How to Apply for Social Security Benefits?

Answer 1

If you find that it has come time to apply for social security benefits, then there are a few things to keep in mind. The first thing of course is the need to meet the requirements. In order to receive social security for your pending retirement, then you need to be at least 61 years and 9 months old. Once you reach this age, you can begin the application process. The Social Security Administration has a stipulation that you cannot apply until 4 months before you are to begin receiving any benefits.

The application process can be performed online via the website for the organization. If you prefer, you can apply in person at your local Social Security Administration office. To begin receiving social security benefits, you will need the required documentation. These papers include standard items that prove your eligibility. Your birth record, citizenship or status papers, social security card, any discharge papers from the armed services and any tax forms from the past year. If you are having trouble locating any of the documents, continue to sign up for benefits but inform the office. They have procedures in place to assist in obtaining any missing materials.

If you are seeking to simplify the payment process, the Social Security Administration does offer direct deposit of your social security benefits. Simply provide your applicable banking information. Rather than waiting for the check to be delivered via the mail, it can be electronically deposited into your banking account. If you are unfamiliar with this process, set up is a simple process. It is extremely secure and dependable.

Although you can begin to receive social security benefits when you reach the age of 62, there are financial benefits for delaying the application. If are in good health and enjoy your working career, the website has a number of tools available. These can can assist you in planning for retirement at a later date. The tools provide the specific financial information but waiting even just a few years can increase the amount of the monthly payment by a significant amount.

Answer 2

If you think you are eligible to receive Social Security benefits, there are many ways to submit an application. With the help of this guide, you can successfully submit a complete application for review by the Social Security office.

Submit an online application

If you have access to submit an application online, this is usually the easiest option to choose. By visiting the Social Security benefits website, you can check your eligibility before you submit an application. After checking your eligibility, you can proceed to submit an application for review. If applicable in your situation, you receive information about a follow-up call.at the end of the application process.

If you do not pass the eligibility requirements, do not submit an application. There are limitations on the number of applications you can submit in a time period, and you do not want to exceed it. Call the hotline

If you do not have access to submit an application online, you can call the Social Security hotline to discuss eligibility, and submit an application over the phone. This process often takes a long time, so prepare yourself to stay on the phone for at least an hour. You can find the hotline number by checking the phone book, or calling your local Social Security office.

Visit your local social security office

If you prefer to speak in person with a representative about your Social Security benefits, visiting the local office probably works best for you. Some offices require you to make an appointment in advance, so call ahead to determine the process in your area.

Social Security benefits are a valuable asset to eligible citizens, and it is always worth the effort to apply if you feel you are eligible. With many ways to apply, find the one that makes you most comfortable. This creates a calmer application process for both you and the representative reviewing your eligibility.

Answer 3

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.

If you choose to apply online make sure that you are using the official government website with a .gov web address extension. 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.