How to Submit a Social Security Claim

You can apply in person at your neighborhood Social Security office or by phone at 800-772-1213 for your Social Security benefit. You can also apply online for retirement, spousal, and disability benefits; having a My Social Security account is helpful for this.

Here are some simple recommendations for requesting various benefits.

Retirement and Spousal Benefits

You must submit a variety of personal and professional details, such as:

• Your birthplace and date.

• Childbirth rate and marital status.

• The start and end dates of any recent positions (and net income from self-employment in the past two years).

• Military experience, if any.

• The account number and type of your account, as well as the unique ID of the bank where you would like Social Security to transfer your payment.

FAQs

• What you’ll need to file a claim: Social Security gives a comprehensive list of items you’ll need for the application.
• When to file a claim: Although 62 is the minimum age to qualify for retirement and spouse benefits, waiting longer will result in larger monthly payouts.
• Where to file: In person, over the phone, or online.

Survivor Benefits

If you want to file for survivor benefits, make sure you have the following information:

• The deceased earner’s Social Security number and death certificate.

• The Social Security numbers of any dependent children as well as yourself.

• Your birth certificate or a recognized religious birth record (such as a baptismal certificate).

• Your marriage license (and divorce papers if filing as a former spouse).

• Tax records that show your income.

FAQs

• When you can file: Most of the time, you must be 60 or older to collect survivor benefits (but as with retirement and spousal benefits, they increase if you wait). There are exceptions for widows and widowers that take care of children under the age of 16 or who are incapacitated (the minimum is 50); (no age restriction). Remarrying can have an impact on eligibility.
• Where to file: In person, over the phone, or online.

Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI)

The documentation requirements and application length are much longer for SSDI. You must submit thorough proof of your medical history and treatments in addition to standard personal information (such as a birth certificate, employment history, and earnings records) and submit an Adult Disability Report. The Adult Disability Starter Kit from Social Security contains comprehensive information you’ll need.

FAQs

When you can file: While there is no minimum age requirement for SSDI, you must have held at least part-time employment during which you accrued Social Security benefits.

Where to file: In person, over the phone, or online.

Supplemental Security Income

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) has documentation requirements regarding personal information and financial necessity. SSI is a program administered by Social Security but not funded by it that provides payments to low-income people who are handicapped, blind, or who are aged 65 and older. The requirements include

• Proof of citizenship or lawful residency.

• Evidence of your residence (such as a lease or utility bill with your name on it).

• Financial statements (including payroll slips and bank statements).

• Information about your assets (such as property and vehicles).

When you can file for benefits: There is no minimum age requirement if you apply for SSI because you are blind or have another qualifying handicap. If not, you must be at least 65 years old.

Where to file: You can file by phone, in person, or, under certain conditions, online.

Don’t Forget

• It’s preferable to schedule an appointment if you want to file for Social Security benefits in person. 

• If you’re residing abroad and want to file for Social Security, contact the American Embassy or consulate.

More Social Security FAQs

– How can I submit an online request for a new Social Security card?

You might not need a new card if you lost your old one. Most of the time, you must know your Social Security number (SSN). If you require a replacement, you can submit your application in person or online.

How do I get a Social Security statement?

You can obtain your Social Security statement online using your own My Social Security account. You may easily create an account if you don’t already have one. You can securely and easily view retirement, disability, and survivor benefit estimates through your online statement for you and your family. It also displays a history of your earnings.

How can I sign up for a “My Social Security” online account?

You can check your Social Security details online using a personal My Social Security account. Visit the My Social Security page to learn more about all the services offered and how to set up an account.

Contact Information:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 8889193252