How to Apply for Social Security and Retirement Benefits

Retirement Insurance Benefits (abbreviated RIB) or Old-age Insurance Benefits are a form of social insurance payments made by the Social Security Administration paid based upon the attainment old age (62 or older). Benefit payments are made on the 3rd of the month, or the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th Wednesday of the month, based upon the date of birth and entitlement to other benefits.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Your Social Security number
• Your birth certificate
• Your W-2 forms or self-employment tax return for last year
• Your military discharge papers if you had military service
• Your spouse's birth certificate and Social Security number if he or she is applying for benefits
• Children's birth certificates and Social Security numbers, if applying for children's benefits
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status if you (or a spouse or child is applying for benefits) were not born in the U.S.
• The name of your bank and your account number so your benefits can be directly deposited into your account.

1. # Apply by calling toll free, 800-772-1213, to the Social Security Office.
   
   * People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call the toll-free "TTY" number, 800-325-0778, between 7 A.M. and 7 P.M. on Monday through Friday.
2. # Applying online is also an option. Fill out the Social Security Benefit application, and follow the instructions provided to you.
   
   * This can be done as a alternative to calling toll free, you don't need to do both.
3. #
   You should apply for retirement benefits 3 months before they want their benefits to begin. Even if you have no plans to receive benefits, you should still sign-up for Medicare 3 months before age 65.

Tips & Warnings

• # A person who meets all other requirements for entitlement can receive benefits beginning with the first full month he or she is age 62. However, if benefits begin before age 65, they are reduced to account for the longer period over which they will be paid. Choosing the month you start to get benefits is an important decision. A representative can explain this in further detail to you.