How to start Social Security retirement benefits in January at age 69 - need online application help

You're making a smart move by applying online! The process is pretty straightforward. SSA recommends applying about 3 months before you want benefits to begin, so you should start your application now for January payments. Here's what you'll need for the online application: 1. Your Social Security number 2. Birth certificate (though they can often verify this electronically) 3. W-2 forms or self-employment tax returns for last year 4. Military discharge papers if applicable 5. Bank account info for direct deposit Just log into your mySocialSecurity account, click on "Apply for Retirement Benefits" and follow the prompts. The online application typically takes 20-30 minutes. Your first payment will arrive the month after your benefits start, so expect your first deposit in February. Since you're past your Full Retirement Age (which would be 66 and a few months for your birth year), you'll receive Delayed Retirement Credits that have increased your monthly benefit by 8% for each year you delayed past FRA. Good decision to wait!

my sister just did this last fall and the online thing was actually way easier than she thought. she said it took maybe 15 minutes tops? but then she had to wait on hold for like 2 hours when she called with a question so definitely try to get everything right the first time lol

I started my SS retiremnt last year and yes definitely do the online application! For your bank account, use whatever account YOU want the money to go into. They'll show you your estimated benefit during the application but it's just an estimate. Your actual first payment might be slightly different. One tip: Take screenshots or print each page as you go through the application. I had an issue where my application seemed to disappear after I submitted it, but I had proof I completed it because I saved everything. Also, you'll get a confirmation number at the end - write this down somewhere safe! You'll need it if you have to call about your application status.

I tried calling SSA about my retirement application last month and was on hold for THREE HOURS before I gave up. Then tried again the next day - another 2 hours wasted. Their phone system is absolutely terrible and I was about to lose my mind. Finally, I used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that a friend recommended. They somehow got me connected to an actual SSA agent in about 20 minutes instead of hours of waiting. They have this video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU Just sharing because if you do need to call SSA at any point (which you might), this saved me a ton of frustration. The online application is definitely the way to start though!

Just want to confirm what others are saying - applying online is MUCH easier than dealing with the office. I applied at 68 last year. One thing though - if you have any unusual circumstances (like foreign earnings, government pension, etc.) the online application might not be able to handle your situation and you'd need to call or visit an office anyway. But for most standard retirements, online works great. Also, make sure you think about your Medicare situation if you haven't already enrolled. That's a separate process from SS retirement benefits.

i applied online last year it was ok but then they needed more info and i had no idea until i checked my account a month later. they dont always email you so make sure you keep checking your mySS account every few days after you apply!! they put messages in there that you'll miss if you don't login