There are several important decisions to make about your Social Security benefits. You decide how many years you work and which jobs you work at. You also choose when you sign up. All these choices ...

Over 2.5 million people in the United States receive Social Security benefits, and more become eligible each year. If you are eligible for benefits, here’s what you need to know to apply. Before ...

While choosing the right timing to apply for Social Security retirement benefits can be complicated, the actual process of applying is a lot more straightforward. You can apply for your monthly ...

For those approaching retirement, there are several steps to take before applying for Social Security benefits. Pre-retirees should be familiar with the benefit options available to them and ...

Many people are mentally ready to start receiving Social Security checks long before they become eligible for them at 62. But wanting checks and actually applying for them are two separate things. If ...

You must be at least 61 years and 9 months, and want your benefits to start in no more than 4 months. Apply at www.ssa.gov/retirement. Are age 18 or older. Are unable ...

Dear Rusty: I just turned 65 years old in February 2025. I need to sign up for Social Security but don’t even know where to start. Signed: Seeking Assistance Dear Seeking: It is fairly easy to sign up ...

Those who work long, high-paying careers can receive thousands of dollars above the average Social Security benefit.

Katharine Paljug is a financial writer and editor with over a decade of industry experience. Her writing has covered nearly every aspect of the financial world, from investing in forex to paying for ...

Applying for Social Security by phone can involve long wait times. If your account is flagged as a possible fraud risk, you may not be able to complete your application over the phone. Having all the ...