{"id":353890,"date":"2023-09-18T23:57:56","date_gmt":"2023-09-19T04:57:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/socialsecurity\/basics\/tips-on-filing-for-social-security-benefits.html"},"modified":"2026-03-17T13:06:35","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T18:06:35","slug":"tips-on-filing-for-social-security-benefits","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/socialsecurity\/basics\/tips-on-filing-for-social-security-benefits.html","title":{"rendered":"Tips on Filing for Social Security Benefits"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Tips on Filing for Social Security Benefits<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Jennifer Steinberg, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Jennifer Steinberg, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\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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Your eligibility for Social Security retirement depends on your years of earnings when you paid Social Security taxes. These taxes earn you "credits" toward retirement. The SSA will consider your taxed earnings record and age to calculate benefits.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Filing for Social Security retirement benefits can be an exciting milestone for Americans. It can also be fraught with concerns about how it works and filing correctly to ensure accurate and timely benefits. The confusion may be compounded if a retiree deals with a medical impairment or any other issue requiring extra support and assistance in filing for monthly benefits.<\/p>\n

With advanced\u00a0retirement planning<\/a>, it’s possible to alleviate some concerns. Below, you will learn about federal government retirement eligibility and what types of benefits are available. You will also get more information about when to file for retirement and Medicare benefits and what documents you’ll need. If you still need help or advice, find a Social Security benefits lawyer<\/a> near you.<\/p>\n

Apply for Retirement Benefits at the Right Time<\/h2>\n

When you apply for Social Security benefits can affect how much you’ll receive. Retired workers can claim Social Security benefits starting at age 62.<\/p>\n

However, applying as early as possible will result in a reduction of benefits. Waiting until full retirement age (FRA) results in an earner getting 100% of benefits. But the timing is still up to you and your financial situation.<\/p>\n

Consider Your Retirement Age\u00a0<\/h3>\n

Your benefit amount will vary based on when you claim them. For example, if you take early retirement at 62, your Social Security payments will be lower than if you delay until your full retirement age, usually between 66 and 67. You could even wait until you’re 70 to receive a higher benefit.<\/p>\n

If you would like to receive your benefits as soon as possible, filing for Social Security benefits four months before your birthday on which you become eligible may be a good idea. By the time the Social Security office processes your claim, you will have reached the eligible age to receive your benefits.<\/p>\n

Calculate Your Total Retirement Income<\/h3>\n

Retirement can last a long time. You’ll need to plan for how much money<\/a> you’ll need to cover the rest of your lifespan.<\/p>\n

Each year, the SSA provides a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). The COLA means your monthly benefits can change each year due to inflation and related factors.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Despite the COLA, it’s wise to rely on something other than Social Security benefits during retirement. Consider other ways to generate retirement income, like working after retirement<\/a>. Or you may have a\u00a0pension<\/a> or annuity that will provide some cash flow as well. Many people save money in a 401(k)<\/a>, a traditional or Roth IRA<\/a>, or another type of retirement account.<\/p>\n

Estimating your lifespan can help you calculate how much additional money you may need. If you aren’t sure you’ll have enough of your own savings to cover your lifetime, you may want to delay taking Social Security benefits so the payment will be higher.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Plan for Other Potential Social Security Benefits<\/h3>\n

Once you receive your own retirement benefits, your family members may qualify for monthly payments based on your work history and record. They may also claim benefits after your lifetime. The program has spouse’s benefits<\/a> for your surviving spouse. It even has survivor benefits for your ex-spouse<\/a> if your marriage lasted a decade or longer.<\/p>\n

Imagine you were receiving Social Security disability benefits before filing for retirement. In that case, your disability benefits will convert to retirement benefits at FRA. You cannot collect both Social Security Disability Insurance<\/a> (SSDI) and retirement benefits simultaneously.<\/p>\n

Gather the Documents You’ll Need for Social Security Benefits<\/h2>\n

If you are filing for Social Security benefits, you may need to submit the following documents<\/a> to the SSA:<\/p>\n