Retirement Benefits

Social Security is part of the retirement plan for almost every American worker. It provides replacement income for qualified retirees and their families. This section of our website helps you better understand the program, the application process, and the online tools and resources available to you.

Ready To Retire?

Our online application makes it easy to apply for benefits.

Apply Online For Retirement Benefits

Learn

Plan for your future and understand how Social Security fits into your retirement.

Apply

Ready to apply? Get everything you need to know about the process and start your application.

Manage

Already receiving retirement benefits? Go here for resources to maximize your retirement.

Retirement Online Services

My Social Security Retirement Estimate Get personalized retirement benefit estimates based on your actual earnings history.

Apply For Retirement Benefits Our online retirement application lets you apply for retirement in as little as 15 minutes.

Return To A Saved Application Already started an application? Pick up where you left off.

Check Your Application Status Confirm that we received your application, see if we’ve made a decision, and more.

Calculators Section We have a variety of calculators to help you plan for the future or estimate your needs now, with or without creating an online account.

See All Online Services

Create Your Own my Social Security Account Today

A free account lets you review your earnings history, get personalized estimates of future benefits, and manage your benefits once they begin.

Social Security Matters

Our blog — Social Security Matters — is the place to find in-depth articles and insights into our programs, online services, current events, and human-interest stories

Fraud Prevention And Reporting

Learn more about what we are doing to help prevent fraud and understand what steps you can take to help minimize your own risk.

Social Security