Social Security application anxiety - disadvantages of applying online vs. in-person at age 69?

The online application is completely fine and actually preferred by SSA these days. I applied online and found it straightforward. The system walks you through each section, and you can save your progress and come back to it if needed. There's no disadvantage whatsoever to applying online - the calculation of your benefits is exactly the same regardless of how you apply. Since you're already past FRA and approaching 70, you're making a smart choice to apply now. Remember that you can only get 6 months of retroactive benefits beyond FRA, so don't delay any longer!

I was TERRIFIED of the online system too!!! I kept putting it off for months because I was convinced I'd mess something up. When I finally did it last year, it was WAY easier than I expected. Took maybe 30 mins total? Just have your banking info handy for direct deposit. The only annoying part was they still called me anyway to verify some employment dates from like 15 years ago that didn't even matter for my benefit amount! So frustrating!!!

I actually recommend applying by phone right now. The online system is fine technically, but if you have any special circumstances or questions during the process, you're stuck. When you apply with a representative, they can advise you in real-time if anything looks unusual with your record. Since you're so close to 70, you want to make sure everything is processed correctly. The main issue I see is that you'll need to request retroactive benefits for the months since your FRA (though SSA only allows 6 months of retroactivity). If you're determined to go online, gather these documents first: - Your birth certificate - Tax returns from the past few years - Banking information for direct deposit - Details about your pension Also, make sure to specify how much additional tax withholding you want from your benefits.

I tried applying online but got so frustrated! The website kept timing out and I lost my application twice. I finally got through to someone on the phone after using Claimyr (claimyr.com) - they got me past the busy signals and connected me to a live agent in about 20 minutes. Seeing their video demo (https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU) convinced me it was worth trying. The agent was super helpful and walked me through everything, which was great since I had questions about my spousal benefits that weren't clear on the website. For someone with anxiety about doing something wrong, talking to a real person might give you more peace of mind.

my sister did hers online but then they calculated her benefits wrong!!! she had to go in person to the office to fix it and it took months to resolve. personally i would never trust the online thing for something this important

i did mine online last year took like 15 minutes super easy just needed my bank info and ssn. got approved in like 2 weeks no problem

One important thing to know: since you're already past your FRA but not yet 70, make sure to specify on the application that you want benefits to begin as soon as possible. You're entitled to get up to 6 months of retroactive benefits (depending on how long you've been past FRA). Also, regarding the tax withholding - you can designate a specific percentage or dollar amount to be withheld from your Social Security on the application. You might want to calculate roughly what percentage you'll need based on your pension distribution to avoid having to make quarterly estimated tax payments.

To address your follow-up question about timing: The online application typically takes 20-30 minutes if you have all your information ready. Nothing tricky, but have these on hand: 1. Your dates of employment for the past 2 years (if applicable) 2. Banking information for direct deposit 3. Marriage/divorce information if you were married 4. Information about your pension Regarding retroactive benefits - there will be a question asking when you want benefits to begin. Select the option for "earliest possible date" to get the retroactive benefits you're entitled to (up to 6 months max for retirement benefits beyond FRA). I applied online at 67 and the whole process was smooth. My benefits started exactly when they said they would.

does anyone know if the online application works on ipad? my computer broke and thats all i have now

You mentioned you're planning to increase tax withholding from an annual distribution. Just to clarify - that's separate from the withholding option on your Social Security benefits. You can elect withholding on both your pension/distribution AND your Social Security. For Social Security withholding, you have limited options: 7%, 10%, 12%, or 22% of your monthly benefit. There's no option for a specific dollar amount, only these percentages. If you're expecting a large annual distribution that could push you into a higher tax bracket, it's often wise to have withholding on both income sources.

I forgot to mention in my earlier post - PRINT EVERYTHING when you're done with the online application!!! I didn't save my confirmation number and then had a minor panic attack when I didn't hear anything for 3 weeks. Take screenshots or print the confirmation page because you'll need that reference number if you have to call and check on status.