In order to begin collecting social security benefits from the U.S. government, you need to apply. This page outlines what you need to know about how to file for social security benefits.

Social security provides benefits to people who have paid social security taxes in the event of death, disability and retirement. Your application will be easier if you are prepared with all the documents and information ahead of time, but if you don't have something, don't wait to apply. In most cases, your eligibility date will be determined by the application date, so it's to your advantage to get things started as soon as possible.

• Apply by Phone: 1-800-772-1213
• TTY Phone: 1-800-325-0778
• Phones are manned Monday-Friday, 7am -7pm

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional financial advice. Please contact your financial adviser before using the information presented here.

When you die, your family may be eligible for social security survivors benefits. These range from a $255 one time payment, to periodic payments to dependent children. If your spouse is over age 60, they may also be eligible to receive periodic payments. Survivor's benefits can be applied for by phone (1-800-772-1213) or in person at a local social security office. You'll need to provide your name, social security number, and your relationship to the decedent when you apply.https://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/FOLO/fo001.jsp

Documents Needed to File for Social Security Death Benefits

1. Decedent's original certified birth certificate or other proof of birth
2. Decedent's naturalization papers
3. Decedent's U.S. military discharge papers, and the dates they were in the service
4. Decedent's W-2 forms(s) and/or self-employment tax returns for the prior year

Information About the Decedent Needed to File for Social Security Death Benefits

1. Decedent's name, gender, and Social Security number
2. Decedent's date and place of death
3. Whether the decedent ever filed for Social Security benefits, Medicare or Supplemental Security Income, and if so, under whose Social Security record he or she applied
4. Whether the deceased worker was unable to work because of illness or injury at any time during the 14 months before his or her death, and, if so, the date that they became unable to work
5. Whether the decedent worked for the railroad industry for more than 7 years
6. Whether the decedent earned social security credits under another country's social security system;
7. Names, dates of birth, and social security numbers of any former spouse, as well as the date of marriages and the date each marriage ended
8. Names of any unmarried children under 18, 18-19 and still in high school, or children who were disabled prior to age 22
9. Amount of the decedent's earnings in the year of death and the prior year
10. Whether the decedent was providing more than 50% of the support for their parent(s) at the time of his or her death
11. Whether the decedent was living with the surviving spouse at the time of his or her death

Information About the Surviving Spouse Needed to File for Social Security Death Benefits

1. Has the surviving spouse been unable to work because of illness or injury at any time within the past 14 months, and the applicable dates
2. Whether the surviving spouse has ever filed for Social Security benefits, Medicare or Supplemental Security Income
3. Names, dates of birth and social security numbers of any former spouses of the surviving spouse (other than the decedent), and the dates that the marriages existed

Applications for social security disability benefits for adults can be completed by phone, in person, or online.http://www.ssa.gov/applyfordisability/adult.htm Disability benefits for children under 18 can be applied for by phone or in person. You can begin the application for a child online, but it needs to be completed with the assistance of an agent on the phone or at a Social Security office.http://www.ssa.gov/applyfordisability/child.htm You'll need the following information in order to complete the social security disability benefits application:

1. Name, address, and social security number
2. Names, addresses and phone numbers of all doctors, hospitals and clinics that you've been seen by, as well as your patient ID numbers, dates seen
3. Names of any medications you are taking
4. A copy of any medical records in your possession
5. An original or certified copy of your birth certificate, or proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency, if you were born outside the U.S.
6. Original or a certified copy of any military discharge papers for all periods of active duty.
7. W-2 Form from last year, or if you were self-employed, your federal tax return
8. Any workers' compensation information, including date of injury, claim number and payments
9. Social Security numbers for your spouse and any children under 18
10. Checking or savings account number
11. Name, address and phone number of an alternate contact
12. Jobs and dates of employment during the 15 years before you became disabled

Applications for social security retirement benefits can be completed by phone, in person, or online.https://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/iRRet/rib You can apply once you are 61 years and 9 months old, and you want to start your benefits in the next four months. Although you can apply to begin receiving benefits that early, it may not be in your best interests to do so. You should discuss when to begin receiving Social Security benefits with your accountant or financial adviser. You should have the following information available as you complete the application.

1. Date and place of birth and Social Security number
2. Amount you earned last year and this year, and if you're applying in the last fiscal quarter, you'll also need to estimate the following year's earnings
3. Name and address of any employers for the current and prior years
4. Beginning and ending dates of any active U.S. military service before 1968
5. Name, Social Security number and date of birth of your current and former spouses.
6. Dates and places of marriage and dates of divorce or death for each marriage
7. Copy of your most recent Social Security Statement, which is sent to you annually three months before your birthday