You can apply for Social Security retirement benefits when you are at least 61 years and 9 months of age. You should apply three months before you want your benefits to start. Even if you are not ready to retire, you still should sign up for Medicare three months before your 65th birthday. When you’re ready to apply for retirement benefits, use the Social Security Administration’s (the “SSA”) online retirement application, at https://secure.ssa.gov/iClaim/rib the quickest, easiest, and most convenient way to apply.

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How far in advance can I apply for SocialSecurity retirement benefits?Q:

The easiest and most convenient way to apply for retirement benefits is by using the SSA’s online application.

The SSA may need to see certain documents in reviewing your application for SSA benefits. If you apply online, a list of documents the SSA will need from you will appear at the end of the application, along with instructions on where to submit them. The documents the SSA may ask for are:• Your original birth certificate or other proof of birth (you may also

submit a copy of your birth certificate certified by the issuing agency);

• Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status if you were not born in the United States;

• A copy of your U.S. military service paper(s) (e.g., DD-214 - Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) if you had military service before 1968; and

• A copy of your W-2 form(s) and/or self-employment tax return for last year.

You can also apply:• By phone - Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday

through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• In person - Visit your local Social Security Office. Call first to make an appointment.

How do I apply for Social Securityretirement benefits?Q:

If you applied for benefits, you can check the status of your application online.Your application status shows:• The date the SSA received your application;

• Any requests for additional documents;

• The address of the office processing your application; and

• If a decision has been made.If you are unable to check your status online, you can:• Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through

Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Contact your local Social Security office.

You can get Social Security retirement benefits and work at the same time. However, if you are younger than full retirement age and make more than the yearly earnings limit, the SSA will reduce your SSA benefit. Beginning with the month you reach full retirement age, the SSA will not reduce your benefits no matter how much you earn.

• The SSA uses the following earnings limits to reduce your benefits: If you are under full retirement age for the entire year, we deduct $1 from your benefit payments for every $2 you earn above the annual limit. For 2015 that limit is $15,720.

• In the year you reach full retirement age, the SSA deducts $1 in benefits for every $3 you earn above a different limit, but only counts earnings before the month you reach your full retirement age. If you will reach full retirement age in 2015, the limit on your earnings for the months before full retirement age is $41,880.

The earnings limits amounts for 2016 are not yet available. The SSA will post the 2016 information on their website when they receive it.

How do I check the status of a pendingSocial Security application for benefits?Q:

Q: What happens if I work and get Social Security retirement benefits?

SOCIAL SECURITYFrequently Asked Questions

If you need proof you get Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income or Medicare, you can request a benefit verification letter online by using your my Social Security account. You can also request proof that you have never received Social Security benefits or Supplemental Security Income or proof that you have applied for benefits. To set up or use your account to get a benefit verification letter, go to www.ssa.gov/signin. You can also call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m.to 7:00 p.m.

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How can I get proof of my entitlement toSocial Security benefits?Q:

The current full retirement age is 66. However, the age when retired people can receive full benefits is increasing gradually to age 67. (The age for Medicare eligibility remains at 65.) See Benefits “By Year of Birth” for more information: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2/agereduction.htm

What is full retirement age for SocialSecurity purposes?Q:

You can get your personal Social Security Statement online by using your my Social Security account. Your online Statement gives you secure and convenient access to your earnings records. It also shows estimates for retirement, disability and survivor’s benefits.

How can I get a record of my SocialSecurity earnings?Q:

Everyone working in covered employment or self-employment regardless of age or eligibility for benefits must pay Social Security taxes.

You must earn a certain number of credits to qualify for Social Security benefits. The number of credits you need depends on your age when you apply and the type of benefit application. No one needs more than 40 credits for any Social Security benefit.

The SSA uses your total yearly earnings to figure your Social Security credits. The amount needed for a single credit in 2015 is $1,220. You can earn a maximum of four credits for any year. The amount needed to earn one credit increases automatically each year when average wages increase.

Must I pay Social Security taxes on myearnings after full retirement age?Q:

Q:How do I earn Social Security credits and how many do I need to qualify for benefits?

SOCIAL SECURITYFrequently Asked Questions