How Do I Apply for Social Security?

If you're thinking about applying for Social Security retirement benefits, this video can help you get started.
You have three options: by phone, at your local Social Security office, or conveniently online. If you choose the online option, you'll need to have a My Social Security account set up on ssa.gov. We have another video explaining how to set up your account here: • How Do I Set Up A “My ...
Whichever method you choose, you'll need to provide information such as your date and place of birth, along with your Social Security number. Details about your marital history, children, work history, and earnings will also be required.
For veterans, remember to have your dates of service and service papers ready, as special earnings credits may apply.
Make sure you have your bank account and routing numbers for setting up direct deposit, as Social Security payments must be received electronically.
You can apply for retirement benefits up to four months before you plan to start collecting, and the same process applies for spousal benefits.
However, if you're applying for survivor benefits, you cannot currently apply online. You'll need to apply by phone or in person, providing the necessary documents. You can find our video on survivor benefits here: • How Do I Collect Socia...
For more information, visit aarp.org/socialsecurity.
For even more information, visit www.aarp.org/retirement/socia...
For more answers, please subscribe to our channel: / @aarpanswers
Please consider supporting more content like this by becoming an AARP member: www.aarp.org/becomeamember
CHAPTERS
00:00 How to Apply for Social Security
00:38 What Information You Need to Apply for Social Security
01:26 How to Receive Social Security Benefits
01:37 When Can I Apply for Social Security?
01:48 Spousal Benefits
01:59 Survivor Benefits
#aarp #socialsecurity #retirement
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[@henryechtner]

Thank you for the info, l have been trying for years to switch to social security and get off social security disability benefits. I have gone to the office in Schenectady ,N. Y. I need help.

[@AARPAnswers]

@henryechtner You may be interested in our other video here: spr.ly/6050df2Gn. For questions about your specific benefits, please be sure to contact the Social Security Administration (SSA): 1-800-772-1213 - Janelle M.

[@ChiquitaBoswellHardy]

please elaborate on importance of signing up 5 months prior to age 65 or receive penalty

[@karenhenell7734]

That rule is for Medicare, not SS benefits.

[@roshnipatel3126]

What if you have lost a citizenship certificate? Can you get SSI please ans this question

[@joannelattanzio3476]

I have been trying to sign up by phone but I never get a phone call. I call them and they said they tried but it didn’t go through. Why can’t they do it when I call on my appointment day? I called and asked if I could go into the office and they said no.
I don’t remember my password and they sent me a temporary password and it did not work multiple times. My children have degrees in computer science. I need help, and they are not helping at all. I have another phone appointment on July 5, they did not give me a time.
Any advice would be helpful.

[@AARPAnswers]

We're sorry to hear you're having issues with your Social Security login, @joannelattanzio3476. Their website has helpful information about how to troubleshoot your password, you can try that while you wait for their call. Here's the link: spr.ly/60505esWe - DG.

[@margaretlewis8189]

You don’t qualify for social security until you hit retirement age. Your SSDI benefits kick over automatically the Jan after you turn 66. Well they did for me. I didn’t have to do a thing. If you are younger than 66,…you simply need to wait.