Current:Home > MyHow do I apply for Social Security for the first time? -GrowthInsight
How do I apply for Social Security for the first time?
View
Date:2025-04-15 10:50:15
How do you apply for Social Security benefits?
To start, you must be at least 61 years and 9 months old and want your benefits to start in no more than four months, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
You can apply online or by calling 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778). The SSA also schedules in-person appointments at local offices.
To apply online, you want to have all the information you need at your fingertips before you log into your account.
How big is your nest egg?How much money do you need to retire? Determining your individual savings.
Social Security increase guide:Social Security benefits in 2023 will rise the most in 40 years. How much will I get?
What documents are needed for Social Security?
First, you’ll need to log in or create an account at mySocialSecurity. To create an account, the SSA will ask you a series of questions for verification. Among other things, you should have the following ready: your mobile phone, a credit card, a W-2, and your tax forms.
Once you have a mySocialSecurity account, you can then begin applying for your retirement and spousal benefits.
You'll need:
Date and place of birth: If you were born outside the U.S. or its territories, you’ll need the name of your birth country at the time of your birth and, if you’re not a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident card number.
Marriage and divorce: You’ll need the name of your current spouse; the name of your prior spouse(s) if the marriage lasted more than 10 years or ended in death; your spouse’s date of birth and Social Security number; the beginning and end dates of your marriage(s); and the place of marriage(s), state (or country if you were married outside the U.S.).
What is Social Security?How does it work? Everything to know about retirement program
Want a job, loan, benefits?You may need a Social Security card. Here's how to get one.
How do I find my ex-husband's Social security number?
Information about your former husband or wife is usually tricky for people, says Jim Blankenship, a certified financial planner with Blankenship Financial Planning and author of "A Social Security Owner’s Manual."
“Getting the information about the former spouse, especially the Social Security number, can be hard to find,” says Blankenship. “Most are able to provide the other details and are thus able to proceed to get the information or benefit that they're looking for.”
Make sure to get your spouse's Social Security number if you're divorcing.
Other experts note that people generally tend to overlook divorced-spouse benefits.
“Many people don’t know you may be able to get Social Security based on a prior spouse’s earnings record, says Elaine Floyd, a certified financial planner and director of retirement and life planning at Horsesmouth.
What’s more, Floyd says, many people think claiming such a benefit somehow takes away from the former spouse’s own benefit or they don’t want to have anything to do with their former spouse.
Contributing: Robert Powell
veryGood! (1986)
Related
- Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
- US home sales fell in August despite easing mortgage rates, more homes on the market
- Jean Smart, Ariana Grande, Michael Keaton among hosts for ‘SNL’ season 50
- Ranking NFL's nine 2-0 teams by legitimacy: Who's actually a contender?
- Why we love Bear Pond Books, a ski town bookstore with a French bulldog 'Staff Pup'
- Powerball winning numbers for September 18: Jackpot rises to $176 million
- Drake London’s shooting celebration violated longstanding NFL rules against violent gestures
- Jean Smart, Ariana Grande, Michael Keaton among hosts for ‘SNL’ season 50
- Could Bill Belichick, Robert Kraft reunite? Maybe in Pro Football Hall of Fame's 2026 class
- Two Georgia deaths are tied to abortion restrictions. Experts say abortion pills they took are safe
Ranking
- South Korean president's party divided over defiant martial law speech
- Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell is selling his house to seek more privacy
- Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff seeks more control over postmaster general after mail meltdown
- Ulta & Sephora 1-Day Deals: 50% Off Lancome Monsieur Big Volumizing Mascara, MAC Liquid Lipstick & More
- New Zealand official reverses visa refusal for US conservative influencer Candace Owens
- Atlantic City mayor, school superintendent wife indicted on child abuse charges
- 'STOP!' Meet the humble heroes keeping kids safe every school day
- Target Fall Clothes That Look Expensive: Chic Autumn Outfits on a Budget
Recommendation
Could your smelly farts help science?
FAA investigating after Delta passengers report bleeding ears and noses
Man admits falsifying violent threats after fantasy football argument
Sam's Club workers to receive raise, higher starting wages, but pay still behind Costco
What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
Maternal deaths surged in Texas in 2020, 2021
Video shows masked robbers plunging through ceiling to steal $150,000 from Atlanta business
'We need help, not hate:' Springfield, Ohio at center of national debate on immigration