How to Apply for Social Security Benefits & Medicare
The fastest and easiest way to apply for Social Security and/or Medicaid benefits, is to take advantage of the Social Security online Benefit Application. The Social Security website estimates that reading the instructions and applying for benefits should take 10 to 30 minutes to complete, with an average completion time of 15 minutes. By following a few steps and gathering information ahead of time, you can apply for Social Security and Medicare Benefits efficiently.
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Things You'll Need
- Social Security statement
- Date and place of birth
- Bank information
- Computer printer
- Work history
- Social Security number
- Name and addresses of employers
Instructions
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Visit the Social Security Online website and click on the "Apply for Retirement/Medicaid" link (see Resources). The Social Security website states that applicants should read the "Applying for Benefits" link before filling out the online application. This fact sheet will educate you on who can file for Social Security and Medicaid benefits, what to do if your claim is denied and how to contact Social Security with any questions you may have.
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Go the the top right-hand side of the Social Security Benefit Application page to use the Social Security Benefit estimator as recommended by the Social Security website. When you are done with the benefit estimator, print out the results so you can refer to this information when filling out your Social Security Benefit Application.
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Go to the lower right-hand side of the Social Security Retirement/Medicaid application page and begin your Social Security Benefit Application.
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Sign your Social Security Benefit Application with your electronic signature by clicking the "Sign Now" button that will appear once you have filled out your application. According to the Social Security website "The only person who can 'sign' the application is the person who is applying for benefits. A legal representative or person helping cannot sign the application."
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Call the Social Security department Monday through Friday from 7 a.m to 7 p.m. at 800-772-1213 to apply for Social Security or Medicaid benefits over the phone.
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Tips & Warnings
Before starting your Social Security Benefit Application, gather all your personal records in front of you such as your Social Security number, Social Security statement, bank information and work history.
Only give out personal information to employees of Social Security.
References
Resources
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