{"id":754,"date":"2020-04-14T16:20:00","date_gmt":"2020-04-14T16:20:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog-2023\/?p=754"},"modified":"2023-06-22T21:28:38","modified_gmt":"2023-06-22T21:28:38","slug":"social-security-checklist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/social-security-checklist\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Apply for Social Security Benefits"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"754\" class=\"elementor elementor-754\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-0b985e9 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"0b985e9\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-42b4a6a\" data-id=\"42b4a6a\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4cea501 elementor-widget elementor-widget-template\" data-id=\"4cea501\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"template.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-template\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"section\" data-elementor-id=\"196\" class=\"elementor elementor-196\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-339b45e0 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"339b45e0\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-3f771e94\" data-id=\"3f771e94\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-44435407 elementor-cta--skin-classic elementor-animated-content elementor-bg-transform elementor-bg-transform-zoom-in elementor-widget elementor-widget-call-to-action\" data-id=\"44435407\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"call-to-action.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/elementor\/css\/custom-pro-widget-call-to-action.min.css?ver=1764022918\">\t\t<a class=\"elementor-cta\" href=\"https:\/\/simplywise.app.link\/Iv0wVANrvfb\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-content-item elementor-cta__content-item elementor-icon-wrapper elementor-cta__icon elementor-view-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"far fa-lightbulb\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-cta__title elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item\">DID YOU KNOW?<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__description elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tRetirement is 99% easier when your paperwork is organized. \n\nJoin 250,000+ Americans securely storing their important receipts, bills &amp; documents with the SimplyWise app.\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__button-wrapper elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item \">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-cta__button elementor-button elementor-size-md\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tGet the App\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-e373c39 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"e373c39\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-5a2be35\" data-id=\"5a2be35\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-94aca23 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"94aca23\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.13.3 - 28-05-2023 *\/\n.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fbfa831 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"fbfa831\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d5064f1 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"d5064f1\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-05692e8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"05692e8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><p>Navigating Social Security can be confusing. If you\u2019re wondering how to apply for Social Security benefits, our Application Checklist breaks down what you need to know, step by step.\u00a0<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-944f5ab elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"944f5ab\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2fe6b03 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"2fe6b03\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-68207b0 elementor-widget-divider--separator-type-pattern elementor-widget-divider--no-spacing elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"68207b0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-divider\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-818d2b9 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"818d2b9\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-32ccdfb elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"32ccdfb\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-053b2be elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"053b2be\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Application Checklist<span data-elementor-setting-key=\"title\" data-pen-placeholder=\"Type Here...\">\u00a0to Apply for Social Security Benefits<\/span><\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c7bc14c elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"c7bc14c\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-99fb6b5 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"99fb6b5\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bc964d5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"bc964d5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-spacer\"><div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0011a3b elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"0011a3b\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6385da0 elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"6385da0\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-be3c36b elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-hidden-phone elementor-view-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon\" data-id=\"be3c36b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-icon-wrapper\"><div class=\"elementor-icon\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-54fd275 elementor-column elementor-col-66 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"54fd275\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0e9dff5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0e9dff5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/social-security-checklist#bestagetoclaimbenefits\">#1 Calculate the best age to claim Social Security retirement benefits\u200b<\/a><\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ca4aae5 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"ca4aae5\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-91d12ec elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"91d12ec\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-35dd49f elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-hidden-phone elementor-view-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon\" data-id=\"35dd49f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-icon-wrapper\"><div class=\"elementor-icon\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4e54066 elementor-column elementor-col-66 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"4e54066\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c60e976 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c60e976\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/social-security-checklist#whentoapply\">#2 Pick the right date to apply<\/a><\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e756e7d elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"e756e7d\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-839b8e9 elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"839b8e9\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a87e24f elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-hidden-phone elementor-view-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon\" data-id=\"a87e24f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-icon-wrapper\"><div class=\"elementor-icon\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ccd4fd4 elementor-column elementor-col-66 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"ccd4fd4\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-af1aae7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"af1aae7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/social-security-checklist#wheretoapply\">#3 Choose the right method to apply<\/a><\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-54f9f23 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"54f9f23\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0d70c10 elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"0d70c10\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ec348b7 elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-hidden-phone elementor-view-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon\" data-id=\"ec348b7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-icon-wrapper\"><div class=\"elementor-icon\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-958cd1d elementor-column elementor-col-66 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"958cd1d\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e388d42 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e388d42\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/social-security-checklist#gatherdocuments\">#4 Gather necessary documents for your application<\/a><\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0e99b2b elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"0e99b2b\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7d3f9a6 elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"7d3f9a6\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c883341 elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-hidden-phone elementor-view-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon\" data-id=\"c883341\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-icon-wrapper\"><div class=\"elementor-icon\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c307e4e elementor-column elementor-col-66 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"c307e4e\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e39c8ab elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e39c8ab\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/social-security-checklist#createonlineaccount\">#5 Create a \u201cmy Social Security account\u201d<\/a><\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6cb75b5 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"6cb75b5\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ff58425 elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"ff58425\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e9163e1 elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-hidden-phone elementor-view-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon\" data-id=\"e9163e1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-icon-wrapper\"><div class=\"elementor-icon\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dca24c9 elementor-column elementor-col-66 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"dca24c9\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e0ea02a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e0ea02a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/social-security-checklist#submitapplication\">#6 Submit your application<\/a><\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-073fbf1 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"073fbf1\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cb4d113 elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"cb4d113\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-90eac01 elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-hidden-phone elementor-view-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon\" data-id=\"90eac01\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-icon-wrapper\"><div class=\"elementor-icon\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fa38262 elementor-column elementor-col-66 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"fa38262\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-41364b3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"41364b3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/social-security-checklist#checkapplicationstatus\">#7 Check application status<\/a><\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e49336c elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"e49336c\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-923e4ca elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"923e4ca\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4e22bda elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-hidden-phone elementor-view-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon\" data-id=\"4e22bda\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-icon-wrapper\"><div class=\"elementor-icon\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f7975e0 elementor-column elementor-col-66 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"f7975e0\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6dd7c55 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6dd7c55\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/social-security-checklist#updateinformation\">#8 Update direct deposit information or address as necessary<\/a><\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7661d6e elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"7661d6e\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-19beea2 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"19beea2\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-36ea9e2 elementor-widget-divider--separator-type-pattern elementor-widget-divider--no-spacing elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"36ea9e2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-divider\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4abc48f elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"4abc48f\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4089aee elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"4089aee\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-815bba0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-menu-anchor\" data-id=\"815bba0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"menu-anchor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div id=\"bestagetoclaimbenefits\" class=\"elementor-menu-anchor\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1ce092e elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"1ce092e\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1eb4c4f elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"1eb4c4f\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d9e76b0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"d9e76b0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">#1 Calculate the best age to claim Social Security retirement benefits<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-df95fa4 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"df95fa4\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b705fca elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"b705fca\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2fb0428 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2fb0428\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><p>To determine when to start claiming benefits, you first need to know your Full Retirement Age:<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-789896b elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"789896b\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-7920db6\" data-id=\"7920db6\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e2cc0e5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"e2cc0e5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.13.3 - 28-05-2023 *\/\n.elementor-widget-image{text-align:center}.elementor-widget-image a{display:inline-block}.elementor-widget-image a img[src$=\".svg\"]{width:48px}.elementor-widget-image img{vertical-align:middle;display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"526\" src=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Simplywise-full-retirament-age-from-1943-2-1024x841.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-757\" alt=\"what is my full retirement age\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Simplywise-full-retirament-age-from-1943-2-1024x841.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Simplywise-full-retirament-age-from-1943-2-300x246.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Simplywise-full-retirament-age-from-1943-2-768x631.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Simplywise-full-retirament-age-from-1943-2.jpeg 1466w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-65b51ba elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"65b51ba\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-24573ea\" data-id=\"24573ea\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1341126 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1341126\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><b>Next, use a\u00a0<\/b><a href=\"http:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/socialsecurity\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Social Security calculator<\/a><b>\u00a0to determine the best\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/social-security-benefits-by-age\/\">age for you to claim<\/a><\/b>\u00a0in order to maximize your benefits (also known as your \u201cclaiming strategy\u201d).\u00a0<\/p><p>Note that you can claim retirement benefits as early as age 62, but\u00a0<b>if you claim before your\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/what-is-full-retirement-age-for-social-security\/\">Full Retirement Age<\/a>, your monthly benefits will be lower<\/b>.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-4b503be elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"4b503be\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-0df48dd\" data-id=\"0df48dd\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-44c2ee5 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"44c2ee5\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-ec6b499\" data-id=\"ec6b499\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-adcb47b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"adcb47b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>If you claim later than Full Retirement Age, your benefits will be higher. And if you are married or divorced, the age you claim also impacts your spousal benefits.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-e764943\" data-id=\"e764943\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-11f2eb4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"11f2eb4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"581\" src=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Screen-Shot-2023-06-20-at-11.26.58-AM.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-758\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Screen-Shot-2023-06-20-at-11.26.58-AM.png 678w, https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Screen-Shot-2023-06-20-at-11.26.58-AM-300x272.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-6466ceb elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"6466ceb\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-cc05984\" data-id=\"cc05984\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d309f76 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d309f76\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-90005ed elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"90005ed\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7479c85 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"7479c85\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b5d76b7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"b5d76b7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">#2 Pick the right date to apply<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5e4705e elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"5e4705e\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bc323c0 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"bc323c0\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5755e26 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5755e26\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><p>While application processing times are quicker than they were in the past, particularly with the online application, it can still take several weeks to have your application confirmed. It can take longer if there\u2019s a mistake in your application.\u00a0<\/p><p>Luckily, the Social Security Administration (SSA) allows you to apply up to four months in advance of when you want to start collecting benefits (three months if you plan to file at the minimum age of 62). For that reason, we suggest you circle a day 3-4 months in anticipation to submit your application.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8afee56 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"8afee56\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8966264 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"8966264\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-96fe8ea elementor-widget elementor-widget-menu-anchor\" data-id=\"96fe8ea\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"menu-anchor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div id=\"wheretoapply\" class=\"elementor-menu-anchor\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e3b33c4 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"e3b33c4\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-80164e4 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"80164e4\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-67fb166 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"67fb166\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">#3 Choose the right method to apply<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-14e3cdb elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"14e3cdb\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-34523e0 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"34523e0\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c54c70c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c54c70c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><p>There are three ways to apply for Social Security retirement benefits:<\/p><ul><li>Online on the Social Security Administration website<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ssa.gov\/agency\/contact\/phone.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">By phone at 1-800-772-1213<\/a><\/li><li>In person at a Social Security office near you<\/li><\/ul><div>\u00a0<\/div><p>We recommend applying online, which is likely the easiest and in many cases has the fastest turnaround time.\u00a0<\/p><p>Note that for those applying for survivor benefits (widows benefits), the only options are to do so over the phone or to go into an office. If you go into an office, we suggest making an appointment to avoid long wait times.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d80676b elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"d80676b\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8e90279 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"8e90279\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-597f484 elementor-widget elementor-widget-menu-anchor\" data-id=\"597f484\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"menu-anchor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div id=\"gatherdocuments\" class=\"elementor-menu-anchor\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3f54a10 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"3f54a10\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2bf578e elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"2bf578e\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2b2f60f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2b2f60f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">#4 Gather necessary documents for your application<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-00832e8 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"00832e8\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0705456 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"0705456\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6cfe7b1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6cfe7b1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><p>We recommend gathering the necessary documents together before you apply for Social Security. The SSA can ask for the following information and documents:<\/p><h3>Personal information<\/h3><ul><li>If you were born outside the country, the name of your birth country at the time of your birth<\/li><li>Your citizen status; if you are not a citizen, you should have your Permanent Resident Card number\u00a0<\/li><li>Whether you have used any other Social Security number<\/li><li>Whether you or anyone else has ever filed for Social Security benefits, Medicare or Supplemental Security Income on your behalf; if so, you should have information on whose Social Security record you applied<\/li><li>Your Social Security card\u00a0<\/li><li>Your original birth certificate, or a certified copy<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-1736957 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"1736957\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-7f3c882\" data-id=\"7f3c882\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-5d2d7d3 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"5d2d7d3\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-8d1c86d\" data-id=\"8d1c86d\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fb289fd elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"fb289fd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-00832e8 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"00832e8\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0705456 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"0705456\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6cfe7b1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6cfe7b1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><div><p>Marriage or divorce information<\/p><ul><li>Name of current spouse<\/li><li>Name of prior spouse (if the marriage lasted more than 10 years or ended in death)<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0a5e171 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"0a5e171\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-87f1e75 elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"87f1e75\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c6c756d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c6c756d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-85c5d88\" data-id=\"85c5d88\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-940beb4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"940beb4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"530\" src=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Screen-Shot-2023-06-20-at-11.29.11-AM.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-759\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Screen-Shot-2023-06-20-at-11.29.11-AM.png 689w, https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Screen-Shot-2023-06-20-at-11.29.11-AM-300x249.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b5896ad elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b5896ad\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li>Spouse(s) date of birth and Social Security number (optional)<\/li><li>Beginning and ending dates of marriage(s) (<b>SimplyWise tip:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/guide-to-social-security-spousal-benefits\/\">if you are divorced<\/a>, you will need a certified copy of the official divorce decree \u2014 not just a photocopy.<\/b>)<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-9d81927 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"9d81927\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-3322417\" data-id=\"3322417\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d4f5ff9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d4f5ff9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8ef1eb6 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"8ef1eb6\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-168255e elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"168255e\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c63f309 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c63f309\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><h3>Children\u2019s information<\/h3><ul><li>Names and dates of birth for children who either i) are under age 18 and unmarried, ii) became disabled prior to the age of 22, or iii) are aged 18 to 19 and attending secondary school full time<\/li><\/ul><div>\u00a0<\/div><h3>Work information<\/h3><p>If you\u2019re\u00a0<i>not<\/i>\u00a0self-employed:<\/p><ul><li>Earnings for current year and prior two years or a copy of your Social Security Statement.\u00a0Note that even if you don\u2019t have a record of your earnings or aren\u2019t sure they are correct, you can still fill out the application. (<b>SimplyWise tip: If you are going to apply online, you can find this inside your\u00a0<\/b><b><i>my<\/i><\/b><b>\u00a0Social Security account.<\/b>)<\/li><li>Employer name<\/li><li>Employment start and end dates<\/li><li>Whether you or your spouse have ever worked for the railroad industry<\/li><li>Whether you qualified or expect to receive a pension or annuity based on your own employment with the Federal government of the U.S. or one of its states or local subdivisions<\/li><\/ul><div>\u00a0<\/div><p>If you\u00a0<i>are<\/i>\u00a0self-employed:<\/p><ul><li>Business type<\/li><li>Total net income<\/li><\/ul><div>\u00a0<\/div><h3>Direct deposit information<\/h3><ul><li>Account type<\/li><li>Account number<\/li><li>Bank routing number<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a23e9dd elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"a23e9dd\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-73ab616 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"73ab616\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-603620d elementor-widget elementor-widget-menu-anchor\" data-id=\"603620d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"menu-anchor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div id=\"createonlineaccount\" class=\"elementor-menu-anchor\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ee59189 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"ee59189\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-326c912 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"326c912\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1aa2828 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"1aa2828\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">#5 Create a \u201cmy Social Security account\u201d<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ef1fd43 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"ef1fd43\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-731bbc1 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"731bbc1\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-70533ab elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"70533ab\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><p>You will need a\u00a0<b><i>my<\/i><\/b><b>\u00a0Social Security account\u00a0<\/b>to apply for Social Security benefits online. But even if you apply for retirement benefits over the phone or in person, having a\u00a0<b><i>my<\/i>\u00a0Social Security account\u00a0<\/b>can still make things easier. The SSA\u2019s online<b>\u00a0<\/b>account is free, and allows you to set up your direct deposit to receive benefits, check your application status, request a new Social Security card, and more.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-747054f elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"747054f\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-fde2ab9\" data-id=\"fde2ab9\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-b9c16fe elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"b9c16fe\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-efe345c\" data-id=\"efe345c\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-41c3a0e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"41c3a0e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><b>When you\u2019re ready, head to the\u00a0<\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ssa.gov\/myaccount\/\"><b>my Social\u00a0Security account website<\/b><\/a><b>\u00a0and click \u201cCreate an Account\u201d<\/b>. When you reach the next screen, click again on \u201cCreate New Account\u201d.<\/p><p>After agreeing to the Terms of\u00a0Service, you will be asked to fill in personal information, such as your:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-df39da8\" data-id=\"df39da8\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-20aac4b elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"20aac4b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"544\" src=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Screen-Shot-2023-06-20-at-11.32.57-AM.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-760\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Screen-Shot-2023-06-20-at-11.32.57-AM.png 685w, https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Screen-Shot-2023-06-20-at-11.32.57-AM-300x255.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-a4c26b6 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"a4c26b6\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-3be5e36\" data-id=\"3be5e36\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-43473b5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"43473b5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-668e297 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"668e297\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d0ef6fd elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"d0ef6fd\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a14010c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a14010c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><ul><li>Name<\/li><li>Social Security number<\/li><li>Address<\/li><li>Phone number<\/li><li>Email address<\/li><\/ul><div>\u00a0<\/div><p><b>SimplyWise tip: Make sure to enter the correct information, as you will receive a security code to your phone or email address every time you attempt to log in.<\/b><\/p><p>Additionally, you may be prompted to answer questions about your credit history or your history of addresses or phone numbers in order to verify your identity. You will have to create a username and password, which you can use to log back into your account at any time.<\/p><p>Note that you can also use your account to:<\/p><ul><li>View your Social Security benefit estimate<\/li><li>Review your earnings history\u00a0<b>(SimplyWise tip: review carefully and notify the SSA if you find any discrepancies.)<\/b><\/li><li>Request a new Social Security card<\/li><li>Change your contact information (phone # or address)<\/li><li>Set up \/ change your direct deposit to receive benefits<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f9be5a0 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"f9be5a0\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c804260 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"c804260\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-303213e elementor-widget elementor-widget-menu-anchor\" data-id=\"303213e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"menu-anchor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div id=\"submitapplication\" class=\"elementor-menu-anchor\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a4df568 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"a4df568\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-79e66a7 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"79e66a7\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-04cb2b2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"04cb2b2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">#6 Submit application<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-498684e elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"498684e\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c54e8b9 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"c54e8b9\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-025ef83 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"025ef83\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><h3>Applying online<\/h3><p>1. Be sure of your claiming strategy<\/p><p>2. Go to the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/secure.ssa.gov\/iClaim\/rib\">Social Security application page<\/a>, agree to the terms and start a new application<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-c5e6b72 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"c5e6b72\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-edcd287\" data-id=\"edcd287\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2ada7b6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"2ada7b6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"630\" height=\"452\" src=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Apply-online-for-retirement-and-medicare-benefits.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-761\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Apply-online-for-retirement-and-medicare-benefits.jpeg 630w, https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Apply-online-for-retirement-and-medicare-benefits-300x215.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-c45f3bc elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"c45f3bc\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-0bec06e\" data-id=\"0bec06e\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f244d10 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f244d10\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>3. Follow the instructions on the screen to fill out the application (<b>SimplyWise tip: Write down the application number you are given near the beginning of the process and keep it in a safe place, in case you need to refer to it later.)<\/b><\/p><p>4. When you get to the section about when you want to receive your benefits, edit it to the date of your choosing (<b>SimplyWise tip: It will be set to the earliest possible date, so if that is not what you want, make sure to adjust it.<\/b>)<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-2a01ee1 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"2a01ee1\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-32cf51c\" data-id=\"32cf51c\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-2f95ab0 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"2f95ab0\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-0d36357\" data-id=\"0d36357\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-747095a elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"747095a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"589\" src=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Screen-Shot-2023-06-20-at-11.36.05-AM.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-762\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Screen-Shot-2023-06-20-at-11.36.05-AM.png 677w, https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Screen-Shot-2023-06-20-at-11.36.05-AM-300x276.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-e8e3596\" data-id=\"e8e3596\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-030d816 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"030d816\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>5. When you have responded to all of the questions, you will see a summary of your answers; review them critically and if necessary, click \u201cedit\u201d to make alterations<\/p><p>6. Give your digital \u201csignature\u201d to complete and submit the application<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-02ff80b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"02ff80b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Applying by phone<\/p><p>1. Be sure of your claiming strategy (<b>SimplyWise tip: The agent helping you with your call will only be able to assist you with application and process questions.<\/b>)<\/p><p>2. Clear a few hours on your schedule; we estimate that the application itself will take around 30 minutes, but there may be a wait time (<b>SimplyWise tip:<\/b>\u00a0<b>Call volumes are higher at the beginning of the month and the beginning of each week, so you may want to avoid those days if possible.<\/b>)<\/p><p>3. Have the materials listed above on hand<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-583a69b elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"583a69b\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-e3e2667\" data-id=\"e3e2667\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-bcf5ed3 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"bcf5ed3\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-5dc6264\" data-id=\"5dc6264\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9412507 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9412507\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>4. Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 anytime from\u00a08:00am \u2013 5:30 pm\u00a0on Monday through Friday (as long as it\u2019s not a holiday)<\/p><p>5. When the time comes, be clear to the representative the date at which you intend to claim; otherwise, the earliest date possible will be selected for you<\/p><p>6. Confirm to the agent your intent to submit the application; this will count as your \u201csignature\u201d<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-6550239\" data-id=\"6550239\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-aa3b026 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"aa3b026\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"629\" src=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Screen-Shot-2023-06-20-at-11.37.47-AM.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-763\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Screen-Shot-2023-06-20-at-11.37.47-AM.png 686w, https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Screen-Shot-2023-06-20-at-11.37.47-AM-300x295.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1caad4c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1caad4c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3588436 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"3588436\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1b20110 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"1b20110\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b1c408a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b1c408a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><p>Applying in person<\/p><p>1. Be sure of your claiming strategy<\/p><p>2. Call the SSA\u00a0to schedule an appointment at 1-800-772-1213\u00a0(TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday, 8:00am \u2013 5:30 pm\u00a0(as long as it\u2019s not a holiday). (<b>SimplyWise tip:\u00a0when you go in, budget a few hours, since you may have trouble finding parking and the office may be busier than expected.<\/b>)<\/p><p>3. Gather the materials listed above and bring with you to the Social Security office<\/p><p>4. When the time comes, be clear to the representative the date at which you intend to claim; otherwise, the earliest date possible will be selected for you<\/p><p>5. Confirm to the agent your intent to submit the application; this will count as your \u201csignature\u201d<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6a9c773 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"6a9c773\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5ec8708 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"5ec8708\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5affa51 elementor-widget elementor-widget-menu-anchor\" data-id=\"5affa51\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"menu-anchor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div id=\"checkapplicationstatus\" class=\"elementor-menu-anchor\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-97e21a5 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"97e21a5\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-39dda67 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"39dda67\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7b25ec7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"7b25ec7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">#7 Check application status<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-de09fa9 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"de09fa9\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4fe9d48 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"4fe9d48\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c45d89f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c45d89f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><p>Once you have applied for Social Security retirement benefits, you can check the status of your application: online, by phone, or in person. (<b>SimplyWise tip: Checking online through a\u00a0<\/b><b><i>my\u00a0<\/i><\/b><b>Social Security account is typically the easiest way to get your update.)<\/b><\/p><h3>Check your Social Security application status online<\/h3><p>To check your application status online, you must either have (or create) a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ssa.gov\/myaccount\/\"><b><i>my<\/i><\/b><b>\u00a0Social Security account<\/b><\/a>. You can login there and check the\u00a0<b>Status of Your Application<\/b>\u00a0online.<\/p><p>Your application status online will show:<\/p><ul><li>Your Re-entry number for pending online benefit application or online appeal that has not been submitted;<\/li><li>The date the SSA received your application or appeal;<\/li><li>Scheduled Hearing date and time;<\/li><li>Current claim or appeal location including the address of the office processing your application; and<\/li><li>If a decision has been made.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-813e693 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"813e693\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-5794880\" data-id=\"5794880\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-77e5828 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"77e5828\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2d57e67\" data-id=\"2d57e67\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6f30fe1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"6f30fe1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"582\" src=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Screen-Shot-2023-06-20-at-11.39.32-AM.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-764\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Screen-Shot-2023-06-20-at-11.39.32-AM.png 675w, https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Screen-Shot-2023-06-20-at-11.39.32-AM-300x273.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-c76e93b\" data-id=\"c76e93b\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-344746a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"344746a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Check your Social Security application status by phone<\/h3><p>To check your application status by phone, call the SSA at<b>\u00a01-800-772-1213\u00a0<\/b>(TTY 1-800-325-0778). Their hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00am \u2013 5:30 pm.\u00a0<b>(SimplyWise tip:\u00a0Call volumes are higher at the beginning of the month and the beginning of each week, so you may want to avoid those days if possible)<\/b><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-61aec5e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"61aec5e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Check your Social Security application status in person<\/p><p>To check your application status in person, locate your nearest office.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-c35f566 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"c35f566\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-8a3ec91\" data-id=\"8a3ec91\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ab3314d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ab3314d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6a6b1bb elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"6a6b1bb\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3abbaf5 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"3abbaf5\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9127f54 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"9127f54\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">#8 Update direct deposit information or address (as necessary)<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4384588 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"4384588\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-774bc69 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"774bc69\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fc8a265 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"fc8a265\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><p>Social Security needs your address to send you communications and information on Medicare, among other things. So it\u2019s important to be sure they have your current details on file.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p><p>If you need to change either your address or the bank account where your Social Security benefits are deposited, you can change and update your information online, by phone, or in person. (<b>SimplyWise tip: Making changes online through a\u00a0<\/b><b><i>my\u00a0<\/i><\/b><b>Social Security account is typically easiest.)<\/b><\/p><h3>Change your info with Social Security online<\/h3><p>To make the changes online, you must either have (or create) a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ssa.gov\/myaccount\/\"><b><i>my<\/i><\/b><b>\u00a0Social Security account<\/b><\/a>. If you already receive benefits (retirement, survivors, or disability) and you have a bank account, you can start or update your direct deposit by using the\u00a0<b>My Profile Tab<\/b>\u00a0in\u00a0<b><i>my<\/i><\/b><b>\u00a0Social Security<\/b>. In addition, you can decide when your change will take effect.<\/p><h3>Change your info with Social Security by phone<\/h3><p>To make the changes by phone, call the SSA at<b>\u00a01-800-772-1213\u00a0<\/b>(TTY 1-800-325-0778). Their hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00am \u2013 5:30 pm.\u00a0(SimplyWise tip:\u00a0Call volumes are higher at the beginning of the month and the beginning of each week, so you may want to avoid those days if possible.)<\/p><h3>Change your info with Social Security in person<\/h3><p>To make the changes in person, locate your nearest office.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-798bf1a elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"798bf1a\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-c961156\" data-id=\"c961156\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-77683c2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-template\" data-id=\"77683c2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"template.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-template\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"section\" data-elementor-id=\"196\" class=\"elementor elementor-196\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-339b45e0 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"339b45e0\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-3f771e94\" data-id=\"3f771e94\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-44435407 elementor-cta--skin-classic elementor-animated-content elementor-bg-transform elementor-bg-transform-zoom-in elementor-widget elementor-widget-call-to-action\" data-id=\"44435407\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"call-to-action.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-cta\" href=\"https:\/\/simplywise.app.link\/Iv0wVANrvfb\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-content-item elementor-cta__content-item elementor-icon-wrapper elementor-cta__icon elementor-view-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"far fa-lightbulb\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-cta__title elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item\">DID YOU KNOW?<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__description elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tRetirement is 99% easier when your paperwork is organized. \n\nJoin 250,000+ Americans securely storing their important receipts, bills &amp; documents with the SimplyWise app.\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__button-wrapper elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item \">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-cta__button elementor-button elementor-size-md\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tGet the App\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Navigating Social Security can be confusing. If you\u2019re wondering how to apply for Social Security benefits, our Application Checklist breaks down what you need to know, step by step.&nbsp; &nbsp; Application Checklist&nbsp;to Apply for Social Security Benefits &nbsp; #1 Calculate the best age to claim Social Security retirement benefits\u200b #2 Pick the right date to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":755,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-754","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v21.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to Apply for Social Security Benefits - SimplyWise Cost Estimator<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Social Security is confusing. But our checklist simplifies what you\u2019re owed, and how to apply for Social Security retirement benefits. You need to know...\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/social-security-checklist\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Apply for Social Security Benefits - SimplyWise Cost Estimator\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Social Security is confusing. But our checklist simplifies what you\u2019re owed, and how to apply for Social Security retirement benefits. 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