SOCIAL SECURITY
FACTSHEET
Customers Have a Choice When Applying for Benefits
Social Security’s customers have historically been
able to apply for benefits immediately by visiting one of the 1300
community based offices throughout the United States. Now, individuals
applying for Retirement Benefits or Widow(er)’s Benefits can choose
to immediately apply for benefits by telephone when they have the
documentation that Social Security needs.
What is Needed to Qualify for Immediate Telephone Claims Taking?
Immediate claims can be taken when callers applying
for benefits have in their possession all of the documents
that Social Security needs to process their applications.
- Retirement Benefits Required Documentation
- Primary proof of age (a birth certificate or
religious record recorded before age 5);
- The most recent W-2 form(s) and/or tax returns;
and
- Specific information about the bank account
where the Social Security Retirement Benefits will be direct
deposited to.
- Survivor Benefits Required Documentation
- Deceased worker’s social security number;
- Proof of marriage (marriage certificate);
- Death certificate;
- Surviving spouse’s primary proof of age;
- Divorce papers if applicable; and
- Specific information about the bank account
where the Social Security Survivor Benefits will be direct deposited
to.
Telephone Interviews
- Members of the public can reach the Social Security
Administration at 1-800-772-1213.
- Social Security representatives are available
from 7a.m. to 7p.m. Monday through Friday.
- SSA will continue to offer individuals the option
of conducting business with SSA by appointment.
October
2001
|
www.socialsecurity.gov
