You can also use our Checklist For The Online Medicare, Retirement, And Spouses Application to help you gather the information you need to apply. Documents we may ask for include: Your Social Security card or a record of your number. Your original birth certificate, a copy certified by the issuing agency, or other proof of your age.
Full Answer
What documents do I need to apply for Medicare?
You can also use our Checklist For The Online Medicare, Retirement, And Spouses Application to help you gather the information you need to apply. Documents we may ask for include: Your Social Security card or a record of your number. Your original birth certificate, a copy certified by the issuing agency, or other proof of your age.
What documents do I need to bring to my appointment?
Documents we may ask for include: Your Social Security card or a record of your number. Your original birth certificate, a copy certified by the issuing agency, or other proof of your age. We must see the original document (s), or copies certified by the agency that issued them. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies.
What should I do before applying for Social Security retirement benefits?
Before you apply, take time to review the basics, understand the process, and gather the documents you’ll need to complete an application. You can start your retirement benefits as early as age 62 or as late as age 70.
Do you need to make an appointment for Social Security benefits?
You might need to make an appointment, take time off work, travel to the office, and wait your turn. Today, almost all Social Security business can be handled online, from the comfort of your home.
What documents are needed for Social Security retirement benefits?
What Documents Do You Need to Apply for Retirement Benefits? (En español)Your Social Security card or a record of your number.Your original birth certificate, a copy certified by the issuing agency, or other proof of your age. ... If you were not born in the U.S., proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status.More items...
What information is required to file for Social Security?
Information About You Your date and place of birth and Social Security number; The name, Social Security number and date of birth or age of your current spouse and any former spouse. You should also know the dates and places of marriage and dates of divorce or death (if appropriate);
How do I prepare for Social Security retirement?
3 Things You Can Do to Prepare for Retirement Right NowCheck your earnings for accuracy. With a my Social Security account, you can view your earnings history, confirm you have enough work credits to retire, and see estimates of what your benefits will be. ... Determine the best age for you to retire. ... Retire online.
Can I apply for Social Security and Medicare at the same time?
Provided you've reached 65 and are therefore eligible for both programs, you can typically apply for Social Security and Medicare on a single application. But other than that, there's no reason to enroll simultaneously once you become eligible for Medicare if you don't need your Social Security income right away.
What documents do I need to apply for Medicare?
What documents do I need to enroll in Medicare?your Social Security number.your date and place of birth.your citizenship status.the name and Social Security number of your current spouse and any former spouses.the date and place of any marriages or divorces you've had.More items...
How many months in advance should you apply for Social Security benefits?
four monthsYou can apply up to four months before you want your retirement benefits to start. For example, if you turn 62 on December 2, you can start your benefits as early as December, and apply in August. Even if you are not ready to retire, you still should sign up for Medicare three months before your 65th birthday.
What should I do when I first retire?
8 Things To Do During Your First 30 Days Of Retirement Celebrate It! ... Set Some Parameters. ... Avoid The TV Trap. ... Make Concrete Plans With Friends. ... Start Journaling. ... Address Your Stress. ... Get Physically Active. ... Go On A Medical Shopping Spree.
How do I start a retirement process?
Step 1: Define Your Retirement. ... Step 3: Evaluate Your Health — Now. ... Step 4: Determine When to Collect Social Security. ... Step 5: Network Through Social Media and Other Methods. ... Step 6: Decide How Much You Want (or Need) to Work. ... Step 7: Create a Retirement Budget. ... Step 8: Find New Ways to Cut Your Expenses (Start Saving More)More items...
What should I do 1 year before retirement?
Finally, to prepare emotionally, figure out what you plan to do with your time in retirement.Create or Update Your Retirement Budget.Adjust Your Portfolio for Income.Learn How Medicare Works.Refinance Your Mortgage (Maybe)Decide When to Claim Social Security Benefits.Determine How You'll Spend Your Time.More items...
Which do you apply for first Social Security or Medicare?
A: The need for health coverage can arise before your need for Social Security benefits. Social Security and Medicare are interrelated, but it's possible to sign up for one without the other. You're allowed to collect Social Security as early as age 62. Meanwhile, Medicare eligibility begins for most people at age 65.
How long does it take to get first Social Security check after applying?
Once you have applied, it could take up to three months to receive your first benefit payment. Social Security benefits are paid monthly, starting in the month after the birthday at which you attain full retirement age (which is currently 66 and will gradually rise to 67 over the next several years).
How soon after your birthday do you get your first Social Security check?
Social Security benefits are not prorated. They start the month following the birthday. The schedule, according to AARP, follows this rule: When the birth date falls between the 1st and 10th of the month, the payment is issued on the second Wednesday of the month following the birthday month.
What to do if you don't have all your Social Security documents?
If You Don't Have All Of The Documents. Even if you don't have everything, don't delay applying for Social Security retirement benefits. You can provide the missing documents later. We may be able to help you get them. In many cases, your local Social Security office can contact your state Bureau of Vital Statistics and verify your information ...
What to do if you don't have all the documents?
If You Don't Have All Of The Documents. Even if you don't have everything, don't delay applying for Social Security retirement benefits . You can provide the missing documents later. We may be able to help you get them.
When should I apply for medicare?
Consider whether you need to apply for Medicare at age 65, even if you aren’t applying for monthly retirement benefits. If you have already started receiving your retirement benefits, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare when you turn 65. Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) is free for most people, and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) requires a monthly premium. Generally, if you have not already started receiving retirement benefits, you will want to sign up for Medicare three months before turning age 65, unless you have group health coverage through a current employer.
When should I start receiving my retirement benefits?
When should you start your retirement benefit? You can start receiving benefits as early as age 62. However, the longer you wait (up to age 70), the higher your monthly benefit will be — for the rest of
How long before you can start receiving Social Security benefits?
Once you have decided when you want to start receiving your monthly Social Security benefit, you can apply up to four months before the date you want your benefits to start. Visit www.socialsecurity.gov/retire
What is the full retirement age?
Your “full retirement age” is determined by the year you were born. The retirement age used to be 65 for everyone, but is gradually increasing to 67. As the full retirement age goes up, benefits claimed at earlier ages go down. Find out your full retirement age at
How does working after retirement affect your benefits?
Working after you start receiving retirement benefits may affect your monthly benefit amount, depending on your age and how much you earn. If you are younger than your full retirement age, and your earnings exceed certain dollar amounts, some of your monthly benefit may be withheld. We will increase your monthly benefit after you reach full retirement age to account for the months of withheld benefits. When you reach your full retirement age, you can work and earn as much as you want and your benefit will not be affected. Find more information at
What does it mean to retire from Social Security?
For us, retiring means getting your Social Security retirement benefit. It might mean that you’ve also stopped working. However, these two things don’t need to happen at the same time. For example, you have the option of delaying your monthly benefit even after you stop working. Delaying your benefit will increase your monthly benefit amount. (See below.)
Do you have to pay taxes on Social Security?
Some people have to pay federal income taxes on part of their Social Security benefits. This usually happens only if you have other substantial income (e.g., wages, interest, or dividends) in addition to your benefits. Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/taxes.html.
How to make an appointment with Social Security?
One of your options is to call the Social Security Administration (SSA) and arrange your appointment by phone. Alternatively, you can contact your nearest Social Security office and schedule your appointment through the facility.
What is a Social Security appointment?
The Social Security office appointment is a meeting time that most program applicants need to schedule. If you want to apply for Social Security (SS) benefits, you should consider arranging your meeting time. This helps to reduce the likelihood that you will need to wait a long time if you go to the office to apply.
What documents do I need to replace my Social Security card?
Depending on what you’re applying for—such as a replacement Social Security card or Retirement Benefits–you may need to have on hand your: Social Security number. Birth certificate or proof of citizenship. Marriage or divorce records. U.S. military service papers.
How do I contact the SSA?
Other ways to contact SSA. You can also receive help from a Social Security representative by calling 1-800-772-1213 or by emailing the support team. Customers should not include their Social Security numbers when emailing.
How to apply for a replacement Social Security card?
Depending on what you’re applying for—such as a replacement Social Security card or Retirement Benefits–you may need to have on hand your: 1 Social Security number 2 Birth certificate or proof of citizenship 3 Marriage or divorce records 4 U.S. military service papers 5 A copy of W-2 forms and/or self-employment tax return for the previous year
How long does it take to apply for Social Security?
Apply for Social Security benefits. Applying for Social Security benefits online can take as little as 15 minutes. You start by creating or signing in to your my Social Security account, then click on Apply. You’ll go through a series of screens that will ask you questions about yourself, your family, and your work.
How many employees will the SSA have in 2020?
The SSA plans to add more than 1,000 employees in 2020, most of whom will provide extra service through their 800 number. But before calling, customers should seek answers to their questions and solutions to their issues online. If you can’t find the answers, the administration is ready to help.
How many social security offices are there in the US?
How many Social Security offices are located around the country. Social Security has approximately 1,230 field offices in the United States as well as 10 regional offices, six processing centers, and its central office in Baltimore. Some states have considerably more offices than others.
What time does Wyoming have SS office hours?
You can find your closest field office here. In early 2020, Social Security office hours will expand to be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. To schedule, reschedule, or cancel an appointment, you can call 1-800-772-1213 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.