My Retirement Blog

When Should I Apply? Approximately three months before you want the benefits to begin, this allows the SSA time to file the paperwork and get things in order.

How Can I Apply? There are three ways:

1. Online: It’s easy to apply through the SSA website, or,
2. Telephone: 1-800-772-1213, they can take your application over the phone or,
3. In Person: You can go into an SSA office to fill out and submit your application. To schedule something, you can call 1-800-772-1213.

What Information Will You Need?

• your Social Security number
• your birth certificate
• your W-2 forms or self-employment tax return for last year
• your military discharge papers if you had military service
• your spouse’s birth certificate and Social Security number if he or she is applying for benefits;
• children’s birth certificates and Social Security numbers, if applying for children’s benefits;
• proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status if you (or a spouse or child is applying for benefits) were not born in the U.S.; and
• the name of your bank and your account number so your benefits can be directly deposited into your account.

They will want a certified copy of your documents or the original, I recommend sending in certified copies because you don’t want to have your originals lost in the mail (especially documents like your birth certificate).

That’s it!

• When Should You Start Taking Social Security Benefits?
• How Are Social Security Benefits Taxed?
• 6 Social Security Myths
• 10 Facts About Social Security
• 10 Retirement Resolutions: Review Your Social Security Statement