You need to contact Social Security directly to begin receiving benefits

Social Security does not automatically send you money when you turn 62 or reach full retirement age. You must contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) and go through their process to start receiving payments. The SSA will review your work history, calculate your benefit amount based on your age and earnings record, and set up direct deposit to your bank account.

You can start this process up to four months before you want your benefits to begin. Most people receive their first payment one to two months after the SSA processes their request, though the exact timing depends on when you contact them and how quickly they verify your information.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact Social Security by phone, in person, or online — you cannot receive benefits without reaching out to them first.
  • You can start the process up to four months before you want payments to begin, which gives the SSA time to verify your work history.
  • Have your birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and bank account information ready when you contact them.
  • Your benefit amount depends on your age when you start — waiting until full retirement age or later increases your monthly payment.
  • Direct deposit is the only way to receive benefits; the SSA no longer issues checks.

Three ways to contact Social Security

By phone: Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing). The line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are shortest early in the morning or on Wednesdays and Thursdays. You do not need an appointment.

In person: Visit your local Social Security office. You can find the address and hours at ssa.gov/locator. Some offices now require you to make an appointment first — check the office website or call ahead. Bring the documents listed below.

Online: Create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount. You can start the process yourself and submit documents electronically. This route is fastest if your records are straightforward and you have a valid email address and phone number on file.

Documents you will need

Have these ready before you contact Social Security, whether by phone, in person, or online:

  • Your birth certificate (original or certified copy)
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency (passport, naturalization papers, or green card)
  • Your most recent tax return or W-2 form (to verify recent earnings)
  • Bank account number and routing number (for direct deposit)
  • Your name, Social Security number, and date of birth

If you were born outside the United States, you may also need to provide immigration documents. If you have changed your name since your Social Security card was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.

How your benefit amount is calculated

The SSA looks at your 35 highest-earning years of work and calculates an average. Your benefit amount then depends on your age when you start. If you start at 62 (the earliest age), your monthly payment will be roughly 30 percent lower than if you waited until your full retirement age. If you wait until 70, your payment will be roughly 24 percent higher than at full retirement age.

Full retirement age varies by birth year. If you were born between 1943 and 1954, your full retirement age is 66. If you were born in 1960 or later, it is 67. You can find your exact full retirement age on your Social Security statement, which you can view in your my Social Security account.

If you have not worked 35 years, the SSA will include zeros in the calculation, which lowers your benefit. If you worked for a government employer and received a pension, your benefit may be reduced under rules called the Government Pension Offset or Windfall Elimination Provision — the SSA will tell you if either applies to you.

What happens after you submit your request

Once you contact Social Security, they will verify your identity and work history. This usually takes two to four weeks if your records are complete and match what is in their system. If there are discrepancies — for example, if your name on file does not match your current legal name — the process may take longer.

The SSA will tell you your benefit amount and when your first payment will arrive. Payments are deposited on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of each month, depending on your birth date. You will receive a notice in the mail or through your my Social Security account confirming the decision and your payment schedule.

If the SSA needs more information, they will contact you by phone or mail. Respond promptly — delays in providing documents can push back your start date.

Direct deposit is required

Social Security no longer mails checks. You must set up direct deposit to a U.S. bank account, credit union account, or prepaid debit card account. You will provide your routing number and account number when you contact the SSA. Make sure the account is in your name or jointly in your name and someone else's.

If you do not have a bank account, you can open one at most banks and credit unions with just your ID and Social Security number. Some banks offer accounts with no minimum balance or monthly fee. If you prefer not to use a bank, you can use a prepaid debit card — the SSA can deposit directly to those as well.

What to do if you have worked for a government employer

If you worked for a federal, state, or local government and did not pay Social Security taxes on that job, your Social Security benefit may be reduced. This happens under two rules: the Government Pension Offset (which affects spouses and survivors) and the Windfall Elimination Provision (which affects workers themselves).

The Windfall Elimination Provision reduces your benefit if you receive a government pension and also have a Social Security benefit based on your own work. The reduction is not dollar-for-dollar — it is calculated using a formula — but it can be significant. When you contact Social Security, tell them about any government pension you receive. They will calculate whether the rule applies and by how much.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my mind after I start benefits?

Yes, but only within limits. If you started benefits within the past 12 months, you can withdraw your request and stop receiving payments. You must repay all benefits you received. After 12 months, you cannot withdraw, but you can suspend benefits at your full retirement age or later, which pauses payments and increases your benefit amount when you restart them.

What if I am still working when I start benefits?

You can work and receive benefits at the same time, but if you are under full retirement age, your benefit will be reduced by $1 for every $2 you earn above a yearly limit (the limit changes each year). Once you reach full retirement age, there is no earnings limit. Tell Social Security about your work when you contact them.

Do I need to report changes to Social Security after I start receiving benefits?

Yes. Report changes in your address, bank account, marital status, or work situation. You can report most changes through your my Social Security account or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Some changes, like marriage or divorce, may require you to visit an office in person.

What if my Social Security number was stolen or my identity was compromised?

Contact Social Security when ready by phone at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office. They can place a fraud alert on your account and issue you a new Social Security number if needed. Also report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov.

Can someone else contact Social Security on my behalf?

Yes, if you give them written permission. You can authorize a family member, friend, or attorney to represent you by completing Form SSA-1696 (Appointment of Representative). The person you appoint can contact Social Security, receive notices, and help with your case.