The Best Way To Submit An Application For Social Security Benefits



When you apply for Social Security benefits, you should read the Social Security website to figure out what types of benefits are offered and which you may qualify for.

Social Security was primarily created to deliver retirement benefits to workers, but the program has grown significantly and now Social Security features disability benefits, death benefits and many other family benefits over and above retirement benefits.

To determine what Social Security benefits you may be eligible for, Social Security offers the BEST testing tool. With this tool you can figure out whether you qualify for Medicare, Social Security disability, Social Security retirement, survivor benefits, exclusive veterans benefits, or even supplemental security income (SSI). Be prepared to answer questions such as your date of birth, the amount of money you have earned during your employment as well as some info regarding your personal finances. This information is essential to determine which benefits (if any) you may be eligible for.

When you have determined what benefits you may qualify for, how can you apply for Social Security benefits?

The Social Security administration provides several ways to submit an application for Social Security. You can try online at ssa.gov, by going to your local Social Security office, or by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213.

The online Social Security application can be used to apply for retirement or spousal benefits, or to get Medicare. To claim retirement benefits you must be at the least 61 years and 9 months old. You must also look forward to starting your benefits within the next four months. Finally you have to reside in the United States (or territories) to use the online application. In case you are close to age 65, you can apply for Medicare at the same time that you apply for Social Security retirement benefits.

When applying for benefits, you could be asked many questions regarding your age, your work history along with personal finance data. You will require the following documents accessible before you start the online application:

- Your birth certificate

- Your citizenship or naturalization papers (if applicable)

- your military service documents (if applicable)

- your W-2 forms or self employment tax return relating to the last tax year.

In addition, you should be prepared to supply the following information:

- your birth-date with place of birth

- your Social security identification number

- your bank-account and routing number (in case you are requesting direct deposit for your benefits)

- how much you earned the last two years, and your employer's name and address

- details about your military service

- information about your current and any former spouses, such as name, Social Security number and date of birth (or age in case you don't know the birth-date)

- your income history in the most recent Social Security statement

In case you are applying for Social Security retirement benefits, you should carefully decide the best time to apply. While you may collect Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62, that will not be the best time to apply. Your benefits will vary considerably based on when you apply, or your decision on when to apply could affect your family.

If you want to have an idea how much you can expect to earn from Social Security, but you are not ready to apply for benefits yet, the Social Security website provides several calculators to help you estimate your retirement benefit.

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