Best website to apply for Social Security retirement benefits online?

The official website is ssa.gov - specifically, you'll want to go to https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/ to start the retirement application process. It's very straightforward and secure. You'll need to create a my Social Security account first if you don't already have one. The online application walks you through everything step by step and saves your progress if you need to take a break. Much easier than going to the office!

Definitely use ssa.gov ONLY! My sister almost got scammed by some fake site last year that looked really official but was asking for credit card info.

The SSA website is pretty user-friendly, but have these documents handy before you start: - Your birth certificate - Your Social Security card or number - W-2 forms or self-employment tax returns for last year - Military discharge papers if applicable - Bank account info for direct deposit Also, think carefully about whether you really want to file at 62 - your benefit amount will be permanently reduced by about 30% compared to waiting until your Full Retirement Age (FRA). Everyone's situation is different, but it's a big decision.

i applied online 6 months ago it was easy but took me like an hour and a half not 30 mins lol

I tried the online application but kept having problems uploading my documents. Spent FOUR DAYS trying to get through on the SSA phone line with no luck. Then I found Claimyr (claimyr.com) and actually got through to a real person at SSA in under 30 minutes! They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. So much better than waiting on hold for hours or trying to get an appointment at the office.

BE CAREFUL applying at 62!!!! They DON'T tell you that if you earn over $21,870 in 2025 they will TAKE BACK $1 for every $2 you earn over that limit!!!! I learned this the HARD WAY and now owe SSA thousands because I kept working part-time. The online application DOESN'T MAKE THIS CLEAR ENOUGH!!!

my daughter helped me apply online last year. we had some confus questions aobut my divroced spouse benefits cause my ex husband past away. ended up having to call SSA anyway. but starting online saved time

Another tip - when you create your my Social Security account, you'll need to verify your identity. They'll ask questions based on your credit report, so have that information handy. If you have a credit freeze in place (which many people do these days), you might need to temporarily lift it to create your account.

Since your husband is already receiving retirement benefits, you should definitely look into whether a spousal benefit might be higher than your own retirement benefit. You'd be eligible for up to 50% of his full retirement age benefit amount (reduced if you claim before your FRA). The online application will ask if you want to apply for spousal benefits too. Always say yes - SSA will automatically give you whichever is higher between your own benefit and the spousal benefit.