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Do you need help applying for social security retirement benefits? You've paid into the social security system your entire working career, and now its time to collect! Read on to learn how to apply for social security retirement benefits.
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Applying Online for Retirement Benefits - Social Security Part 1
This official video from the Social Security Administration walks you through the process of applying for Social Security retirement benefits using the online application system. The video maintains that the process is secure, and the information you enter can be saved so you don't need to complete it all in one sitting. You may need to mail in supporting documents.
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Introduction
Social security income provides a safety net by providing a minimum level of retirement income for retirees who paid into the social security system during their working lives. If you are eligible and would like to begin collecting your social security retirement benefits, this page will help you learn how to apply for social security retirement benefits. -
Step 1: When to Apply for Social Security Retirement Benefits
You can apply for social security retirement benefits once you are 61 years and 9 months old, and have decided that you want to start receiving your benefits in the next four months. Although you can apply to begin receiving social security retirement benefits that early, it may not be in your best interests to do so. You should discuss when to begin receiving social security benefits with your accountant or financial adviser. -
Step 2: What You Need to Apply for Social Security Retirement Benefits
You should have the following information available as you complete the application.- Date and place of birth
- Social Security number
- Amount you earned both last year and this year, and if you're applying in the last fiscal quarter, you'll also need to estimate the following year's earnings
- Name and address of any employers for the current and prior years
- Beginning and ending dates of any active U.S. military service before 1968
- Name, Social Security number and date of birth of your current and any former spouses.
- Dates and places of marriage and dates of divorce or death for each marriage
- Copy of your most recent Social Security Statement, which is sent to you annually three months before your birthday
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Step 3: How to Apply for Social Securty Retirement Benefits
The government gives you three options to apply for social security retirement benefits. You can apply for social security retirement benefits by phone (800-772-1213) , in person at a social security office, or online.https://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/iRRet/rib