Before applying for retirement benefits, read this
Approaching and preparing for retirement can be a daunting task, but the Social Security Administration, or SSA, is here to make it as easy as possible.
Social Security has eliminated the forms, signatures, wait time and appointments. SSA has made it easy, convenient and secure. You can complete the online retirement application in as little as 15 minutes from your preferred location, at a time most convenient for you.
Before you apply, you should think about things like how you’ll receive benefits, your health and whether anyone else in your family can get benefits on your record. Let’s go over the basics together, just to make sure you’re on the right track for retirement, when the time comes.
The age you choose to retire affects the amount of benefits you receive and when you can start receiving them. If you start them any time before your full retirement age, we’ll reduce your monthly benefit. Depending on your year of birth, your full retirement age is likely between age 66 and 67. You may start receiving benefits as early as age 62 or as late as age 70.
If you elect to receive benefits before you reach full retirement age, and continue to work, it can affect your benefits. Social Security has a tool called the Retirement Estimator that calculates a personal estimate of how much your benefit will be at different ages and “stop-work” dates. See https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/estimator.html. You can use it to find the best combination for your situation.
You can read about other things to consider before you make your decision about when to begin your benefits. See https://www. ssa.gov/planners/retire/otherthings.html. If you’re ready to apply, you can do it online at https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/. It’s easy, convenient and secure.