What Documents Do I Need to Apply for Social Security?

Applying for Social Security insurance can be less daunting when you’re prepared and have the documents ready.

You may ask, “What information do I need to apply for Social Security?” The list includes the date of birth, Social Security number, or proof of a disability if you’re seeking Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

The Social Security Administration (SSA) now has online application services, which can streamline the process significantly. But even if you have all the necessary paperwork, you may still require a Social Security lawyer if your claim is denied.

Vital Documents Required for Your Social Security Benefits Application

The SSA asks many questions about you, your health, and your work history. Answering them is easier when you know what documents are needed to apply for Social Security. For retirement benefits, you’ll need your work records, financial statements, and information about your spouse, including your full name, dates of birth (DOB), and Social Security numbers (SSNs).

If you have children under 19 who are still in school or are disabled, you will also need their Social Security number and date of birth.

Documents to support your application include:

• Proof of citizenship status;
• Bank account number and routing number;
• Whether you have ever used a different SSN;
• Any information pertaining to a previous SSDI, SSI, or Medicare application.

If you’re over age 65, you may also apply for Medicare Part B.

1. A Birth Certificate

The first item on the list of documents for Social Security is a certified or original copy of your birth certificate. You can get a certified copy from the vital records department of your birth state. You may need certain documents to verify your identity; each state will have its own requirements.

A birth certificate is a part of what to bring to apply for Social Security so the SSA can verify your age and identity.

If you were born outside the U.S., but your parents were U.S. citizens at the time of your birth, your birth certificate may be on file with the consulate in the country you were born. Or you can get a copy from the U.S. State Department.

People born on military bases abroad may be able to obtain a birth certificate copy from the hospital they were born in or another religious record.

2. Proof of U.S. Citizenship

Proof of your U.S. citizenship is another example of Social Security documents required. This, plus your birth certificate to verify your age, will determine whether you qualify for Social Security and which benefits. If you have a U.S. birth certificate, you can use this as your supporting document. You can use your U.S. passport as proof of U.S. citizenship. Or you can present a machine-readable immigrant visa.

You’ll need either the original document or a certified copy, not just a photocopy. The Social Security Administration doesn’t accept photocopies, even notarized ones.

3. Social Security Card

Your birth certificate and proof of citizenship verify your eligibility for SSA. Your Social Security number card is one of the documents needed to file for Social Security as well. If you don’t have a copy of your Social Security card, you need to submit a request on the SSA website to get a replacement card. Most states allow you to create an account online and request a card.

If you live in a state where an online request option is unavailable, you can get a copy of your Social Security card from a local SSA office. Many states require you to submit proof of your mailing address and bring your driver’s license for an in-person document request. Alaska, Wisconsin, and Delaware each require a driver’s license for you to obtain a new copy of the Social Security number card.

4. Identification Card

The SSA will accept several kinds of photo identification documents needed to apply for Social Security benefits. You may use the following:

• State-issued driver’s license;
• State-issued non-driver identity card;
• U.S. passport.

If you don’t have any of these, there are a few other options, such as:

• Employee ID card;
• Military ID, either active duty, veteran, or dependant;
• School ID;
• Health insurance card.

Your health insurance card is not a Medicare card; it’s any other insurance you have.

5. Proof of Living Arrangements

You will need to provide proof of the living arrangements of everyone in your household, which can include a current lease, house deed, or property tax assessment; the names, DOBs, and SSNs of all household members; and proof of your monthly household expenses like mortgage, utilities, groceries, and car payments.

6. Workers’ Comp Information

If you’ve filed with Workers’ Compensation and wondered, “what paperwork do I need to apply for Social Security?” include information about your claim, which your workers’ compensation lawyer can provide.

7. Proof of Military Service

Information needed to apply for Social Security is your DD-14 form. It includes your SSN and can be used in place of a birth certificate or Social Security card.

8. Financial Records

Most people have W-2 forms stating their annual income, federal and state taxes withheld, and the Medicare and Social Security taxes withheld from their pay. If you are self-employed, you may submit a self-employment tax return and other financial and business records.

The SSA will accept photocopies of your W-2s, schedules, or other tax information Social Security documents needed to verify your work history and how long you paid into Social Security. If you have any other type of income, such as a side gig, alimony, or child support, you will need proof of this income. Make sure your Social Security number is accurate on your W-2s.

9. Work History

The SSA requires your work history, including your employer’s name and location and your gross earnings, plus:

• Your job title(s);
• Type of business you worked in;
• Dates you worked there;
• Number of days worked per week for the last 15 year;
• Rate of pay for the last 15 years.

You will also be asked for a brief description of your job duties.

10. Spousal Records

Social Security required documents for spousal benefits include proving you were married to the person you’re listing for the benefits. This may be proved with your birth certificate, marriage license, and your respective photo IDs.

If you cannot find your marriage license, you can request a copy from the deeds office in the county you married in. If you are applying for spousal benefits from your ex-spouse, you will need the divorce decree in addition to the other documents listed. People applying for survivorship benefits must produce their spouse’s death certificate.

11. Medical Records

If you’re applying for SSDI benefits, the documents for Social Security application include your medical records, specifically those demonstrating your inability to work. You can submit:

• Emergency room records;
• Notes from doctor’s appointments;
• Diagnostic test results and lab work;
• Hospitalization stay records;
• Prescription records;
• Pathology reports.

Surgical narratives may not be the only medical records that apply to your case, so gather everything you have.

The exact records required for Social Security disability insurance and SSI are delineated in the SSA’s “blue book.” You may also need to provide your treating physician’s name and contact information and the approximate dates you received treatment.

If your SSDI application is related to a workers’ compensation claim, you may need to provide the employer claim report and other documents that corroborate your claim. This may also include your treating physician’s recommendations for light duty, clearance for work, or diagnosis that precludes you from working.

12. Statements and Reports from Others

Last on the list of documents required for Social Security are statements about your medical history and the effect your recent disability has had on your earning projections and ability to live independently. A written statement from your doctor outlining your injuries and disabilities and medical history can carry a lot of weight with the Social Security administration. Statements from a family member or friend may be helpful but don’t have as much influence as the doctor’s letter.

The SSA may ask you to note family members or friends who know the daily challenges you face due to your disability; before applying, you may want to consider who some good references would be.

The caseworker from the Social Security office may question your doctor and references for more information about the physical or mental limitations of your health condition(s). You can submit a form from each reference, and these can be either photocopies or notarized copies.

When to Get Started with Your SSA Application

You can begin the SSDI and benefits application even if you don’t have all the documents required to apply for Social Security collected yet. The timing of your application may affect what benefits you’re eligible for. If you wait until the full retirement age of 67, for example, you will be eligible to receive full retirement benefits; if you choose to take benefits early, at age 62 or 65, you may only receive about 70% of the full benefit you would be entitled to.

The longer you wait to apply for Social Security retirement, the greater your monthly benefit will be (until age 70). The Social Security office takes time to process and verify the application and your included photocopies and notarized copies, so try to start the process at least two months before you want to start receiving benefits.

Things to Remember When Applying for Social Security Benefits

If you wonder, “what documents do I need to file for Social Security,” keep these items in mind as you apply:

• Don’t wait – if you think you’re eligible, start the process;
• The SSA pays benefits starting the month after your filing date;
• The SSA requires originals of all documents;
• Keep copies of everything you send.

Try to jot down the names of everyone you speak with about your claim, including the date of the conversation and what was said.

Getting Help with Your Claim

Getting all this information together can be stressful. Kenton Koszdin has experience with disability cases, whether you are applying for SSI or SSDI. With a knowledgeable and experienced disability lawyer on your side, you may be able to receive benefits, and perhaps much sooner than going at it alone. If you’re in the greater Los Angeles area, including Culver City and Inglewood, contact the Law Offices of Kenton Koszdin today through the convenient contact form for a free case review.