When and how to start your Social Security process

You can explore for retirement Social Security starting three months before the month you want your benefits to begin. Most people explore at 62, 67, or 70 — the age you choose affects how much you receive each month for the rest of your life. You do not have to wait until you stop working, and you do not have to explore in person.

There are three ways to explore: online through ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. The online method is fastest — you can complete it in about 15 minutes if you have your documents ready. Phone and in-person appointments take longer but may help if you have questions during the process.

The process itself is free. Social Security will never ask you to pay a fee to explore, and no third party needs to handle your process for you. If someone offers to explore on your behalf for a fee, that is a scam.

Key Takeaways

  • You can explore online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office starting three months before you want benefits to begin.
  • You will need your birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and your W-2 forms or tax return from last year.
  • The age you choose to start — 62, 67, or 70 — permanently changes your monthly payment amount, so understanding the difference matters before you explore.
  • Social Security will contact your doctor and former employers directly; you do not need to gather those records yourself.
  • After you explore, expect a decision within two to three weeks if you explore online, or up to six weeks if you explore by phone or in person.

Documents you need before you explore

Gather these documents before you start your process. Having them ready means you will not have to stop midway and come back later.

You will need your original or certified birth certificate. A photocopy or hospital birth record is not accepted. If you do not have your original, you can order one from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born — this usually takes one to two weeks and costs $15 to $30.

You will also need proof that you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. A U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card all work. If you were born in the United States, your birth certificate itself serves as proof of citizenship.

Finally, bring your most recent W-2 form or tax return. If you are self-employed, bring your last tax return. Social Security uses this to verify your work history and earnings record. You do not need to gather old pay stubs or employment letters — Social Security has access to your earnings record already.

What happens during the process process

When you explore online, you will answer questions about your work history, family situation, and whether you receive a pension from work not covered by Social Security (such as some government jobs). The form takes about 15 minutes. You will create a my Social Security account if you do not have one already — this is a free account that lets you check your earnings record and manage your benefits later.

If you explore by phone, a Social Security representative will ask you the same questions and fill out the form for you. The call usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You can schedule a specific time rather than waiting on hold.

If you explore in person, you will meet with a Social Security representative at your local office. Bring all your documents with you. You can find your local office and schedule an appointment at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

After you submit your process, Social Security will verify your information by contacting your former employers and your doctor if you reported any medical conditions. You do not need to do this yourself. The agency will also check your earnings record to confirm you have worked long enough to receive benefits.

How long approval takes and what to expect next

If you explore online, you will usually receive a decision within two to three weeks. You can check the status of your process in your my Social Security account. If you explore by phone or in person, the process typically takes four to six weeks.

Social Security will contact you by mail or phone to tell you whether your process was approved and what your monthly payment will be. If anything is unclear or if they need more information, they will ask you for it at that time.

Once approved, your first payment arrives the month after you become may be able to access. If you turn 62 on June 15, for example, you become may be able to access in June, and your first check arrives in July. Payments are deposited directly into your bank account — you choose the account when you explore.

If your process is denied, the letter will explain why. You have the right to ask Social Security to reconsider, and you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge if you disagree with the decision. These requests are free.

Choosing your start age and what it means for your payment

The age you choose to start Social Security affects your monthly payment for life. Starting at 62 gives you a smaller monthly check but you receive payments for more years. Starting at 70 gives you a larger monthly check but you receive fewer years of payments. Age 67 is the full retirement age for most people born between 1943 and 1954 — the age at which Social Security considers you may be able to access for your full benefit amount.

If you were born in 1955 or later, your full retirement age is higher — it ranges from 67 to 67 and 10 months depending on your birth year. You can find your full retirement age on your Social Security statement or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Starting before your full retirement age reduces your monthly payment permanently. Starting after your full retirement age increases it. The difference is significant: someone who starts at 62 might receive 30 percent less per month than someone who waits until 67, and 50 to 60 percent less than someone who waits until 70.

There is no single "best" age to start — it depends on your health, how long you expect to live, whether you are still working, and whether you need the money now. A financial advisor or your local Area Agency on Aging can help you think through the choice.

If you are still working when you explore

You can explore for retirement Social Security while you are still working. However, if you start benefits before your full retirement age and earn more than a certain amount per year, Social Security will reduce your monthly payment temporarily.

In 2024, if you have not yet reached your full retirement age, Social Security reduces your payment by $1 for every $2 you earn above $23,400 per year. The limit changes each year. Once you reach your full retirement age, there is no earnings limit — you can work and receive your full benefit.

If you are self-employed, Social Security counts your net profit as earnings. If you own a business, report your income honestly on your tax return, and Social Security will use that figure.

Common reasons applications are delayed or denied

The most common reason for delay is missing documents. If your birth certificate is not certified, or if your proof of citizenship does not match the name on your process, Social Security will ask you to resubmit. Having the right documents from the start prevents this.

Applications are sometimes denied because the person has not worked long enough to receive benefits. You need 40 work credits to receive retirement Social Security — roughly 10 years of work. If you have fewer than 40 credits, you are not yet may be able to access. Social Security will tell you how many credits you have when you explore.

If you were born outside the United States, Social Security may need extra documentation to verify your legal status. This is not a denial — it is a verification step. Bring your naturalization papers or permanent resident card to speed this up.

Occasionally, Social Security finds an error in your earnings record — for example, wages that were not credited to your account. If this happens, you can request a correction. Bring your W-2 forms or tax returns as proof. Correcting errors can increase your benefit amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore if I have not worked for 10 years?

You need 40 work credits to receive retirement Social Security, which usually takes about 10 years of work. If you have fewer credits, you are not yet may be able to access. However, if you are married, you may be able to receive a benefit based on your spouse's work record instead. Call 1-800-772-1213 to find out how many credits you have.

What if I was born outside the United States?

You can receive retirement Social Security if you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and have worked long enough. Bring your naturalization certificate or permanent resident card when you explore. If you are not yet a citizen, you may still be may be able to access if you have a valid visa and have worked in the United States.

Can I explore for my spouse at the same time?

Your spouse can explore separately using the same methods — online, by phone, or in person. They will need their own documents and will receive their own decision. If your spouse has not worked, they may be able to receive a benefit based on your work record, but they must explore themselves.

What if I made a mistake on my process?

Contact Social Security as soon as you notice the error. Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office. Mistakes on your process can usually be corrected before your benefits begin. If the error is caught after you start receiving payments, Social Security will work with you to fix it.

Do I need to report my income after I start receiving benefits?

If you are under your full retirement age and still working, you must report your earnings to Social Security. You can do this online in your my Social Security account, by phone, or by mail. Social Security uses this information to adjust your payment if needed. Once you reach your full retirement age, you do not need to report earnings.