Editor’s Note: After a long career in the data processing industry, Russell Gloor joined the Association of Mature American Citizens in 2013. Gloor received training from the National Social Security Association and was accredited by the NSSA® as a Social Security adviser in 2016. Currently part of the AMAC Foundation’s Social Security Advisory team, he annually counsels thousands of American seniors about their Social Security options. In addition to answering Social Security questions daily, he also authors the AMAC Foundation’s nationally syndicated weekly “Ask Rusty” advice column and has written three Social Security instructional books about Social Security.

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

Dear Seeking: It is fairly easy to sign up for your Social Security benefits, by either calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or your local Social Security office, to make a telephone appointment to apply or by completing your application for Social Security benefits online at www.ssa.gov/apply. However, to apply for benefits online you will need to first create your personal “my Social Security” account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount. Once you have your personal account set up, you can apply directly from that account and also see an estimate of your Social Security benefits at different ages.

You may already be aware that age 65 is not your Social Security full retirement age, or “FRA.” Your FRA is when you get 100% of the benefit you’ve earned from a lifetime of working. By taking benefits at age 65, your monthly amount will be reduced (to about 87% of your FRA amount; a permanent reduction). Born in 1960, your FRA is age 67, which means you will be taking your Social Security benefit about two years early and also means that – if you are still working – you will be subject to Social Security’s Annual Earnings Test (AET). The AET limits how much you can earn before some of your benefits are taken away. For 2025, the annual earnings limit is $23,400 and, if that is exceeded, Social Security will take back $1 in benefits for every $2 you are over the limit (they take benefits back by withholding future payments long enough to recover what you owe).

So, you can apply for your Social Security benefits, as indicated above, either online or by calling Social Security for an appointment. Just be aware that by applying at age 65, your benefit will be permanently reduced and you will be subject to Social Security’s earnings limit (the earnings limit lasts until you reach your FRA, after which you can earn as much as you like without penalty).

Also, because you are 65, if you wish to enroll in Medicare, be aware you don’t need to take your Social Security benefits to enroll in Medicare. You can enroll in Medicare (only) by calling Social Security as explained above or enrolling in Medicare online. Here is a link which explains how to enroll in only Medicare: https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up.

I hope this information is helpful, and know the AMAC Foundation is always available to answer your questions. If it’s easier, you can also speak directly to one of our certified Social Security advisers by calling us during normal EST business hours at 1-888-750-2622. We cannot submit your Social Security application for you, but we can answer all questions you have about applying. This article is intended for information purposes only and does not represent legal or financial guidance. It presents the opinions and interpretations of the AMAC Foundation’s staff, trained and accredited by the National Social Security Association. NSSA® and the AMAC Foundation and its staff are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any other governmental entity. To submit a question, visit their website (amacfoundation.org/programs/social-security-advisory) or email ssadvisor@amacfoundation.org.