Tips To Submit An Application For Social Security Benefits
Before you begin to apply for Social Security benefits, you should look at the Social Security website to determine what types of benefits are available and which you may qualify for.
Social Security was primarily created to deliver retirement benefits to workforce, but the program is continuing to grow significantly and now Social Security offers disability benefits, death benefits and other family benefits in addition to retirement benefits.
To determine what Social Security benefits you may be eligible for, Social Security offers the BEST screening tool. With this tool you can figure out whether you are entitled to Medicare, Social Security incapacitation, Social Security retirement, survivor benefits, unique veterans benefits, or supplemental security income (SSI). Be prepared to answer questions such as your date of birth, how much you have earned during your working years as well as information about your personal finances. This information is essential to determine what benefits (if any) you may be qualified to receive.
When you've determined what benefits you may qualify for, how do you apply for Social Security benefits?
The Social Security administration offers several ways to submit an application for Social Security. You can apply online at ssa.gov, by going to your local Social Security office, or simply by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213.
The online Social Security application may be used to apply for retirement or spousal benefits, or to get Medicare. To apply for retirement benefits you must be at least 61 years and 9 months old. You must also plan on starting your benefits within the next four months. Finally you need to reside in the USA (or territories) to make use of the online application. In case you are close to age 65, you will apply for Medicare at the same time that you apply for Social Security retirement benefits.
When applying for benefits, you will be asked many questions about your age, your work history along with personal finance data. You should have the following documents accessible before you start the online application:
- Your birth record
- Your citizenship or the naturalization papers (if applicable)
- your military service documents (if applicable)
- your W-2 forms or self employment tax return for the last tax year.
In addition, you should be prepared to provide the following information:
- your birth-date and place of birth
- your Social security identification number
- your bank account and routing number (in case you are requesting direct deposit for the benefits)
- the amount of money you earned the last two years, and your employer's name and address
- information about your military service
- information about your current and any former spouses, including name, Social Security number and date of birth (or age if you don't know the birth-date)
- your income history from your most recent Social Security statement
In case you are applying for Social Security retirement benefits, you must carefully decide the right time to apply. While you may collect Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62, that may not be the best time to apply. Your benefits will vary substantially based on when you apply, and your decision on when to apply could affect your family.
If you want to know how much you can expect to earn from Social Security, however you are not ready to apply for benefits now, the Social Security website provides several calculators to help you estimate your retirement benefit.
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