Starting SS retirement application online at FRA - can I save and finish later?

Yes, you absolutely can save your progress and return later! I applied online last year and it's designed exactly for that. There's a 'Save' button at the bottom of each section. They'll give you a re-entry number to use when you come back to continue. Make sure you write this down somewhere safe. As for documents, they typically don't require uploads for the basic retirement application. They'll usually verify most information electronically. You might need your banking information for direct deposit setup though. The whole process took me about 30-40 minutes once I had everything ready. Just make sure you start at least 3 months before you want benefits to begin, even though you're already at FRA.

did mine last year took like 20 min tops. super easy. just have ssn and bank info ready. yes u can save and come back later if u need to

Trust me, you DON'T want to waste time going to the SSA office if you can avoid it!!! I tried that route first and had to wait 6 WEEKS for an appointment, then got there and sat for 2.5 HOURS past my appointment time!!! The online system is MUCH better. Yes, you can save and come back - I had to do that twice because I couldn't find my divorce papers which I thought I'd need (turns out I didn't for basic retirement). The SSA website is actually pretty decent compared to other government sites. Just don't expect to get your first payment right away - took almost 2 months after I applied to get my first deposit.

I helped my husband apply online a few months ago. The application process is well-designed and quite user-friendly. Here are some specifics that might help you: 1. Yes, you can save and return later - they'll give you a re-entry number and create a secure account 2. The system will tell you at the beginning what information you might need to have on hand 3. For basic retirement benefits at FRA, document uploads are rarely needed 4. Having your last year's tax return nearby is helpful 5. Direct deposit information (routing and account numbers) will be needed 6. The whole process typically takes 30-45 minutes if you have everything ready One tip: even though you've reached your FRA, be aware that you can still get delayed retirement credits if you wait longer to file. Each year you delay past FRA adds 8% to your benefit amount (up until age 70).

I tried the online application but my internet kept cutting out. So frustrating! I gave up and called SSA but was on hold for over an hour. I wish I'd known about Claimyr.com - my neighbor used it to get through to a Social Security agent in just a few minutes. There's a video that shows how it works at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. Saved her hours of waiting. Might be good backup if you run into trouble with the online system.

Quick question - I'm filling out my online application right now and got confused by a question about receiving foreign pensions. Does anyone know if my Canadian retirement fund counts as a "foreign pension" for Social Security purposes? I worked in Toronto for 5 years in my 30s.

does anyone know how long after applying it takes to get first payment? applied last week and wondering when to expect $$

Congrats on reaching FRA! I just went through this last month and found it pretty easy. Just make sure you're on the official ssa.gov website - there are some scam sites out there.