Understanding SSA Benefits (Part 5)

When You're Ready to Apply for Benefits

You should apply for benefits about 4 months before the date you want your benefits to start. If you aren't ready to retire but are thinking about doing so later, you should visit the Social Security Administration (SSA) website to read the informative pages at Link opens in a new windowhttps://www.ssa.gov/benefits/. To file for disability or survivors' benefits, you should apply as soon as you're eligible.

• You can apply for benefits at Link opens in a new windowhttps://www.ssa.gov/forms/apply-for-benefits.html
• You can get a quick and easy benefit estimate based on your Social Security earnings record at Link opens in a new windowhttps://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/estimator.html
• You also can get more detailed benefit calculations at Link opens in a new windowhttps://www.ssa.gov/planners/

What You Will Need to Apply

When you apply for benefits, you will need to provide certain documents, which vary depending on the type of benefits you file for. Providing these documents quickly will help SSA pay your benefits faster. You must present original documents or copies certified by the issuing office—SSA can't accept photocopies.

Don't delay filing an application just because you don't have all the documents you need. SSA will help you get them. Some documents you may need when you sign up for Social Security are

• Your Social Security card (or a record of your number)
• Your birth certificate
• Your children's birth certificates and Social Security numbers (if you're applying for them)
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status if you (or a child) weren't born in the United States
• Your spouse's birth certificate and Social Security number if he or she is applying for benefits based on your earnings
• Your marriage certificate (if signing up on a spouse's earnings or if your spouse is signing up on your earnings)
• Your military discharge papers if you had military service
• Your most recent W-2 form, or your tax return if you're self-employed

SSA will let you know if you need other documents when you apply.

How Benefits Are Paid

You must receive your Social Security payments electronically. One of the ways you can choose to receive your benefits is through direct deposit to your account at a financial institution. Direct deposit is a simple and secure way to receive your payments. Be sure to have your checkbook or account statement with you when you apply. SSA will need that information, as well as your financial institution's routing number, to make sure your monthly benefit deposit goes into the right account.

If you don't have an account with a financial institution, or if you prefer to receive your benefits on a prepaid debit card, you can sign up for the Direct Express® card program. With Direct Express®, payments go straight to the card account. Another payment choice you can consider is an electronic transfer account. This low-cost, federally insured account lets you enjoy the security and convenience of automatic payments.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program

If you get Social Security benefits but have limited income and resources (things you own), SSI may be able to help. SSI financing comes from general revenues, not Social Security taxes. SSI makes monthly payments to people who are age 65 or older, or who are blind or disabled. SSI doesn't count some of your income and resources when deciding whether you're eligible for SSI. Your house and your car, for example, usually don't count as resources.

To apply for SSI, you can begin the process and—in some cases—complete most or all of your application online by visiting Link opens in a new windowhttps://www.ssa.gov/forms/apply-for-benefits.html. You can also call SSA toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 to set up an in-person or telephone appointment with a representative from your local Social Security office.

Right to Appeal

If you disagree with a decision made on your claim, you can appeal it. For an explanation of the steps you can take, read The Appeals Process (Publication No. 05-10041) at Link opens in a new windowhttps://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10041.pdf . You can handle your own appeal with free help from Social Security, or you can choose to have a representative help you. SSA can give you information about organizations that can help you find a representative. For more information about selecting a representative, read Your Right to Representation (Publication No. 05-10075) at Link opens in a new windowhttps://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10075.pdf.

Online My Social Security Account

You can now easily set up a secure online My Social Security account to access your Social Security Statement to check your earnings and get your benefit estimates. You may also be able to use your online My Social Security account to request a replacement Social Security number card (available in some states and the District of Columbia). If you currently receive benefits, you can also

• Get your benefit verification letter
• Change your address and phone number
• Request a replacement Medicare card
• Request a replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S for tax season
• Start or change your direct deposit

You can create a My Social Security account if you're age 18 or older, have a Social Security number, and have valid email and U.S. mail addresses.

To create an account, go to Link opens in a new windowhttps://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/. You will need to provide some personal information to confirm your identity, and then choose a username and password.