How to Apply for Social Security

What you need: Social Security can pay survivor benefits to spouses, former spouses, children if they are minors or have a disability, and in limited circumstances, parents of a deceased worker on that person’s earnings record. To apply, make sure you have:

• The Social Security number and death certificate of the person on whose record you are applying.
• Your Social Security number and those of any dependent children.
• Your birth certificate or an acceptable religious record of your birth, such as a baptismal certificate.
• Your marriage certificate, and divorce papers if filing as a former spouse.
• Tax records documenting your earnings.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

How you can file: Online, by phone or in person.

When you can file: There is no minimum age to file for SSDI, but you must have done at least some work in which you acquired Social Security credits.

What you need: The paperwork requirements to apply for SSDI are more substantial, and the application is lengthier. Along with the usual personal information, such as your birth certificate and employment and earnings records, you’ll need to provide extensive documentation of your medical history and treatment and file an Adult Disability Report.

The SSDI process also includes an interview, which can be conducted in person or remotely. You’ll find detailed information in Social Security’s Adult Disability Starter Kit.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

How you can file: By phone or in person. An online option is available if you meet these criteria:

• You are age 18 to 64 and 10 months.
• You have never married.
• You are also applying for SSDI.
• You have not previously applied for SSI for yourself or for a child.

The SSA is rolling out a streamlined digital application for SSI that the agency says will eventually be available to all claimants, including those age 65 or older. For now, older applicants and those applying on behalf of a minor should call Social Security to schedule an office appointment.

When you can file: SSI has no minimum age if you are applying due to blindness or a qualifying disability. Absent that, you must be at least 65.

What you need: Administered but not funded by Social Security, SSI pays benefits to people in dire financial need who are 65 or older, blind or have a disability. Due to the nature of the program, the document requirements encompass personal, health and financial data. They may include:

• Proof of citizenship or legal residency.
• Proof of where you live, such as a lease or utility bill with your name on it.
• Financial records, including payroll slips and bank statements.
• Details of assets you own, such as property and vehicles.

More to know about applying for benefits

Fraud screens:  The SSA conducts anti-fraud checks on applications filed by phone. If your call is flagged for “fraud risk indicators,” you will have to confirm your identity in person at a Social Security office to complete your application. The SSA estimates that less than 0.2 percent of telephone claims are flagged. 

Getting help: If physical, mental or cognitive issues make it difficult for someone to apply for benefits, they can enlist a friend or family member to help in several ways, including filling out forms, contacting Social Security representatives, gathering and submitting documents, attending medical examinations and receiving mail from the SSA.

An employer, attorney or advocacy organization may also be able to provide such assistance. If you are helping an applicant, Social Security may ask for information about you, your relationship to the applicant and, if applicable, the organization you work for. Another, more formal option is to appoint an authorized representative to handle business with the SSA.

Applying from abroad:  If you live overseas and have a My Social Security account, you can apply for retirement benefits, family benefits or SSDI online, as you can in the U.S.

If you are applying for survivor benefits or have questions about the claiming process for any benefits, contact the embassy or consulate in the country where you live or the Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) serving that country. FBUs are offices operated by the U.S. Department of State that can assist you with questions about Social Security.

For general guidance on applying for and receiving Social Security abroad, call the SSA’s International Benefits and Processing Center (855-522-6936).