Fill out SSA-1 (Application for Retirement Insurance Benefits) online
Form SSA-1 is the application for Social Security retirement insurance benefits. It is used to claim the monthly retirement benefits you have earned through your work history and Social Security tax contributions. You can file as early as age 62, though benefits are reduced if claimed before your full retirement age, and increased if delayed up to age 70.
How to fill out SSA-1 (Application for Retirement Insurance Benefits)
Verify your eligibility and gather documents
Confirm you are at least 62 years old and have earned 40 work credits. Gather your Social Security card or number, birth certificate, proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful residency, W-2 forms or self-employment tax returns for the prior year, and bank account details for direct deposit.
Enter personal information
Provide your full legal name, Social Security number, date and place of birth, citizenship status, and current mailing address. List any other names you have used (maiden name, prior married names) so SSA can locate your full earnings record.
Provide work and earnings history
List your employment for the current and prior year, including employer names and earnings. If self-employed, report your net earnings. This information helps SSA verify your most recent earnings.
Select your benefit start date
Choose the month you want benefits to begin. Consider the trade-off: starting at 62 permanently reduces your monthly amount, while delaying past full retirement age (66-67 depending on birth year) increases it by 8% per year up to age 70.
Provide dependent and spouse information
If you have a spouse, provide their name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Indicate if your spouse is also applying for benefits. List any dependent children under 18 or disabled who may qualify for benefits on your record.
Review and submit
Review all information for accuracy. Sign the application and submit it. SSA will process the application and notify you of the decision. Once approved, benefits are typically paid on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of each month based on your birth date.
About SSA-1 (Application for Retirement Insurance Benefits)
Who needs this form
Individuals age 62 or older who have earned at least 40 Social Security work credits (approximately 10 years of work) and want to begin receiving monthly retirement benefits. Spouses, divorced spouses, and survivors who qualify for benefits based on a worker record may also use this form.
Where to submit
Apply online at ssa.gov (recommended for fastest processing), by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. Online applications are typically processed faster than paper submissions.
Source and content freshness
- Reviewed: 2026-02-24
- Filing deadlines may shift for weekends and holidays. Verify due dates with official instructions.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying before understanding how early filing reduces monthly benefits compared to waiting until full retirement age or later
- Not having bank account information ready for direct deposit setup
- Failing to report all prior names used during employment (Social Security needs to match your earnings record)
- Not applying for Medicare at the same time if you are age 65 or older (enrollment in Medicare Part B has its own deadlines)
Frequently asked questions
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Should I apply for Social Security at 62 or wait until full retirement age?
It depends on your financial situation and health. Filing at 62 gives you benefits sooner but permanently reduces your monthly payment by up to 30% compared to full retirement age (66-67). Waiting until 70 increases your benefit by about 8% per year beyond full retirement age through delayed retirement credits. If you need the income now or have health concerns, earlier filing may make sense. If you can afford to wait and expect to live into your 80s, delaying generally provides more total lifetime benefits.
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