log in to your personal my Social Security account. If we are not able to process your request, you will receive specific information on how to contact us by phone or schedule an appointment.
Apply for Retirement Benefits
We may need to see certain documents in order to pay benefits. If you apply online, a list of documents we need to see will appear at the end of the application, along with instructions on where to submit them. The documents we may ask for are:
- your original birth certificate or other proof of birth [more info] (You may also submit a copy of your birth certificate certified by the issuing agency);
- proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status if you were not born in the United States [more info];
- a copy of your U.S. military service paper(s) (e.g., DD-214 - Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) if you had military service before 1968; [more info]; and
- a copy of your W-2 form(s) [more info] and/or self-employment tax return [more info] for last year.
For more information, go to Applying Online for Retirement Benefits.
You can also apply:
- By phone - Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm; or
- In person - Visit your local Social Security Office. (Call first to make an appointment.)
If you do not live in the U.S. or one of its territories you can also - Contact the nearest U.S. Social Security office, U.S. Embassy or consulate.
Other Questions You May Find Helpful
- How far in advance can I apply for Social Security retirement benefits?
- How do I return to an online application for retirement benefits that I already started but did not finish?
- How do I check the status of a pending application for benefits?
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Return to the application
What Documents Do You Need to Apply for Retirement Benefits? (En español)
We request different documents depending on your circumstances. You can help by being ready to provide the information and documents listed below. You can also use our
Checklist For The Online Medicare, Retirement, And Spouses Application to help you gather the information you need to apply. Documents we may ask for include: If our records show you’ve already provided proof of age or citizenship or lawful alien status for an earlier Medicare or
Social Security claim, you do not need to submit the documents again. We will return all documents and photocopies unless specifically told otherwise. Even if you don't have everything, don't delay applying for Social Security retirement benefits. You can provide the missing documents later. We may be able to help you get them. In many cases, your local Social Security
office can contact your state Bureau of Vital Statistics and verify your information online at no cost to you or find other ways to get the information we need. If you delay signing up, you could lose some benefits you may be due.If You Don't Have All Of The Documents