How To Apply For Social Security Benefits

As the population of the U.S. ages, more and more people are applying for Social Security benefits. There are several ways to apply for benefits, including filling out an online application, applying by phone or by visiting a local social security office to apply in person. People should choose according to their comfort level and familiarity with computer tasks and their personal preferences. Your claims are processed faster if you choose to register online, but no matter which method you choose you still receive all the benefits to which you are entitled.

Document and Information Needed to Apply for Benefits

No matter which application method you choose, you still need certain documents and information before you can begin the process. Social Security requires an original or certified copy of your birth certificate or other proof of birth or naturalization papers, W-2 forms and/or self-employment tax returns from the last year, and military discharge papers if applicable. In addition to these documents you may also have to answer questions about marriage. Social Security requires name, date of birth, and social security number for any spouse and the dates of marriage. You may also need information about work history, employer information, citizenship status, names of dependent children as well as many other questions that may or may not apply to your situation. The Social Security website has a list of all questions you may need to answer when applying for benefits. You should also have your checkbook or bank statement on hand so you have the proper numbers to sign up for direct deposit of your check, which is now mandatory for new applications.

Applying for Benefits Online

If you choose to apply for Social Security benefits online, the web address is www.socialsecurity.gov or www.ssa.gov. If you use a search engine to look for the site make sure that link you use takes you to a web address with a .gov extension and not the more common .com or .net extension. Official government web addresses always have a .gov extension and you can check by looking at the web address near the top of the page. Applying online takes between fifteen minutes to an hour, and you can save your application and come back to it later if you need to. Even though you can apply for benefits online you still need to provide paper copies of required documents like birth certificates.

Applying for Benefits By Phone or at a Local Office

If you choose to apply for benefits over the phone or at a local office, you should have all the paperwork you might need on hand. If you are not sure, it is best to have it easily accessible so you do not have to face a delay. If you are planning to apply in person at a local office it is best to make an appointment. Some days are much busier than others are, and if you go at the wrong time of the month you could face a long wait.

When You Should Apply for Benefits

Under the current laws citizens can apply for Social Security Benefits at age 61 years and 9 months. Many people however, choose to wait to maximize their benefits. You should not apply for benefits more than four months before you want your payments to start and may want to have a specific start date in mind. Regardless of when you want to start your Social Security benefits, you should sign up for Medicare benefits four months before age 65. If you are applying for Medicare benefits only make sure and watch for that section on the application, or mention it to the representative who is assisting you.

There are many methods you can use to apply for Social Security Benefits. You should choose depending on what method you find most comfortable, but with any method you must have certain documents for a successful application. You can always find help on the Social Security government website, by calling the toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213, or visiting your local Social Security office.

The Social Security website has a list of all questions you may need to answer

by Judy Wilson, Finance writer