↳ Online Application

Are typically processed faster, but all methods ensure you can begin receiving benefits once approved. For the most current instructions, check the SSA website. Below is a simple overview on how you can apply online.

• Visit the SSA Website: Go to www.ssa.gov.
• Navigate to the Retirement Benefits Section: Locate the retirement benefits area where you can find information about retirement benefits and the online application process.
• Access Your Account: Sign in to your existing “My Social Security” account or create one if you’re a first-time user.
• Complete the Application: Fill out the required forms with your personal and earnings information.
• Submit Your Application: Review and submit your application electronically for processing.

Note: You cannot apply for survivors benefits online. To report a death or apply for survivors benefits, you must call the SSA office or contact your local Social Security office.

↳ Phone Application

If you prefer speaking with a representative to navigate the application process, the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers a toll-free phone option:

• Contact the SSA: Call 1-800-772-1213 (available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time).
• Follow Instructions: A representative will assist you in completing your retirement benefits application over the phone.

This method is ideal for those seeking personalized guidance or clarification during the process. Be prepared to provide your personal and earnings information to the representative.

↳ In- Person Application

If you prefer face-to-face assistance, you can apply for Social Security retirement benefits by visiting your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office:

• Locate Your Local SSA Office: Find the address and phone number of the nearest office by entering your ZIP code on the SSA website at www.ssa.gov/locator.
• Schedule an Appointment: Contact your local SSA office by phone to book an appointment, ensuring staff availability to assist you.

This option is well-suited for those who need detailed support or have complex circumstances. Bring identification and relevant documents, such as your Social Security number and earnings records, to streamline the process

↳ Health History

Your family health history and current health status may be the most significant factors in deciding when to claim Social Security retirement benefits. If you anticipate a longer life expectancy—due to good health or a family pattern of longevity—delaying benefits until age 70 could be advantageous, as you’d receive higher monthly payments over an extended period, maximizing your lifetime total. Conversely, if you face a serious medical condition or sudden health decline, claiming benefits as early as age 62 may provide immediate financial support and ensure you receive the most benefits possible during your lifetime.

Life expectancy varies widely, but as a benchmark, U.S. data for 2025 estimates average life expectancy at birth at approximately 76 for men and 81 for women. For those reaching age 65, remaining life expectancy extends to about 83 for men and 86 for women, according to Social Security Administration projections. These averages can guide your decision, but your personal health outlook should take precedence.

↳ Opportunity Cost

This refers to the potential benefits or experiences you might forgo by delaying Social Security retirement benefits, such as travel, investments, or other financial opportunities. For instance, claiming benefits at age 62 could provide extra income for a vacation while you’re younger and healthier, an option that might be less feasible if you delay until age 70 and face declining health or mobility.

Similarly, early claiming allows you to invest those payments—potentially in a retirement account or other assets—offering the chance to grow your wealth over time, whereas delaying means missing those investment years in hopes of a higher monthly benefit later. Weighing these trade-offs depends on your priorities, health, and financial goals, as the immediate use of funds could outweigh the long-term gain of larger payments.

↳ Retirement Plan

Social Security retirement benefits are a critical component of your overall retirement strategy. Understanding how different claiming options—early typically at 62, at Full Retirement Age (FRA), or delayed until 70—impact your retirement goals and income needs is essential. Consider how your chosen strategy aligns with other resources, such as personal savings, pensions, or investment accounts.

For example, claiming early might supplement limited savings, while delaying could bolster a plan reliant on larger, later payments. Adopting a holistic approach to retirement planning, which integrates Social Security with your broader financial picture, helps ensure you maximize both your benefits and your retirement years.

↳ Work Status

If you claim Social Security retirement benefits while still working, your benefits may be temporarily reduced depending on your age and income, influencing your decision to apply early. Before reaching your Full Retirement Age (FRA), the Social Security Administration (SSA) applies an earnings test; after FRA, no reductions occur regardless of income. Here are the 2025 earnings limits:

• Before FRA for the Entire Year: You can earn up to $23,400 (in 2025) without affecting your benefits. For every $2 earned above this limit, the SSA deducts $1 from your monthly benefit.
• In the Year You Reach FRA: The limit rises to $62,160 (in 2025) until the month you reach FRA. For every $3 earned above this, $1 is deducted from your benefit.
• At and After FRA: Starting the month you reach FRA, you can earn unlimited income without any benefit reduction.

Only wages from employment or self-employment count toward these earnings limits—investment income, pensions, and spousal income are excluded. If you plan to continue working, delaying your Social Security claim until your Full Retirement Age (FRA) or later may better align with your financial strategy, avoiding temporary benefit reductions.

To estimate how the earnings test might impact your benefits, use the Retirement Earnings Test Calculator available on the Social Security Administration (SSA) website. This tool can help you model different scenarios and refine your claiming decision.

↳ Taxes Consequences

It may surprise many to learn that Social Security retirement benefits can be subject to federal income taxes, though not all benefits are taxable. The taxable portion depends on your “provisional income” (also known as “combined income”), calculated as:

• Combined Income = Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)+Nontaxable interest + 1/2 (Social Security benefits)

Whether taxes apply—and the amount—hinges on your combined income relative to specific thresholds, which can be determined using the IRS’s online tools or the guidelines below:

Thus for some, 85% of your benefit may be included in your taxable income. That portion is then taxed at your marginal income tax rate, just like any other income. When deciding when to claim benefits—whether early, at FRA, or delayed—consider the tax implications, as the timing and size of your benefits can significantly influence your overall tax liability.

↳ Marital Status

If you are married, the timing of when you claim your Social Security retirement benefits can significantly impact your spouse’s potential survivor benefit, making it a critical factor to weigh as you consider the pros and cons of early, at-FRA, or delayed claiming. Your surviving spouse is eligible to claim 100% of the benefit you are receiving at the time of your death, or 100% of the benefit amount you would have received at your Full Retirement Age (FRA) if you die before claiming. Delaying your benefit increases your monthly amount—and thus the survivor benefit, while claiming early reduces both your benefit and the survivor benefit. This interplay makes strategic claiming a key consideration for your spouse’s financial security.

For example, if your FRA is 67 (born 1960 or later) and your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA)—the benefit at FRA—is $2,000:

• Claiming at 62: Your benefit is reduced by 30%, so you receive $1,400/month. If you die, your spouse’s survivor benefit would be $1,400/month.
• Claiming at FRA: You receive 100% of your PIA, or $2,000/month. If you die, your spouse’s survivor benefit would be $2,000/month.
• Delaying to 70: Your benefit increases by 8% per year, so you receive $2,480/month. If you die, your spouse’s survivor benefit would be $2,480/month.

Conversely, if you die before claiming (e.g., at age 65), your spouse would receive 100% of your PIA ($2,000/month), regardless of when you planned to claim, assuming you had enough work credits.

Side Note: If a spouse claims their own retirement benefits early (e.g., at 62), it does not lower the survivor benefit amount they are eligible for later. The survivor benefit is calculated based on the deceased spouse’s benefit and their age when claiming survivor benefits. One can switch to the survivor benefit if it exceeds their own reduced benefit, but a early claim of one’s own benefit doesn’t impose an additional penalty on the survivor amount. For example, with a $2,000 husband’s benefit and the wifes FRA is 67, claiming survivor benefits at 66 on the husband benefits is $1,918.64/month (95.9%), unaffected by her own prior benefit reduction claim that she took when she claimed her own benefits at age 62.

↳ Your Earnings History

The primary route to eligibility for retirement benefits is accumulating 40 credits—equivalent to 10 years of work—based on your earnings history, with a minimum age of 62 to claim.

In 2025, you earn one credit for every $1,810 in covered wages or self-employment income, up to a maximum of four credits per year (achieved by earning at least $7,240). These credits remain on your record permanently, even if you stop working or switch jobs, and you can continue earning additional credits by remaining in the workforce. To review your earnings history and track your credits, visit your “My Social Security” account on the Social Security Administration’s online portal.

↳ As A Spouse

You may qualify for Social Security retirement benefits based on your spouse’s earnings record, even if you have never worked or contributed to the system yourself. To be eligible for spousal benefits, the following conditions must be met:

• Your Age:You must be at least 62 years old.
• Marriage Duration: You must have been married to your spouse for at least one year.
• Spouse’s Earnings / Work History:Your spouse must have earned at least 40 credits—equivalent to 10 years of work—through their employment history.
• Spouse’s Filing Requirement: You cannot collect spousal benefits until your spouse has filed for their own Social Security retirement benefits.

↳ As A Surviving Spouse

If your deceased spouse worked and contributed to the Social Security system, you may be eligible for survivor benefits based on their earnings record. To qualify for these benefits, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Deceased Spouse’s Work History: Your late spouse must have earned the minimum number of credits—typically 40 credits, equivalent to 10 years of work—though fewer credits may suffice in some cases, depending on their age at death.
2. Marriage Duration: You must have been married to your deceased spouse for at least nine months before their passing, with exceptions for accidental death or if you had a child together.
3. Minimum Age: You must typically be at least 60 years old to claim survivor benefits.
4. Marital Status: If you remarry before age 60, you won’t be eligible for survivors or disability benefits as a surviving spouse unless your later marriage ends by divorce or annulment. If you remarry after age 60, you may be eligible for survivors benefits on your deceased spouse’s record or benefits on your new spouse’s record.

For An Ex- Spouse: You may be eligible for survivor benefits based on your ex-spouse if the marriage lasted at least 10 years and you haven’t remarried before age 60 (unless the proceeding marriage ends by divorce or annulment).

These benefits can provide critical financial support, and you can explore your eligibility and potential amounts by calling the SSA at 800-722-1213 to schedule an appointment.

↳ As A Ex-Spouse

You may be eligible to receive Social Security retirement benefits based on your ex-spouse’s earnings record—even if they have remarried—provided you meet specific conditions:

1. Marital Status: You must currently be unmarried.
2. Marriage Duration: Your marriage to your ex-spouse must have lasted at least 10 years before the divorce.
3. Divorce Timing: If your ex-spouse has not yet claimed their benefits, you must have been divorced for at least two years to file independently.
4. Ex-Spouse’s Eligibility: Your ex-spouse must be at least 62 years old and qualify for Social Security retirement benefits (have earned enough work credits), though they do not need to have filed.
5. Minimum Age: You must be at least 62 years old to claim benefits.

A key advantage for ex-spouses is that you can receive benefits based on your former spouse’s record without affecting their benefit amount or that of their current spouse. Additionally, if your ex-spouse has not yet applied for benefits, you can still claim after two years of divorce, assuming all other criteria are met.

↳ FRA on Your Earnings History / Spousal Benefits / Ex-Spousal Benefits

↳ FRA on Survivor Benefits

↳ Your Earning History

Claiming benefits before your Full Retirement Age (FRA) based on your own earning record can reduce your monthly amount by as much as 30%, due to an early claiming penalty. Conversely, delaying benefits past your FRA increases your payment by approximately 8% per year until age 70, after which no further increases apply.

Birth Year: 1960 and After

↳ As A Spouse

You may be eligible to claim Social Security spousal benefits based on your spouse’s earnings. At your Full Retirement Age (FRA), you can receive a spousal benefit equal to 50% of your spouse’s Primary Insurance Amount (PIA)—the benefit they’d receive at their FRA. Claiming spousal benefits early, as early as age 62, can reduce your benefit by up to 35% (e.g., from 50% to 32.5% of your spouse’s PIA). Delaying past your FRA does not increase your spousal benefit, as delayed retirement credits do not apply to spousal benefits.

Birth Year: 1960 and After

↳ As A Surviving Spouse

If your spouse has passed away, you may be eligible for Social Security survivor benefits based on their earnings record. At your Full Retirement Age (FRA) for survivor benefits—which differs slightly from the FRA for retirement or spousal benefits—you are entitled to 100% of the benefit your deceased spouse was receiving or would have received at their FRA. You can claim survivor benefits before FRA (age 60 is the earliest), but by doing so may reduce your benefit up to 28.5%. There are no added benefits for waiting past your FRA, as delayed retirement credits do not apply to survivor benefits.

Birth Year: 1962 and After

• Disabled survivors can file for survivor benefits as early as age 50

• Monthly reduction % is ≈ .339%

↳ As An Ex-Spouse

If you are eligible as an ex-spouse, you may be able to claim on your ex-spouse’s earnings history.  At your Full Retirement Age (FRA), you can receive a ex-spousal benefit equal to 50% of your ex-spouse’s Primary Insurance Amount (PIA)—the benefit they’d receive at their FRA. Claiming spousal benefits early, as early as age 62, can reduce your benefit by up to 35% (e.g., from 50% to 32.5% of your ex-spouse’s PIA). Delaying past your FRA does not increase your ex-spousal benefit, as delayed retirement credits do not apply to ex-spousal benefits.

Birth Year: 1960 and After

↳ Claim: Your Earnings History

Start by reviewing your own earnings history if you’ve paid into the Social Security system, as this determines your individual benefit at FRA. Then, explore alternative options—such as spousal or survivor benefits—which may yield a higher payout. You are always entitled to claim 100% of your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) at your Full Retirement Age (FRA) based on how the Social Security Administration (SSA) calculates retirement benefits.

↳ Claim: As A Spouse

When claiming Social Security retirement benefits, you may receive payments based on your own earnings record and/or spousal benefits, which can be up to 50% of your spouse’s Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) at their Full Retirement Age (FRA). However, you cannot collect both your own retirement benefit and a spousal benefit simultaneously; you receive the higher of the two amounts based on your eligibility at the time of filing. Three key factors to consider:

• Early Claiming by You: If you claim spousal benefits before your FRA, your benefit can be permanently reduced by up to 35%. For example, with an FRA of 67, claiming at 62 reduces the spousal benefit from 50% to 32.5% of your spouse’s PIA.
• Spouse’s Early Claiming: Your spousal benefit is based on your spouse’s PIA at their FRA, not their reduced amount if they claim early. For instance, if your spouse’s PIA is $2,000 and they claim at 62, your spousal benefit remains up to $1,000 (50% of PIA) if claimed at your FRA, unaffected by their reduction.
• Your Spouse Must Have Filed: You cannot receive spousal benefits until your spouse has filed for their retirement benefits. If you file for your own benefits early (e.g., at 62) while your spouse delays, you’ll initially receive your own benefit. Later, when your spouse files, you may receive a “spousal top-up” to the higher spousal amount if eligible—however, due to the deemed filing rule, applying for your own benefit early also triggers an application for spousal benefits. If your FRA is 67 and you claim at 62, both your own and spousal benefits will be reduced (e.g., by 30% for your own, up to 35% for spousal), locking in the lower amounts permanently.

Unlike benefits based on your own record, delaying a spousal claim past your FRA does not increase your payment, as delayed retirement credits do not apply to spousal benefits.

↳ Claim: As A Surviving Spouse

A surviving spouse can receive Social Security survivor benefits, potentially receiving 100% of the deceased spouse’s benefit amount they were receiving at the time of death, or 100% of the benefit the deceased would have received at their Full Retirement Age (FRA) or delayed retirement age (up to age 70) if they had not yet claimed. Survivor benefits are not automatic; they must be applied for to begin payments. Eligible ex-spouses—those married to the deceased for at least 10 years and not remarried before age 60—also have the ability to claim survivor benefits upon their ex-spouse’s passing, subject to the same rules.

One Benefit First: Strategic Options for Widows and Widowers

Widows and widowers have a unique advantage when it comes to Social Security: they can claim one type of benefit first—either their own retirement benefit or a survivor benefit—and switch to the other later, if it results in a higher monthly payment. This flexibility allows for strategic planning to maximize lifetime income. For example:

• If a widow’s full retirement age (FRA) is 67, her own primary insurance amount (PIA) is $1,500, and her deceased husband’s benefit (claimed at his FRA) was $2,000, she could claim her own reduced retirement benefit at age 62, receiving 70% of $1,500 = $1,050/month. Then, at her FRA (67), she could switch to the full survivor benefit and receive 100% of her husband’s benefit: $2,000/month.
• • Alternatively, she could claim a reduced survivor benefit at age 60, receiving 71.5% of $2,000 = $1,430/month, and later switch to her own retirement benefit. If she waits until age 70 to make the switch, her own benefit would grow due to delayed retirement credits and be worth $1,860/month ($1,500 × 1.24).

↳ Claim: As A Ex-Spouse

If eligible, you can claim Social Security benefits as an ex-spouse based on your ex-spouse’s earning history. At your Full Retirement Age (FRA) you are entitled to up to 50% of your ex-spouse’s Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), the benefit they would receive at their FRA. This can potentially offer a higher payout than what is based on your own earnings record. If you claim an ex-spousal benefit, it will not affect your ex-spouse’s own benefit amount, and the Social Security Administration (SSA) will not notify them. The SSA will evaluate both your individual retirement benefit and your potential ex-spousal benefit, paying you the higher of the two amounts—however, you cannot receive both benefits simultaneously, similar to the deemed filing rule.

• Remarriage: Generally, if you remarry before age 60, your eligibility to claim benefits based on your ex-spouse’s record ends. However, exceptions apply: if your subsequent marriage ends due to death, divorce, or annulment, you may regain eligibility to claim on your ex-spouse’s record, provided the original marriage lasted at least 10 years and you are not currently married.
• Switching To Survivor Benefits On Ex-Spouse’s Death – If your ex-spouse passes away and you meet the eligibility criteria, you may switch to survivor benefits based on their earnings record, potentially receiving 100% of the benefit they were receiving at the time of death or would have received at their Full Retirement Age (FRA) if unclaimed. This option becomes available if your marriage lasted at least 10 years, you are unmarried, and you have not remarried before age 60 (or your subsequent marriage has ended). The Social Security office won’t proactively inform you about your ex-spouse’s death so it is advisable to contact them directly if you have reason to believe this might have occurred and you think you might be eligible for benefits as a result.