The first step to applying for Social Security is to create or sign in to your personal my Social Security account on the SSA website, which allows you to start your online application and gather necessary documents like your Social Security number, birth certificate, and work history, to determine eligibility and apply for benefits like retirement, disability, or survivor benefits.
To apply for Social Security, you'll generally need documents proving your age, identity, and U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status, plus proof of income like W-2s or tax returns, and your Social Security card itself. The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires original or agency-certified copies of birth certificates and citizenship documents, but accepts photocopies for things like W-2s and military records (if service was before 1968).
To apply for Social Security for the first time (likely retirement), create a "my Social Security" account at ssa.gov to apply online, which is the most convenient method, needing details like your SSN, birth proof, citizenship/lawful status, earnings (W2s/tax returns), military service records (if applicable), and bank info for direct deposit, and you can apply up to four months before you want benefits to start.
Overall, most people feel that applying for social security benefits online is a much more convenient option than applying in person. The process is straightforward and easy to follow, and you can complete it at any time that is convenient for you.
You should apply for Social Security benefits up to four months before you want your payments to start, allowing the Social Security Administration (SSA) time to process your application so payments begin on your chosen date, with the earliest eligibility at age 62 for retirement, though delaying can significantly increase your monthly benefit up to age 70.
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Yes, you generally need to make an appointment to visit a local Social Security office for in-person help, as this has been the standard policy since early 2025 to improve efficiency, but you should first check ssa.gov/appointment or call them, as many common tasks (like applying for benefits or getting a replacement card) can be done online or by phone, potentially saving you a trip. While appointments are required for in-person service, you can schedule them online or by calling their National 800 Number, and they aim to serve everyone, even walk-ins, though appointments reduce wait times.
Once we receive your application, we'll review it and contact you if we need to verify your identity, clarify your answers, or need any documents.
Social Security benefits are paid a month behind, meaning the payment you receive in one month is for the previous month's benefits (e.g., May's benefit is paid in June). Payments arrive on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of the month, depending on your birth date, with earlier payments going to those born earlier in the month.
Key takeaways
Social Security is a federal program that provides income to retirees, survivors of deceased workers and disabled people. The average Social Security check for retirees is around $2,000 per month — slightly higher than the average benefit for survivors and people with disabilities.
If you receive both Social Security benefits and SSI, your Social Security benefit will arrive on the third of the month and your SSI payment will arrive on the first of the month.
To apply for Social Security, you generally need documents proving your age, identity, and U.S. citizenship or immigration status, plus your Social Security card; for benefits like retirement or disability, you'll also need income/work history (W-2s, tax returns), and for disability, medical records; for survivors, the death certificate of the deceased is required, along with proof of relationship. The SSA requires original documents or certified copies, not photocopies, for proof of age, citizenship, and immigration status.
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Not all U.S. workers qualify for Social Security retirement benefits. You can't collect Social Security in retirement if you haven't worked enough to accrue 40 credits, which takes approximately 10 years. Certain types of government workers may not be eligible, including some railroad employees.
You should apply for Social Security benefits up to four months before the month you want them to start, even if that's before your birthday, but you can't receive them until you're eligible (as early as age 62). For example, if your birthday is in May (and you turn 62), you can apply in January or February for your first payment to come in June; if you're born on the 1st or 2nd of the month, your first payment might start in your birthday month.
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