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Apply for Social Security Benifits in 15 Minutes
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The Social Security Administration now allows you to easily apply on line. When you’re finished,click the “Sign Now” button to submit your application. There are no forms to sign, and most of the time no additional documents are required. If more information is needed, Social Security will contact you To apply, go to http://www.socialsecurity.gov .
Your normal retirement age (sometimes called your “full retirement age”) depends on your year of birth. Normal retirement age is the point at which you’re eligible for full Social Security retirement benefits.
| 1937 and prior -Age 65 |
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1942 - 65 and 10 months |
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1958 - 66 and 8 months |
| 1938 - 65 and 2 months |
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1943 to 1954 - Age 66 |
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1959 - 66 and 10 months |
| 1939 - 65 and 4 months |
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1955 - 66 and 2 months |
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1960 + Age 67 |
| 1940 - 65 and 6 months |
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1956 - 66 and 4 months |
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| 1941 - 65 and 8 months |
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1957 - 66 and 6 months |
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If you were born on January 1 of any year, look to the previous year in the table above to find your normal retirement age.
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Full retirement age for Social Security benefits is gradually increasing to age 67. If you were born between 1943 and 1954, you should think carefully before deciding to take early retirement as the age for receiving Social Security is 66. People born in 1960 or later reach full retirement age at 67. Early retirement will be more costly for both of these age groups. If you were born during these years you will see your Social Security benefit reduced by 25% if you elect to retire at age 62. People born in 1937 or earlier have been able to retire at 62 with only a 20% reduction. Anyone born in 1960 and later will face a 30% reduction. No matter what your full retirement age is, you may start receiving benefits as early as age 62.
You can also retire at any time between age 62 and full retirement age. However, if you start at one of these early ages, your benefits are reduced a fraction of a percent for each month before your full retirement age. Social Security tool: http://www.ssa.gov/planners/calculators.htm
Enter your age and current income and the site will give you a ballpark monthly benefits estimate for early, regular or delayed retirement as well as estimated disability and survivor benefits.
The Social Security Web http://www.ssa.gov/ gives all kinds of worthwhile information including:
- Calculating your benefits
- How to apply for social security benefits and disability benefits
- Retirement planning information
- Marriage, divorce, name change
- Death in the family
- Ability to download forms
- Order or view publications
- Sign up for a free electronic newsletter on social security matters
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