- Your Social Security card or a record of your number.
- Your original birth certificate, a copy certified by the issuing agency, or other proof of your age. ...
- If you were not born in the U.S., proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status. ...
- A copy of your U.S. military service paper (s) if you served before 1968. A photocopy is acceptable.
- A copy of your W-2 form (s) and/or self-employment tax return for last year. A photocopy is acceptable.
What information do I need to apply for Social Security benefits?
You’ll also need to have the date and place of marriage, and this goes for any former spouses as well. For logistical purposes, you’ll want to indicate what month you want your benefits to begin, and you’ll need to provide your bank’s routing number and your account number.
What documents do I need to apply for Medicare?
You can also use our Checklist For The Online Medicare, Retirement, And Spouses Application to help you gather the information you need to apply. Documents we may ask for include: Your Social Security card or a record of your number. Your original birth certificate, a copy certified by the issuing agency, or other proof of your age.
What do I need to apply for Medicare Part B?
For logistical purposes, you’ll want to indicate what month you want your benefits to begin, and you’ll need to provide your bank’s routing number and your account number. As part of your application, you can also indicate if you would like to enroll in Medicare Part B, but you’ll have to be eligible.
How can I help you prepare for your Medicare application?
You can help by being ready to provide the information and documents listed below. You can also use our Checklist For The Online Medicare, Retirement, And Spouses Application to help you gather the information you need to apply. Documents we may ask for include:
What documents does Social Security need?
Social SecurityYour Social Security card or a record of your number.Your original birth certificate, a copy certified by the issuing agency, or other proof of your age. ... If you were not born in the U.S., proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status.More items...
Do I automatically get my ex husband's Social Security?
Am I Entitled To My Ex-Spouse's Social Security? Yes. You are eligible to collect spousal benefits on a living former wife's or husband's earnings record as long as: The marriage lasted at least 10 years.
How do I switch from Social Security spousal benefits to my own benefits?
You will have to file an application to switch from survivor benefits on a late spouse's work record to retirement benefits on your own record. You should apply four months before you want your retirement benefit to start.
How do you qualify for spousal benefits from Social Security?
To qualify for spouse's benefits, you must be one of these: At least 62 years of age. Any age and caring for a child entitled to receive benefits on your spouse's record and who is younger than age 16 or disabled.
Can a divorced woman get part of her ex husband's Social Security?
Social Security Benefits for Divorced Women Thus, divorced women receive Social Security benefits either as retired workers, divorced spouses, or surviving divorced spouses. They can also receive widow benefits from a prior marriage that ended in widowhood.
Can I collect on my ex husband's Social Security if I am disabled?
If you're divorced, you can receive benefits based on your deceased ex-spouse's work if: At age 60, or age 50 if you are disabled, if your marriage lasted at least 10 years, and you aren't entitled to a higher benefit on your own record.
How long does a spouse get survivors benefits?
Widows and widowers Generally, spouses and ex-spouses become eligible for survivor benefits at age 60 — 50 if they are disabled — provided they do not remarry before that age. These benefits are payable for life unless the spouse begins collecting a retirement benefit that is greater than the survivor benefit.
How many months in advance should you apply for Social Security benefits?
four monthsYou can apply up to four months before you want your retirement benefits to start. For example, if you turn 62 on December 2, you can start your benefits as early as December, and apply in August. Even if you are not ready to retire, you still should sign up for Medicare three months before your 65th birthday.
Does spousal Social Security benefits reduce my benefits?
Benefits paid to your spouse will not decrease your retirement benefit. In fact, the value of the benefits they may receive, added to your own, may help you decide if taking your benefits sooner may be more advantageous.
How is Social Security calculated for divorced spouse?
The marriage must have lasted for at least 10 years, and the divorced spouse must be at least 62 years old. If the requirements are met, the divorced spouse can receive an amount equal to as much as 50% of their ex's benefits.
Can I get spousal benefits if my spouse has not filed?
To be eligible for a spousal benefit, your spouse must have filed for their own benefits. An ex-spouse is exempt from that rule.
How many years do you have to be married to claim spouses Social Security?
one continuous yearHow long does someone have to be married to collect Social Security spouse benefits? To receive a spouse benefit, you generally must have been married for at least one continuous year to the retired or disabled worker on whose earnings record you are claiming benefits. There are narrow exceptions to the one-year rule.
What is the best way to apply for Medicare?
The best way to apply for Medicare is online at socialsecurity.gov or by speaking with a representative at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, b...
How long does it take for a Medicare application to be approved?
Depending on the application method that you choose, approval by phone, mail, or online can take 30 to 60 days. However, applications can be proces...
What do I need to do to enroll in Medicare?
You will need basic information and documentation such as your Social Security card, citizenship status, birth certificate, earnings statements, fe...
Is it mandatory to go on Medicare when you turn 65?
No, it’s not mandatory to go on Medicare when you turn 65. However, declining the federal benefit can end up being complicated in certain scenarios...
How much does Medicare cost at 65 years old?
Most people don’t pay a monthly premium for Part A. The premium for Part B is currently $148.50, but it can be more if you have a high income. The...
Medicare Eligibility
Your Initial Enrollment Period for Medicare lasts for seven months, starting three months before you reach the age of 65 and ending three months after. Eligibility for Medicare benefits is available for people age 65 and older.
What to Bring When Applying for Medicare
If you’re collecting Social Security benefits before you turn 65, you’ll automatically be enrolled in Medicare. You won’t need to dig up any documents to apply. The same goes for being eligible due to collecting SSDI after 24 months.
Documents for Medicare Advantage and Medigap
Whether you sign up for Medicare Advantage or Medigap, you’ll need both your Medicare number and the date your Original Medicare coverage started. This information will be on your Medicare card. You can also access this information through your dashboard on the Social Security website if you created an account to enroll.
What If I Lost My Documents?
If you lost your documents or can’t locate them, you still have time to obtain new copies before applying for Medicare. This involves contacting your state or local offices for copies of records and other documents that you might not have readily available. Here’s how you can obtain new copies.
Enrolling in Medicare
Once you’ve got all of your documents in order, you’re ready to apply! To get started, check out my guide: How to Apply for Medicare.
What to do if you don't have all your Social Security documents?
If You Don't Have All Of The Documents. Even if you don't have everything, don't delay applying for Social Security retirement benefits. You can provide the missing documents later. We may be able to help you get them. In many cases, your local Social Security office can contact your state Bureau of Vital Statistics and verify your information ...
What to do if you don't have all the documents?
If You Don't Have All Of The Documents. Even if you don't have everything, don't delay applying for Social Security retirement benefits . You can provide the missing documents later. We may be able to help you get them.
Apply for Retirement Benefits
Starting your Social Security retirement benefits is a major step on your retirement journey. This page will guide you through the process of applying for retirement benefits when you’re ready to take that step. Our online application is a convenient way to apply on your own schedule, without an appointment.
Ready To Retire?
Before you apply, take time to review the basics, understand the process, and gather the documents you’ll need to complete an application.
Documents you may need to provide
We may ask you to provide documents to show that you are eligible, such as:
What we will ask you
You should also have your checkbook or other papers that show your account number at a bank, credit union or other financial institution so you can sign up for Direct Deposit, and avoid worries about lost or stolen checks and mail delays.