Situation Analysis
Learn your options for claiming your Social Security benefits. There are time-saving steps you can take before calling, clicking, or driving to claim your benefits.

How to File for Social Security Benefits

How to File for Social Security Benefits

The good news is that it’s no longer your parent’s Social Security Administration (SSA). No more having to travel to the nearest SSA office to wait for hours to claim your benefits. It can now be done by phone (800-772-1213) or online by establishing a My Social Security account. Or, if you still prefer face-to-face contact, you can still go to your local SSA office in person.

However, there are some time-saving steps you can take before calling, clicking, or driving to claim your benefits:

For Individual and Spousal Benefits

Before applying for benefits, you should have the following documentation and information readily available:

  • A birth certificate with your date and place of birth.
  • A history of your marital status and number of children.
  • Employment history with start and stop dates for the past two years.
  • Record of self-employment earnings for the past two years.
  • Military service history.
  • Your bank routing and account number to receive benefit payments.

You can find a complete checklist of everything you’ll need to claim benefits at SSA.gov.

When to File for Benefits

The earliest you can file for individual and spousal benefits is age 62. Your financial circumstances should be a key consideration when choosing a filing date. If you file early, your benefit payments will be smaller than if you waited until your full retirement age (FRA), which is 67 if you were born after 1960.

Conversely, your payments will be larger if you delay claiming your benefits after your FRA. If you wait until age 70, your benefit amount could be as much as 32% higher than the amount received by filing at your normal FRA.

Though your benefit amount will be larger by delaying them past age 62, you will receive more payments. Factors such as your health condition, family health history, and financial need are vital in determining whether you should file early or could be better off by waiting to claim benefits.

When do Benefit Payments Start?

Generally, it can take up to three months to process your benefit application. So, if you know the date you would like your payments to start, apply three months earlier.

Your payment schedule depends on the day of the month you were born. If your birthdate is on the 1st through the 10th of the month, your payments would be sent (or direct deposited) on the second Wednesday of the month. For birthdates on the 11th through the 20th, you can expect payment on the third Wednesday of the month. If your birthdate is after the 20th, you will receive your payment on the fourth Thursday.

Filing for Spousal Benefits

If you have a spouse with lower earnings, they may be able to claim a benefit based on your contributions. To be eligible, they must be 62 or older or care for a child under 16. The maximum amount a spouse can receive is half your benefit at FRA, even if you should delay benefits past your FRA. You can calculate your spouse’s benefit at SSA.gov.

To file for spousal benefits, you’ll need the same documentation as an individual claimant, as well as a marriage certificate.

Filing for Survivor Benefits

In addition to the documentation needed to file for individual benefits, you will need a copy of your spouse’s death certificate and your marriage certificate (or divorce papers if filing as a former spouse). You can file for survivor benefits starting at age 60 (age 50 if you are disabled) or delay filing to increase your benefit amount. There is no age restriction if you are caring for children under the age of 16.

Take Time to Plan

If you’re like most Americans, your Social Security benefit will play a significant role in meeting your retirement income needs, so choosing the right option when claiming them is critical. As you can see, claiming your benefit is reasonably straightforward, but when you select your option, it is irrevocable. So, it would be essential to take time to explore all your options to determine which would serve you the best.


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