Social Security Benefits Guide: When to Claim, How Much You'll Get & How to Apply

Your Social Security check depends on the day you claim it

Claim at 62 and you lock in a smaller payment for life. Wait until 70 and it grows every month you hold off. This guide explains retirement, disability, spousal and survivor benefits in plain English, so you can pick the right moment.

What Social Security covers

Social Security is more than a retirement check. It's a set of programs funded by payroll taxes that protect you and your family when income stops.

Retirement benefits

Monthly income starting as early as 62, based on your 35 highest-earning years. Most people need 40 work credits, about 10 years of work, to qualify.

Disability (SSDI)

Pays workers who can't work because of a medical condition expected to last at least a year. Eligibility depends on your recent work history.

Spousal benefits

A spouse can receive up to half of the worker's full benefit, even with little or no work history of their own. Divorced spouses may also qualify.

Survivor benefits

When a worker dies, a widow or widower, minor children and sometimes dependent parents can receive monthly payments.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

A needs-based payment for people 65 or older, blind or disabled who have limited income and savings. No work history is required.

Medicare connection

Medicare starts at 65 regardless of when you claim Social Security. If you're already receiving benefits, you're enrolled in Parts A and B automatically.

How your benefit is calculated

Social Security takes your 35 highest-earning years, adjusts older wages for wage growth, and averages them into a monthly figure. A formula then turns that average into your full benefit, called your primary insurance amount.

If you worked fewer than 35 years, the missing years count as zeros in the average. A high-earning year late in your career can replace one of those zeros and raise your check.

Your claiming age sets the final amount

Claim at 62: about 70% of your full benefit
Claim at 67: 100%
Claim at 70: about 124%

Each year you wait past full retirement age adds 8% through delayed retirement credits. Waiting past 70 doesn't increase your benefit any further.

How to apply for Social Security

You can apply up to four months before you want your first payment.

Create a my Social Security account. Sign up at ssa.gov to see your earnings record and personal benefit estimates.
Check your earnings history. Missing or wrong years lower your benefit. Report errors using W-2s or tax returns as proof.
Choose your start date. Weigh your health, savings, whether you're still working and your spouse's benefits.
Submit your application. Apply online in about 15 minutes, call 1-800-772-1213, or visit a local Social Security office.
Set up direct deposit. Payments go to your bank account or a Direct Express card. Paper checks are no longer the default.

Social Security questions, answered

What is full retirement age for Social Security?

For anyone born in 1960 or later, full retirement age is 67. If you were born earlier, it falls between 66 and 67.

How many work credits do I need to qualify?

Most people need 40 credits, which is about 10 years of work. You can earn up to four credits a year.

Can I work while collecting Social Security?

Yes. Before full retirement age, earning above the annual limit causes some benefits to be withheld temporarily. Once you reach full retirement age, the limit disappears and your benefit is recalculated to credit you for the withheld months.

What's the difference between SSDI and SSI?

SSDI pays people who worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is based on financial need and doesn't require a work history. Some people qualify for both.

Are Social Security benefits taxable?

They can be. If your combined income passes certain thresholds, up to 85% of your benefits may be subject to federal income tax. Some states tax benefits too.

Can I change my mind after claiming?

Within 12 months of starting benefits, you can withdraw your application once by repaying what you received. After full retirement age, you can also voluntarily suspend benefits to earn delayed credits.

Know your number before you claim

Your personal statement shows exactly what you'd get at every age. Pull it up, then use this guide to decide when to start.

Footer disclaimer: This site is an independent educational resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any government agency. Estimates are for illustration only. Confirm your benefits with the Social Security Administration.

consult