Social Security is an important part of retirement planning for many Americans. If you’re thinking about retiring soon, you’ll need to know how to apply for Social Security retirement benefits. You can start collecting Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62.

If you're 70-years-old or older, apply for Social Security now to ensure you receive the benefits you're owed, even if you're still working.

In many cases, a retiree's spouse can qualify for Social Security benefits simply because their partner does. Spouses can qualify for up to one-half of a retiree's benefits at their full retirement age,