When you apply for benefits, you will need the following:
- Your Social Security number
- Your birth certificate (If you don’t have a birth certificate, you can get one from the state where you were born. Go to What will you need when you apply? for more information.)
- Your W-2 forms or self-employment tax return for last year
- Your military discharge papers if you had military service
- Your spouse’s birth certificate and Social Security number if he or she is applying for benefits
- Children’s birth certificates and Social Security numbers, if they’re applying for children’s benefits
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status if you (or a spouse or child applying for benefits) were not born in the U.S.
- The name of your bank and your account number so your benefits can be directly deposited into your account.
You need original documents or copies certified by the issuing office. You can mail or bring them to a Social Security office and they will photocopy and return your documents.
Don’t delay your retirement just because you don’t have all the documents needed — the people in your local office will help you.
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