How to File for Social Security Benefits
Are you thinking about retiring soon? Either way, you will need to know how to apply for benefits from the Social Security Administration. The process is somewhat complex and can be confusing.
You can file for social security benefits online, over the phone, or in person. There are several documents and some important information you will need to complete the application.
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Instructions
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Determine when you want to start receiving social security retirement benefits. If you live until the average life expectancy, you will receive the same amount throughout retirement whether you start receiving benefits at age 62 or age 70. Thus, you can receive lower payments over a longer period of time (such as if you retire at age 62) or higher benefit payments over a shorter period of time (such as if you retire at age 70). You will need to apply for benefits three months before you want to actually begin receiving them.
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Estimate the amount of benefits you will receive. The Social Security Administration requests you estimate the benefits you will receive before you begin the application process, as the estimation will help you answer some of the questions on the application form. To estimate your social security benefits, go to the Social Security Administration's home page (listed in the resources section below) and click on the "Retirement" tab on the top of the web page. When the next page loads, click on the "Calculate Your Benefits" link in the middle of the page. Agree to the privacy practices, then hit "Continue." Finally, fill out the form provided to estimate your benefits. Write your benefit estimation down, so you don't forget it.
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Determine what social security benefits you are eligible for. The Social Security Administration recommends everyone utilize the Benefits Eligibility Screening Tool before filling out the benefits application. To fill out this questionnaire, go to the Social Security Administration's homepage and click on the "Retirement" tab on the top of the page. When the page loads, click on the "Apply for Retirement Benefits" link. Next, click on the "Benefits Eligibility Screening Tool" link in the middle of the page. Finally, click on the red "Start Here" button and complete the questionnaire. It should take you 5-10 minutes to complete this screening tool. When you are finished, it will tell you which benefits you may be eligible for.
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Fill out the social security benefits application. To fill out the application online, go to the "Retirement" tab, then to the "Apply for social security benefits" link as described above. Click on the "Social Security Retirement Benefit Application" in the middle of the page. In the "To Start The Application Process..." box, click the button that represents your situation. If you are applying for social security benefits for yourself, for instance, click the button by the line that says "I am applying for myself" and click the "Apply for Benefits" button. Fill out the online application, answering all of the questions honestly.
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If you want to apply for social security benefits by phone, call 1-800-772-1213 or TTD 1-800-325-0778. Before you call, gather your checkbook or another document with your bank account number on it, your spouse's social security number (if applicable), and the social security numbers of your children who are 18 years of age or younger, are 18-19 years old and in an educational institution, and/or were disabled before the age of 22 years of age (if applicable).
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If you would like to apply for social security benefits in person, locate your local social security office by utilizing the "Local Office Search" link in the resources section below. Enter your five-digit zip code in the space provided on the page, and hit the "Locate" button to get the contact information for your local Social Security office. Call your local Social Security office and make an appointment to apply for social security benefits.
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Gather the documents you'll need to apply for social security benefits in person before you go to the appointment. The documents you will need include: your birth certificate or other proof of your birth, your spouse's social security number, your children's social security numbers (if applicable, see step 5 for more information), your W-2 forms or self-employment tax returns from last year, United States military discharge papers (if applicable), naturalization papers, and your checkbook or other document with your bank account number so that you may apply for direct deposit.
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Work with the administrator at your appointment to answer the questions on the social security benefits application. Questions the administrator will ask include those about your employment history, your birthday, age, place where you were born, your wages during the past, present, and future year, your marriage(s), your child or children, your citizenship status, what other social services you've applied for (if any), whether you expect to receive a pension, where you were married, and whether you served in the military.
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After you've applied for social security benefits, you will wait to hear from the Social Security Administration. They will send you a letter in the mail stating when you begin to receive benefits and how much you will be paid each month, approximately one to three months after you apply for benefits.
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Tips & Warnings
File for social security benefits three months before you want to start receiving the benefits. Be completely honest in answering all application questions.
