Americans can apply for Social Security retirement benefits at the age of 62. But should you wait until you are 62 to apply for these monthly payments in the United States?
Of course, you can delay filing for Social Security until you are 70. In this way, you can get a lot more. It is true that you will have to work for 8 more years too.
| Important links |
|---|
| More News |
| PAYMENTS |
| stimulus checks |
| Social Security COLA |
Anyway, when you are sure you would like to file for Social Security, you should not wait until the very last minute to apply. This is the moment when the Administration recommends filing for monthly payments.
SOCIAL SECURITY ALLOWS SENIORS TO APPLY BEFORE THEY WANT TO START GETTING BENEFITS
According to the Administration, you can file for retirement payments up to 4 months before you actually want to begin getting your benefits. Do not visit the Social Security office to file though.
Social Security recommends using the online application tool. They claim it will be the fastest, easiest, and most convenient way to apply for retirement benefits.
First of all, you will need to have a my Social Security account. If you do not have one yet, start by creating one. Once you have a my SSA account, log in and start the application process.
Sometimes the Administration cannot process your retirement benefits online. In that case, they will inform you. Then, you will have to call them and make an appointment.
HOW CAN I APPLY FOR RETIREMENT BENEFITS IF I AM ABROAD?
There are many Americans who live outside the United States. If you are in that situation, you’d better visit their website at https://www.ssa.gov/foreign/foreign.htm.
There you will find the office that is closest to you. Seniors living in the United States who do not know how to apply online can also apply by phoning Social Security.
Their phone number is 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Do not forget that you can only do so Monday through Friday. They are not open all day long either. Make sure you phone them from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
If you do not like using the Internet or the phone, simply visit your local Social Security office. Remember to get your annual statement to see possible future amounts. Early filing means getting less money. So be wise and file when you can afford it. Average payments are just $1,907 in 2024.