What happens after the application is filed:

After your application, you may be scheduled an interview. If you are applying for disability benefits, your medical records will be requested and reviewed. It is possible that Social Security may require a medical examination as well.

After your information is reviewed, it can take 3-6 months for an initial decision to be made. Your benefits will be paid the month following your first month of eligibility. For example if you reach the age of 62 in December, your first month of eligibility is January, and your first payment will be in February.

Disability benefits are paid on the 1st or 3rd day of the month, and retirement benefits are paid on the 2nd, 3rd, or 4thWednesday of the month, depending on your birthday.