You should apply for benefits about three months before the date you want your benefits to start. If you are not quite ready to retire, but are thinking about doing so in the near future, you may want to visit Social Security’s website to use our convenient and informative retirement planner at www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2. To file for disability or survivors benefits, you should apply as soon as you are eligible.

You also can apply for benefits on our website at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyforbenefits. You also can calculate your benefit amount at www.socialsecurity.gov/planners.

What you will need to apply

When you apply for benefits, we will ask you to provide certain documents. The documents we will ask for depend on the type of benefits you are filing for. Providing these documents to us quickly will help us pay your benefits faster. You must submit original documents or copies certified by the issuing office—we cannot accept photocopies.

Do not delay filing an application just because you do not have all of the documents you need. We will help you get them.

Here is a list of some documents you may need when you sign up for Social Security:

• Your Social Security card (or a record of your number);
• Your birth certificate;
• Your children’s birth certificates and Social Security numbers (if you are applying for them);
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status if you (or a child) were not 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;
• 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; and
• Your most recent W-2 form, or your tax return, if you are self-employed.

We will let you know if other documents are needed when you apply.

How benefits are paid

Social Security benefits generally are paid by direct deposit. Direct deposit is a simple, safe and secure way to receive your benefits. Be sure to have your checkbook or account statement with you when you apply. We will need that information to make sure your monthly benefit is correctly deposited into your account.

If you do not want direct deposit, we will make other arrangements to pay your monthly benefits.