- 1). Assess your current financial situation and determine which type of Social Security benefits you need. If you are disabled and can no longer work, consider applying for disability benefits. Persons reaching retirement age (middle to late 60s, as of 2010) can apply for retirement benefits. If the wage earner in your family passed away, you can apply for survivors benefits.
- 2). Gather the required documentation you need to apply for your benefits. In general, you need W-2 forms for the last year and Social Security numbers for you and your family members. Write down the jobs and duties the worker performed during the previous years. Persons applying for disability must have medical documents regarding the physician who knows about their medical condition, as well as medical records that detail tests and results that further explain the medical condition. Survivor beneficiaries must be able to prove the date of death and their relation to the worker (by providing marriage or birth certificates).
- 3). Contact the Social Security agency and fill out an application. According to the Social Security Administration, you can apply by telephone by calling 800-772-1213, visit the Social Security website and fill out an application online or visit one of the Social Security offices in your community (see Resources).
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