{"id":353879,"date":"2015-01-27T20:19:45","date_gmt":"2015-01-28T01:19:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/socialsecurity\/basics\/applying-for-social-security-benefits.html"},"modified":"2026-03-09T13:51:30","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T18:51:30","slug":"applying-for-social-security-benefits","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/socialsecurity\/basics\/applying-for-social-security-benefits.html","title":{"rendered":"Applying for Social Security Retirement Benefits"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Applying for Social Security Retirement Benefits<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

You may apply for Social Security<\/span> retirement<\/span> benefits<\/span> if you work for at least 10 years and pay Social Security<\/span> taxes<\/span>. There are many rules about when you can access your retirement benefits<\/span> and how to apply for them.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Social Security<\/span> is a federal insurance program that provides benefits to eligible individuals. These individuals may include those who have paid into the system for at least 10 years, are disabled, are survivors of deceased eligible workers, or other designated beneficiaries<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Deciding when to file for Social Security<\/span> benefits is an important financial decision made by most people when they reach retirement age. Although you can claim social security<\/span> benefits as early as 62 years old, delaying the claim of benefits past retirement age increases the amount of your payments for every year.<\/p>\n

Understanding how to apply for social security<\/span> benefits and the timing considerations is important for planning your financial future. If you are worried about making costly mistakes or want to make sure you are making the right decision, contact a Social Security<\/span> attorney<\/a> near you. They can help you with your application process<\/span> and help you receive the full benefit amount<\/span>.<\/p>\n

What Types of Social Security<\/span> Benefits Are Available?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The\u00a0Social Security<\/span> Administration<\/span> (SSA<\/span>)<\/a> offers several types of benefits<\/span> to eligible individuals and their families, including:<\/p>\n