Where to Start: The Social Security Administration

You sign up for Social Security and Medicare through the Social Security Administration (SSA), not through separate offices. The SSA handles both programs, and in most cases you can start the process online, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office.

The easiest route for most people is the SSA's website at ssa.gov. You can create a my Social Security account there, which lets you view your earnings record and start the signup process without leaving home. If you prefer to talk to someone, you can call the SSA's national number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers). Wait times are shortest early in the morning on weekdays.

If you want to sign up in person, you can find your local Social Security office by entering your zip code at ssa.gov/locator. Bring photo identification, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and your birth certificate. You do not need an appointment, but calling ahead to check current hours can save you a trip.

Key Takeaways

  • You sign up for both Social Security and Medicare through the Social Security Administration, either online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local office.
  • You can sign up for Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62, but your monthly payment will be smaller than if you wait until your full retirement age or age 70.
  • Medicare enrollment opens three months before the month you turn 65, and signing up late can result in permanent penalties on your premiums.
  • You will need documents including your birth certificate, proof of citizenship, and your Social Security card when you sign up.
  • If you are still working, you can sign up for Social Security and Medicare at any time, but your benefits may be reduced if you earn above a certain amount.

When You Can Sign Up for Social Security

You can sign up for Social Security retirement benefits starting at age 62. However, the age you choose to sign up directly affects how much you receive each month for the rest of your life. If you sign up at 62, your monthly payment is roughly 30 percent smaller than if you wait until your full retirement age (which ranges from 66 to 67 depending on your birth year). If you wait until age 70, your payment is roughly 24 percent larger than at your full retirement age.

There is no single "right" age to sign up—it depends on your health, how long you expect to live, and whether you need the money now. The SSA's website has a retirement estimator tool that shows what you would receive at different ages based on your actual earnings record.

If you are still working when you reach 62, you can still sign up, but your benefits will be reduced if you earn more than a certain amount per year. That limit changes yearly; in 2024 it was $23,400. Once you reach your full retirement age, there is no earnings limit and you can work as much as you want without a reduction.

How to Sign Up for Medicare at 65

Medicare enrollment is tied to age 65, and the signup window is strict. Your enrollment period opens three months before the month you turn 65 and closes three months after. For example, if you turn 65 in June, you can sign up from March through September. During this window, you can sign up online at Medicare.gov, by phone at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), or in person at your local Social Security office.

If you do not sign up during this window and you are not still working with employer health coverage, you will face a permanent penalty on your Medicare Part B and Part D premiums. The penalty is 10 percent of the Part B premium for each year you were late, and 1 percent of the Part D premium for each month you were late. These penalties stay with you for life, so signing up on time matters even if you do not plan to use Medicare right away.

If you are still covered by an employer health plan at 65, you may be able to delay Medicare without penalty. You will need to show proof of that coverage when you eventually sign up. Ask your employer's benefits department whether your plan is considered "creditable coverage" under Medicare rules.

What Documents You Need

When you sign up, have these documents ready: your Social Security card (or a record of your number), your birth certificate, proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency, and a photo ID such as a driver's license or passport. If you are signing up online, you can upload images of these documents or type in the information.

If you were born outside the United States, you will also need to show your green card, visa, or other immigration document. If you have changed your name since your Social Security card was issued, bring a document showing the legal name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

If you are signing up by phone or in person, the SSA representative will tell you exactly what they need to see. You do not have to bring everything at once—if you are missing something, you can submit it later.

Signing Up Online vs. By Phone vs. In Person

Online at ssa.gov is fastest if you have a computer and internet access. You create a my Social Security account, answer questions about your work history and family, and upload documents. You get a confirmation number when ready. Processing typically takes two to four weeks.

By phone at 1-800-772-1213 works if you prefer to talk through the process. A representative will ask the same questions as the online form and can answer questions as you go. You will still need to mail or upload documents afterward. Call early in the morning on a weekday to avoid long waits.

In person at your local Social Security office is best if you need help understanding your options or if you have a complicated work history. You can bring documents with you and hand them over directly. Bring a photo ID and arrive early, as offices do not take appointments and serve people on a first-come, first-served basis.

What Happens After You Sign Up

After you submit your signup information, the SSA will review your earnings record to calculate your benefit amount. This usually takes two to four weeks. You will receive a notice in the mail telling you your benefit amount and when your first payment will arrive.

Your first Social Security payment typically arrives the month after you sign up, though the exact timing depends on your birth date. Payments are deposited directly into your bank account; you choose the account when you sign up. If you do not have a bank account, you can receive payments on a debit card instead.

For Medicare, your coverage begins the first day of the month you turn 65 (or the month you sign up, if you sign up after turning 65). You will receive your Medicare card in the mail within two weeks. Keep this card with you whenever you see a doctor or go to a hospital.

If You Miss the Signup Window

If you turn 65 and do not sign up for Medicare during your initial enrollment period, you can still sign up later during the General Enrollment Period, which runs from January 1 through March 31 each year. However, your coverage will not start until July 1 of that year, and you will owe the permanent late-enrollment penalty on your premiums.

The only exception is if you have creditable coverage through an employer or union. If you were covered by an employer plan when you turned 65, you have eight months after that coverage ends to sign up for Medicare without penalty. You will need to show proof of that coverage.

For Social Security, there is no important date—you can sign up at any age. However, the longer you wait past 62, the larger your monthly payment will be, up to age 70. If you wait past 70, your benefit does not increase further.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sign up for Social Security and Medicare at the same time?

Yes. When you sign up for Social Security at 65 or older, you can also sign up for Medicare in the same process. If you sign up for Social Security before 65, you will need to sign up for Medicare separately when you turn 65.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can request a copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born. The SSA can also accept other documents that show your age and identity, such as a passport, driver's license, or church records. Call your local Social Security office to ask what alternatives they will accept.

Do I have to sign up online, or can I do it entirely by phone?

You can do most of the process by phone, but you will still need to mail or upload documents to prove your identity and citizenship. If you cannot use the internet, ask the phone representative about mailing documents instead of uploading them.

What if I am not a U.S. citizen?

You can sign up for Social Security and Medicare if you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) or have a valid visa. You will need to show your immigration documents when you sign up. Some visa holders may not be may be able to access for Medicare; ask the SSA representative when you call.

Can I change my mind after I sign up?

Yes, but only within limits. If you sign up for Social Security and change your mind within 12 months, you can withdraw your process and reapply later. However, you can only do this once. For Medicare, you can make changes during the annual enrollment period (October 15 through December 7 each year).