When and where to register for Social Security
You can register for Social Security at any age, but you will not receive payments until you reach 62 (the earliest age for retirement benefits) or meet other conditions for disability or survivor benefits. Most people register a few months before they turn 62, or right after a major life event like retirement, job loss, or the death of a spouse.
You have three ways to register: online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or in person at your local Social Security office. The online method is fastest — you can complete it in about 15 minutes from home. Phone registration takes longer because you will answer questions out loud, and in-person visits require you to travel and may mean waiting, but all three paths lead to the same result.
If you are deaf or hard of hearing, the TTY number above connects you to a relay service. If English is not your primary language, Social Security can arrange an interpreter by phone or in person — call ahead to request one.
Key Takeaways
- You can register online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office, and the online method is usually fastest.
- Bring or have ready your birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and your most recent tax return or W-2 form.
- If you are still working, tell Social Security your expected retirement date so they can calculate your benefits correctly.
- Register a few months before you turn 62 or before you plan to stop working, because processing takes time and benefits do not start until the month after you register.
- If you lose your Social Security card, you can request a replacement during registration or afterward at any Social Security office.
Documents you need to have ready
Social Security will ask you to prove who you are and confirm your work history. Have these documents nearby before you start, whether you are registering online, by phone, or in person:
- Your birth certificate (original or certified copy)
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency — a passport, naturalization papers, or a green card
- Your most recent tax return, W-2 form, or pay stub showing your earnings
- Your driver's license or state ID card
If you were born outside the United States, you will also need to show how you entered the country legally. If you are registering by phone or online, you do not need to mail these documents right away — Social Security will tell you if they need originals later. If you register in person, bring the originals or certified copies; photocopies are not accepted.
If you do not have a birth certificate, Social Security can help you understand what documents they will accept instead. Call 1-800-772-1213 to ask what your state allows.
Registering online at ssa.gov
Go to ssa.gov and look for the "Create my Social Security" account button on the homepage. You will set up a username and password, then answer security questions. This account lets you manage your Social Security information anytime, so keep your login details safe.
Once you are logged in, look for "explore for Retirement Benefits" or "explore for Benefits" depending on what you need. You will fill in your personal information, work history, and banking details for direct deposit. The form asks when you want your benefits to start — this is usually the month after you register, but you can choose a later month if you are still working and want to delay.
After you submit, you will see a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot. Social Security will contact you by mail or phone if they need more information. Most online registrations are processed within two weeks, but it can take longer during busy periods.
Registering by phone
Call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Have your documents ready before you call. A representative will ask you the same questions as the online form — your name, date of birth, citizenship status, work history, and banking information for direct deposit.
The call usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. At the end, the representative will give you a confirmation number. Write it down. You will receive a letter in the mail confirming what you reported. Check it carefully and call back if anything is wrong.
If you call during a busy time, you may wait on hold. Calling early in the morning or mid-week is usually faster than calling on Monday or Friday afternoon.
Registering in person at a Social Security office
Find your local office at ssa.gov/locator or call 1-800-772-1213 for the address and hours. Bring your original documents or certified copies — photocopies will not be accepted. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now ask you to schedule one online or by phone to reduce wait times.
Arrive early if you do not have an appointment, because walk-in lines can be long. Bring a book or something to do. The registration itself takes 15 to 20 minutes once you are called, but the total time in the office can be an hour or more.
After you finish, you will receive a receipt showing what you reported. Keep it. You will also get a letter in the mail within two weeks confirming your registration. If anything on that letter is wrong, call or visit the office again to correct it.
What happens after you register
Social Security will review your work record and calculate your benefit amount. This usually takes two to four weeks. You will receive a letter by mail telling you your monthly benefit amount and when payments will start. If Social Security needs more information from you, they will call or send a letter asking for it.
Your first payment arrives by direct deposit (if you set that up) or by check, usually in the month after you register. If you registered to start benefits in a future month, your first payment will arrive in that month instead. For example, if you register in January but ask for benefits to start in April, your first payment comes in April.
After you start receiving benefits, you can check your account anytime at ssa.gov using the username and password you created. You can see your payment history, update your banking information, and report changes like a new address or a change in your work status.
If you need to change or cancel your registration
If you registered but have not yet received your first payment, you can cancel your registration by contacting Social Security. Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office. You have 12 months from the month you registered to cancel without penalty.
If you already started receiving benefits and want to stop them temporarily (for example, because you went back to work), you can suspend your benefits. This is different from canceling. Suspended benefits earn delayed retirement credits, which means your monthly payment will be higher when you restart them. Call Social Security to discuss whether suspension makes sense for your situation.
If you need to change information you reported — like your banking details, address, or the month you want benefits to start — you can update it online through your Social Security account, by phone, or in person at your local office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register before I turn 62?
Yes, you can create a Social Security account and start the registration process anytime. However, Social Security will not process your retirement benefit registration until you are within four months of turning 62. If you register early, they will hold your process and process it closer to your 62nd birthday.
What if I do not have a birth certificate?
Social Security will accept other documents that prove your age and identity, such as a passport, baptism record, or school records. Call 1-800-772-1213 to ask which documents your state allows. If you need a birth certificate, Social Security can tell you how to request one from your state's vital records office.
Do I have to use direct deposit?
Social Security strongly encourages direct deposit because it is faster and safer than checks. However, if you do not have a bank account, you can receive payments on a debit card issued by Social Security. Ask about this option when you register.
What if I was born outside the United States?
You can register for Social Security if you are a U.S. citizen or have legal residency. Bring your passport, green card, or naturalization papers to prove your status. If you worked under a different name in the past, bring documents showing the name change, such as a marriage certificate.
How long does it take to get my first payment after I register?
Social Security usually processes registrations within two to four weeks. Your first payment arrives in the month you requested when you registered, or the month after if you did not specify a date. Payments come by direct deposit or check, usually between the 1st and the 22nd of the month.