How to File for Social Security Benefits Online

With large numbers of Baby Boomers retiring, the Social Security Administration streamlined the process for filing for retirement benefits. Now you can file online.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Your Social Security number
• Your birth certificate
• Your W-2 forms for last year or self-employment tax return
• Your military ­discharge papers if you were in the service

1. Now it just takes twelve to twenty minutes online to file for Social Security benefits. You save time too on waiting at the office and by not having to drive there. There are a few things you should prepare before starting the online filing.

2. I recommend browsing the section called the Retirement Planner first. You don't want to make last minute decisions while filling out the form. The Retirement Planner helps you get your thinking in order before you start the filing process. See the link below.

3. 

   On the Social Security website, read the section about using the online filing and about when to start receiving retirement benefits. Click on the red button that says VIEW A DEMO OF THE APPLICATION. Have the computer's sound turned on for this.

4. Before filling out the form for retirement, it's recommended that you get an estimate of your benefits. See the link below to do this. It's quick and easy.

5. After you complete the above preparations, you are ready to fill out the application. You are just fifteen minutes away from being done. Congratulations!

Tips & Warnings

• Previously applicants had to mail in or take in an original copy of their birth certificate to a Social Security field office. This requirement has been adjusted for most people.

Resources

• Social Security site, then click on Retire Online
• Estimate your benefits
• View a demo of the application
• The Retirement Planner (Social Security)