You register for Social Security retirement benefits by contacting Social Security directly—either online, by phone, or in person at your local office
You do not need to wait until you turn 62 or 67 to start the process. Most people can begin registering about four months before the month they want benefits to start. Social Security will review your work history, calculate your benefit amount based on your age and earnings record, and tell you when payments will begin.
The three ways to register are: online through your personal Social Security account at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or in person at your nearest Social Security office. Online is usually fastest if you have a Social Security account set up already. If you do not have an account, you can create one on the same website in about 10 minutes.
Key Takeaways
- You can register online, by phone, or in person, and you should contact Social Security about four months before you want your first payment.
- You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and your most recent tax return or W-2 form.
- Your benefit amount depends on your age when you start—waiting until 70 gives you a larger monthly payment than starting at 62.
- Social Security will contact your bank to set up direct deposit, which is the only way to receive payments.
- If you are still working, your benefits may be reduced until you reach your full retirement age, depending on how much you earn.
What documents you need to have ready
Before you contact Social Security, gather these documents: your Social Security card or a record of your number, an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, proof that you are a U.S. citizen or legal resident (passport, naturalization papers, or permanent resident card), and your most recent tax return or W-2 form showing your current income.
If you were born outside the United States, you will also need to show your immigration documents. If you have been married more than once, bring divorce decrees or annulment papers for any marriages that ended before your current one. Social Security uses this information to verify your identity and check your work record against their files.
How to create a Social Security account online
Go to ssa.gov and look for the "Create an account" link on the homepage. You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a phone number where Social Security can reach you. Social Security will ask you to verify your identity by answering questions about your credit history or by uploading a photo of your driver's license or state ID.
Once your account is set up, you can log in anytime to see your earnings record, check how much your benefit will be at different ages, and start your registration. The account also lets you change your address, update your phone number, and manage your benefits after you start receiving them. Creating an account takes about 10 minutes and is free.
Registering online through your Social Security account
Log into your Social Security account and select "Retirement" under the "Benefits" section. Answer the questions about your work history, current income, and the month you want benefits to start. Social Security will calculate your benefit amount and show you an estimate right away.
You will be asked to confirm your bank account information so Social Security can set up direct deposit—this is required, as Social Security no longer mails checks. After you submit your process, you will receive a confirmation number. Social Security typically processes online applications within 5 to 7 business days, though some applications take longer if they need more information from you.
Registering by phone or in person
To register 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 Social Security representative will walk you through the questions, verify your information, and tell you when to expect your first payment. The call usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.
To register in person, find your local Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator or call the number above to get the address and hours. Bring your original documents or certified copies. Walk-in appointments are available, but you may wait longer during busy times. Many offices now let you schedule an appointment online, which reduces your wait time.
What happens after you register
Social Security will review your process and your work record. If everything matches their files, you will receive a notice in the mail telling you your benefit amount and when your first payment will arrive. Most first payments arrive within 3 to 5 months after you register, though this varies depending on how busy Social Security is and whether they need to verify any information.
Your payments will be deposited directly into your bank account on the same day each month. If you registered online or by phone, you can check the status of your process by logging into your Social Security account or calling 1-800-772-1213. If Social Security needs more information from you, they will contact you by mail or phone.
How your age affects your benefit amount
The age you start receiving benefits changes how much you get each month. If you were born in 1943 or later, your full retirement age is between 66 and 67, depending on your birth year. You can start benefits as early as 62, but your monthly payment will be about 30 percent lower than if you wait until full retirement age. If you wait until 70, your monthly payment will be about 24 percent higher than at full retirement age.
This difference adds up over time. Starting at 62 means you receive payments for eight more years than if you wait until 70, but each monthly payment is smaller. Starting at 70 means fewer total years of payments, but each payment is much larger. Social Security can show you estimates for different ages so you can see the difference in your situation.
If you are still working when you register
If you are under your full retirement age and still earning income, Social Security will reduce your benefits by $1 for every $2 you earn above a certain amount. That amount changes each year—in 2024, the limit is $23,400, but you should ask Social Security what the current limit is when you register. Once you reach your full retirement age, there is no limit on how much you can earn without affecting your benefits.
Tell Social Security about any income you expect to earn in the year you start benefits. They will adjust your first payment based on what you tell them. If you earn more than you expected, you can contact Social Security to update your information, and they will recalculate your payment for the following year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register before I turn 62?
Yes. You can register about four months before the month you turn 62, or at any age after that. Registering early does not start your payments—you choose the month you want benefits to begin when you fill out your process.
What if I do not have a birth certificate?
You can use other documents that show your date of birth and citizenship, such as a passport, naturalization certificate, or military discharge papers. Contact your local Social Security office to ask which documents they will accept in your situation.
How long does it take to get my first payment after I register?
Most people receive their first payment within 3 to 5 months after they register. Some applications take longer if Social Security needs to verify information or if they are processing a high volume of applications. You can check the status of your process online or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
Can I change my mind after I register and delay my benefits?
Yes, but only within certain limits. If you change your mind within 12 months of when you started benefits, you can withdraw your process and repay what you received. After 12 months, you cannot withdraw, but you can suspend your benefits at your full retirement age and let them grow until age 70.
Do I have to use direct deposit?
Yes. Social Security requires all benefit payments to be deposited directly into a bank account. You cannot receive payments by check or in any other way. If you do not have a bank account, you can open one at most banks or credit unions for free.