Applying for Retirement Benefits Using This Retirement Application

For most people, applying for Social Security retirement or spouses benefits is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The following pages will guide you through the online application process, tell you what information you'll need to answer the questions on the application and describe the documents you may need to present after you apply. Please read these pages carefully to make sure you are ready to fill out the online application.

Maybe you already know a lot about the Social Security program and will be ready to go right to the application after reading these introductory pages. Or maybe you feel you need to learn a little bit more about Social Security first. We'll tell you where on the Internet you can get the additional information you need.

And, if you still need more information, you can call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 from 7 AM until 7 PM Monday through Friday. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call our toll-free TTY number, 1-800-325-0778. We'll be glad to discuss your concerns with you and answer your questions.

Who Can Use This Application

You can use this application to apply for Social Security retirement or spouses benefits if you:

• are at least 61 years and 9 months old,
• want to start your benefits in the next four months and
• live in the United States.

Note: If you are almost 65, your application for benefits will include Medicare.

If you want to sign up for Medicare, but do not want to start your Social Security benefits yet, you cannot use this online application. Please call our national toll-free number or contact your local Social Security office to enroll in Medicare.

If you are interested in filing a claim for any type of benefits other than retirement or spouses, you should view our general information on applying for benefits.

Appealing a Decision

If your application for benefits was denied recently, you can request an appeal. If you do, we will look at your case again.

If your disability claim was denied for medical reasons, you can file an appeal online. If it has been more than 60 days since you got our decision, you may still be able to request an appeal if you have a good reason for waiting. However, if you want to request an appeal for non-medical reasons, or you are not sure whether you should file an appeal or a new application, call our toll-free number or contact your local Social Security office before proceeding with your Internet application.

How to Contact Us

If you cannot use this application or you decide not to complete an application over the Internet, please call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or visit a Social Security Office to make an appointment.

If you live outside the U.S., contact the nearest U.S. Social Security office, U.S. Embassy or consulate, or the Veterans Affairs Regional Office (VARO) in the Philippines.

Information and Documents
To learn what information and documents you may need to provide, choose one of the following options:

• I want to apply for retirement benefits for myself.
• I want to help someone else apply for retirement benefits.

Click here to visit the web site.