How to sign up for social security at 65

You should apply no later than the month in which you want your benefits to start. You can file up to four months before that, which gives Social Security ample time to process your application. As the minimum age to collect retirement benefits is 62, the earliest you can apply is when you reach 61 years and 9 months.

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You can start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. However, you are entitled to full benefits when you reach your full retirement age. If you delay taking your benefits from your full retirement age up to age 70, your benefit amount will increase.

If you start receiving benefits early, your benefits are reduced a small percent for each month before your full retirement age.

To find out how much your benefit will be reduced if you begin receiving benefits from age 62 up to your full retirement age, use the chart below and select your year of birth. This example is based on an estimated monthly benefit of $1000 at full retirement age.

Full Retirement and Age 62 Benefit By Year Of Birth

Year of Birth 1.Full (normal) Retirement AgeMonths between age 62 and full retirement age 2.At Age 62 3.A $1000 retirement benefit would be reduced toThe retirement benefit is reduced by 4.A $500 spouse's benefit would be reduced toThe spouse's benefit is reduced by 5.1943-19546648$75025.00%$35030.00%195566 and 2 months50$74125.83%$34530.83%195666 and 4 months52$73326.67%$34131.67%195766 and 6 months54$72527.50%$33732.50%195866 and 8 months56$71628.33%$33333.33%195966 and 10 months58$70829.17%$32934.17%1960 and later6760$70030.00%$32535.00%

1. If you were born on January 1st, you should refer to the previous year.
2. If you were born on the 1st of the month, we figure your benefit (and your full retirement age) as if your birthday was in the previous month. If you were born on January 1st, we figure your benefit (and your full retirement age) as if your birthday was in December of the previous year.
3. You must be at least 62 for the entire month to receive benefits.
4. Percentages are approximate due to rounding.
5. The maximum benefit for the spouse is 50 percent of the benefit the worker would receive at full retirement age. The percent reduction for the spouse should be applied after the automatic 50 percent reduction. Percentages are approximate due to rounding.

Before You Make Your Decision

There are advantages and disadvantages to taking your benefit before your full retirement age. The advantage is that you collect benefits for a longer period of time. The disadvantage is your benefit will be reduced. Each person's situation is different. It is important to remember:

• If you delay your benefits until after full retirement age, you will be eligible for delayed retirement credits that would increase your monthly benefit.
• That there are other things to consider when making the decision about when to begin receiving your retirement benefits.

If you decide to delay your benefits until after age 65, you should still apply for Medicare benefits within three months of your 65th birthday. If you wait longer, your Medicare medical insurance (Part B) and prescription drug coverage (Part D) may cost you more money.

You can apply for retirement benefits up to four months before you want to start receiving your benefits. Even if you are not ready to retire, you still should sign up for Medicare three months before your 65th birthday.

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.

You can also apply by calling us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.  or visiting your local Social Security Office. (Call first to make an appointment.)

If you live outside of the United States, you can find the office that serves your country of residence on the Social Security Office of Earnings & International Operations page.

Choosing when to start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits is an important decision. There’s no one choice that works for everyone because your lifestyle, finances, and goals are not the same as others.

Do you want to retire early, stay on the job, or work beyond retirement age?

Should you start receiving retirement benefits now, or wait until you can receive a higher benefit amount?

These are important questions you’ll need to answer as you plan for your retirement. Consider the four options below to help you make the best decision.