What Information Is Needed to Sign Up for Social Security?

Social Security retirement benefits begin about three months after you submit an application upon reaching retirement age. Visit your local Social Security office or apply online three months before you plan to retire or begin receiving benefits. To submit an application, you must gather certain documents and information, such as your birth certificate, proof of citizenship and bank account numbers.

Identification

The foremost piece of information needed for your Social Security retirement application process is your Social Security card, which shows your Social Security number. All the Social Security taxes you paid during your working lifetime are recorded on your Social Security account. Your benefit is based on your average earnings over your lifetime. Every person paying into the Social Security system receives an annual statement showing estimated retirement benefits based on his account.

Evidence of Eligibility

A state-certified birth certificate is positive evidence of your identity, U.S. citizenship and birthdate. Eligibility for full retirement benefits is based upon your date of birth. Reduced benefits can be taken beginning at age 62, or you can wait to receive full benefits when you reach full retirement age. Full retirement age for people born in 1937 or earlier is 65. The full retirement age increases by two months for each year from 1937 to 1960. People born in 1960 and later have a full retirement age of 67.

Proof of Status

Eligibility to receive Social Security retirement benefits for foreign-born workers is based on U.S. citizenship or the legal right to work in the U.S. People with birth certificates issued by another nation are required to provide documentation proving their status. Foreign-born workers without citizenship or legal status may pay Social Security taxes on their wages, but will not be allowed to receive retirement benefits until the legal right to work in this country is established.

Military Service Record

Applicants who served in the military may receive an extra earnings credit, so they must present documentation showing their years of service and the type of discharge granted. Veterans who served active duty need an original or certified copy of a DD214. Veterans with National Guard service must present a NGB22 or NGB23. Veterans who served active service before 2001 and were honorably discharged are eligible for special earnings credits.

Considerations

Other documents that should be brought to the applicant appointment include W-2 forms or proof of self-employment income from the previous year. Applicants will be asked to sign up for direct deposit of their monthly benefit payments, so they should have their bank account information on hand. All documents provided must be originals or certified copies. The Social Security Administration will make copies of the originals and return them to the applicant.

References

• Social Security Online: How Should I Prepare for Retirement
• Social Security Online: The Social Security Statement
• Social Security Online: Retirement Benefits by Year of Birth
• North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs: Military Discharge Requests
• Social Security Online: Military Service and Social Security