You reach your phone, and its calendar app congratulates you for turning 65 this year. You don’t realize just how quickly time has passed.
“Wow, the time has really breezed by, hasn’t it?” You say to your wife. “I’m 65 now.”
“Happy birthday, my dear,” says your wife. Now it’s time to redeem your social security benefits, Carl.
“Wow, you have a great memory, Charlotte,” you reply. She is indeed right; you’re now eligible not only to hang your coat for the final time but also to redeem your social security benefits. You throw yourself back to decades ago when you first applied for your benefits and how much of an easy process it was.
Overview
When it comes to retirement, Social Security is an essential part of many Americans’ financial plans. This government program provides a safety net for retirees, survivors, and people with disabilities. In this section, we’ll provide an overview of Social Security, including what it is, why it’s important, and how it works.
What is Social Security?
Social Security is a federal program that provides retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to eligible individuals and their families. The program is funded by payroll taxes paid by employees and employers. Social Security benefits are intended to supplement other sources of retirement income, such as pensions, savings, and investments.
History of Social Security
Social Security was signed into law in 1935 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as part of his New Deal program. The original purpose of Social Security was to provide retirement benefits to workers who had no other means of support. Over the years, the program has expanded to include disability and survivor benefits.
Why is Social Security important?
Social Security is important because it provides a safety net for retirees and their families. For many Americans, Social Security benefits are the only source of retirement income they have. Without Social Security, many retirees would be forced to rely solely on their savings or family support.
How does Social Security work?
Social Security works by collecting payroll taxes from employees and employers. These taxes are then used to fund benefits for eligible individuals and their families.
To be eligible for Social Security benefits, you must have worked and paid into the system for a certain number of years. The amount of your benefit is based on your earnings history and the age at which you begin receiving benefits.
Types of Social Security Benefits
There are several types of Social Security benefits, including retirement benefits, survivor benefits, and Medicare benefits.
Retirement benefits are the most common type of Social Security benefit and are available to eligible individuals who have reached retirement age. Survivor benefits are available to eligible family members of deceased workers.
Medicare benefits are available to eligible individuals who are 65 or older or who have certain disabilities.
Applying for Social Security
Here’s an overview of applying for your social security benefits.
When to Apply
The best time to apply for Social Security retirement benefits is three months before you want your benefits to start. You can apply as early as age 62, but your benefits will be reduced if you start receiving them before your full retirement age. You can also delay your benefits until age 70, which will increase your monthly payments.

How to Apply
There are three ways to apply for Social Security retirement benefits: online, by phone, or in person. You will need to provide personal and financial information, including your Social Security number, birth certificate, and tax returns. You may also need to provide information about your spouse and children.
Online Application
The online application process is straightforward and can be completed in about 15 minutes. You can save your progress and come back later if you need to. You will receive a confirmation number when you submit your application, which you can use to check the status of your application.
Phone Application
You can also apply for Social Security retirement benefits by calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. The representative will ask you questions and fill out the application for you. You will receive a confirmation number when you submit your application, which you can use to check the status of your application.
In-Person Application
If you prefer to apply in person, you can make an appointment at your local Social Security office. You will need to bring your personal and financial information, including your Social Security number, birth certificate, and tax returns. You may also need to provide information about your spouse and children.
Checking the Status of Your Application
You can check the status of your Social Security retirement benefits application online, by phone, or in person. Online, you can use your confirmation number to check the status of your application. By phone you can call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 and ask for an update. In person, you can visit your local Social Security office and ask for an update.
Social Security Account
If you’re ready to apply for Social Security retirement benefits, you’ll need to create a My Social Security account. This online account is where you’ll manage your Social Security benefits, including retirement, disability, and survivor benefits. Here’s what you need to know about creating and managing your Social Security account.
Creating a My Social Security Account
To create a My Social Security account, you’ll need to provide some personal information, such as your name, Social Security number, and date of birth. You’ll also need to create a username and password. Once you’ve created your account, you can access it at any time to view your benefit information, update your personal information, and more.
Managing Your Social Security Account
Once you’ve created your Social Security account, you can manage it in a number of ways. For example, you can use your account to:
- View your Social Security statement, which shows your estimated retirement, disability, and survivor benefits
- Apply for retirement benefits
- Estimate your future benefits based on different retirement ages
- Request a replacement Social Security card
- Update your contact information and direct deposit information
Overall, your Social Security account is an essential tool for managing your retirement benefits. By creating an account and keeping it up to date, you can ensure that you receive the benefits you’re entitled to and stay on top of any changes to your benefits.

Social Security Office
Visiting a Social Security office is a necessary step in applying for your retirement benefits. Making an appointment and bringing the required documents will help ensure that the process goes smoothly.
Locating a Social Security office
To apply for your social security retirement benefits, you will need to visit a Social Security office. You can locate the nearest office by visiting the Social Security Administration’s website and entering your zip code. You can also call the Social Security Administration’s toll-free number to find the nearest office.
Making an appointment
It is recommended that you make an appointment before visiting a Social Security office. You can make an appointment by calling the Social Security Administration’s toll-free number or by visiting their website. Making an appointment will help you avoid long wait times and ensure that you have enough time to discuss your retirement benefits with a Social Security representative.
What to bring to your appointment
When you visit a Social Security office to apply for your retirement benefits, you will need to bring several documents with you. These documents include your birth certificate or other proof of birth, your W-2 forms or self-employment tax return for the previous year, and your Social Security card or number.
You may also need to bring other documents, such as proof of marriage or divorce if you are applying for spousal benefits.
Federal Benefits Unit
The Federal Benefits Unit is an essential resource for U.S. citizens living abroad who are looking to apply for Social Security retirement benefits. By understanding what the FBU does and how to contact them, you can ensure that your benefits application process goes smoothly.
What is a Federal Benefits Unit?
A Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) is a department of the Social Security Administration (SSA) that provides services to U.S. citizens living abroad. The FBU is responsible for processing retirement, disability, and survivors’ benefits for individuals who live outside the United States.
The FBU can also provide information about Medicare, Supplemental Security Income, and other SSA programs. They can help you understand how to apply for benefits, what documents you need to provide, and how to resolve any issues that may arise during the application process.
How to contact a Federal Benefits Unit
To contact an FBU, you can visit the SSA’s website and use their online locator tool to find the nearest FBU office. You can also call their toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 or contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance.
When contacting an FBU, be sure to have your Social Security number, date of birth, and other relevant information available. The FBU will need this information to help you with your benefits application.
Social Security and Work
You can work while receiving Social Security retirement benefits, but your benefits may be reduced if you earn more than a certain amount. Your Social Security benefits may also be subject to federal income taxes, and you can choose to have taxes withheld from your benefit payments.

Working while receiving benefits
If you decide to work while receiving Social Security retirement benefits, you can still receive your benefits. However, if you are younger than your full retirement age and earn more than a certain amount, your benefits may be reduced.
Once you reach your full retirement age, you can earn as much as you want without any reduction in your benefits.
How income affects benefits
Your Social Security benefits may be subject to federal income taxes if your total income exceeds certain limits. The amount of your benefits subject to taxes depends on your income level. To determine if your benefits are taxable, you can use the worksheet provided by the IRS.
Taxes on Social Security benefits
If you are required to pay taxes on your Social Security benefits, you can choose to have federal taxes withheld from your benefit payments. You can choose to have 7%, 10%, 12%, or 22% of your monthly benefit withheld for taxes. You can also make estimated tax payments to the IRS if you prefer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, applying for your social security retirement benefits is a straightforward process that requires some planning and preparation.
You can apply for your benefits online, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. You should apply for your benefits at least three months before you want them to start.
You will need to provide some personal information and documents, such as your birth certificate, W-2 forms, and tax returns. The amount of your benefits will depend on your earnings history and when you start receiving them.
You can choose to start receiving your benefits as early as age 62 or as late as age 70, but the longer you wait, the higher your monthly benefit will be. You can work and receive benefits at the same time, but your benefits may be reduced if you earn more than a certain amount.
Remember, your social security retirement benefits are an important source of income in your retirement years, so it’s essential to understand the application process and make informed decisions about when to start receiving them.
If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact the Social Security Administration for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about applying for Social Security retirement benefits:
When should I apply for Social Security retirement benefits?
You should apply for Social Security retirement benefits at least three months before you want your benefits to start. You can apply online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office.
How much will my Social Security retirement benefits be?
Your Social Security retirement benefits are based on your average lifetime earnings. You can find an estimate of your retirement benefits on the Social Security Administration’s website. Keep in mind that your actual benefit amount may differ from the estimate.
Can I work and receive Social Security retirement benefits at the same time?
Yes, you can work and receive Social Security retirement benefits at the same time. However, if you are under full retirement age and earn more than a certain amount, your benefits may be reduced. Once you reach full retirement age, you can work and earn as much as you want without affecting your Social Security retirement benefits.
What happens if I change my mind after applying for Social Security retirement benefits?
If you change your mind about starting your Social Security retirement benefits, you can withdraw your application within 12 months of your first month of entitlement. You will need to repay all the benefits you received, including any spousal or children’s benefits.
What happens if I die before I start receiving my Social Security retirement benefits?
If you die before you start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits, your spouse or children may be eligible for survivor benefits. The amount of the survivor benefit depends on various factors, including your earnings history and your family situation.
What documents do I need to apply for Social Security retirement benefits?
When you apply for Social Security retirement benefits, you will need to provide various documents, including your Social Security card, birth certificate, and tax returns. The Social Security Administration’s website has a list of all the documents you will need to apply.