How to Apply for Social Security Benefits

The easiest way to apply for Social Security benefits including Social Security disability benefits is to use the Social Security Administration’s website. You can also apply over the phone, but why bother when the internet is so much more convenient? The only exception would be if you’re applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. SSI benefits can’t be done over the internet, so you’d do best to call 1-800-772-1213 and speak with someone who can help with your specific situation.

To Apply for Social Security Benefits Online

Almost all Social Security Benefits can be applied for through the Social Security Benefits Application.

To apply for benefits, first be sure you’re applying for Retirement, Disability, or Spouse’s Benefits. You can’t apply for just Medicare if you’re still working and you can’t apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Once you’ve determined you’re in the right place for your needs, navigate to the application form.

Gather Your Documents and Information

Before actually beginning the application, be sure you have all of the necessary documentation on hand.

You may need:

• Birth certificate or other proof of birth
• Naturalization papers;
• U.S. military discharge paper(s)
• W-2 forms(s) and/or self-employment tax returns for last year.

And you will be asked to complete items such as the following:

• Your name, birth name, gender and social security number
• Your date of birth and place of birth including any records there may be
• When you became unable to work if disabled
• Military service information
• You employment history in any government entities
• Your marriage status and spousal information (current and former)
• Dates and situations for all marriages
• The names of any unmarried children under 18, 18 -19 and in secondary school or disabled before age 22
• Employment and earnings information
• Any outstanding legal issues
• The month you want your benefits to begin and enrollment decisions about Medicare B.

Apply Online

Complete the online form once all of your information is assembled. If you can’t locate certain items, complete the form anyway, but expect to work with someone over the phone or in person to finalize the application. Starting it online can save time and effort.

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How to Apply for Medicare

If you qualify for Social Security, you qualify for Medicare. Medicare is the medical insurance plan available for those over sixty-five or disabled individuals. There have been many proposed changes to Medicare recently, but the application process has remained essentially the same.

What is Medicare?

Medicare is a government program designed to ensure all elderly citizens of the United States have adequate health insurance. To be eligible for Medicare, you must be sixty-five or older. You may be younger with a disability or long-term disease. You must also have earned coverage by working (or being married to someone who worked) in a Medicare qualifying position for ten years.

Medicare helps to cover doctor’s visits, prescriptions and special items such as hearing aids or insulin pumps. Medicare Part A is free for those eligible, and Medicare Part B is an additional payment of about $50 taken directly from your Social Security check. There is also a program called Medigap insurance which helps to cover anything not already covered by Medicare Part A or B.

Applying for Medicare

If you’re already receiving Social Security payments, you’ll automatically be registered for Medicare three months before you turn 65. If you’re not already receiving Social Security, you can apply yourself three months before you turn 65 or wait and apply in the next general enrollment period following your birthday.

You can only enroll in Medicare through the Social Security office. You can arrange forms over the phone at (800) 772-1213 or in your local Social Security office. When you’re applying you’ll need your Social Security Card, your driver’s license or identification card, your birth certificate and any other insurance you may have. You should also strongly consider bringing your medical records such as doctors and previous treatments, especially if you’re apply for Medicare with a disability.

For additional questions about applying for Medicare, contact your local Social Security office or visit the Social Security website.

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