3. Apply to Receive Social Security

Social Security will not start your benefits automatically when you retire, or turn 65—you have to file an application. But you don't even have to leave home to start the ball rolling. You can call the Social Security Administration (800/772-1213) and apply by phone from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The best times to call are before 8 a.m. or after 4 p.m. You can also apply online at www.ssa.gov.

You want to apply for your benefits at least three months before you anticipate receiving your first benefit check. If you apply late (say, age 66), you can automatically get six months of back benefits, sometimes up to 12 months.

When you first contact your local Social Security office, you will need the following documents in front of you:

1. Birth certificate.
2. Social Security card or a record of your Social Security number.
3. A printout of your Personal Earnings and Benefit Estimate Statement.
4. Your W-2 withholding forms from the past two years or a copy of your last federal tax return and proof of payment.
5. Your marriage certificate (if you are applying for a spouse's benefits).
6. Proof of military service (if you were in the military).

To prevent lost or stolen checks—and to earn more interest on your benefits—tell the SSA to automatically deposit your benefit checks in your checking account. They'll need the name and address of your financial institution, your account number, the name(s) that are on the account, and your Social Security number.

After your application is approved, your benefit check should be credited to your account within 30 days. If you don't receive a benefit check, call the SSA (800/772-1213) to make sure your application went through.

Check out our other retirement guides:

• Protect Your Nest Egg
• One Quick Tip Before You Retire
• Five Retirement Myths

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