How to Apply for Social Security Benefits

Social security benefits are benefits received at retirement age or by individuals who meet the disability requirements. These benefits are paid usually at the first of every month and when available recipients receive a cost of living increase each year. The amount of these benefit payments depend on the amount paid into social security by the retiree or the amount of income earned monthly by individuals with disabilities. 

1. Request an application from the Social Security Administration at their website Socialsecurity.gov. Indicate which type of social security benefits for which you are applying to ensure that you receive the correct application. Provide your name and mailing address with this request so that the application is sent to the correct address. 


2. Complete the application following the enclosed instructions. You are asked for identifying information such as your name and social security card number. If you are applying for another individual such as your child and/or your spouse you include their social security card number.


3. Include documentation with this application depending on the type of social security benefits. If you are applying for retirement benefits you would include tax documentation and W-2's. If you are applying for social security disability benefits you could include copies of your medical records pertaining to your disability. You are required by both to also provide information pertaining to your bank accounts. This includes designating in which account your benefits are deposited should you become approved for benefits. 


4. Mail the application and all required documentation to the Social Security Administration office listed on the provided envelope. 


5. Attend all scheduled appointments. For social security retirement benefits you may not have an in-person appointment and could simply talk to your caseworker over the phone. For social security disability benefits you are required to visit their doctors and then you are scheduled to meet with a case worker at various times during this process. Do not miss any of these appointments, as doing so will guarantee denial of benefits. 


6. Wait for a response. For both social security benefit types you receive a letter to inform you of your approval or denial. This letter also informs you of the amount of benefits you receive every month and which day they are deposited. For social security retirement benefits this process generally takes up to six weeks. For social security disability benefits the process takes up between six to nine months. You are sent back pay from the time you apply to the date you are approved in one lump sum and then you are paid monthly.