The Steps to Apply for Social Security

Eligibility

Applicants need at least 10 years or 40 credits of work history to qualify for Social Security benefits. Disability benefits require a minimum of six credits in the three years immediately prior to the disability. You may qualify for survivor benefits on the same basis. Retirement requires 10 years or 40 credits of work history. Social Security has age requirements as well. A retiree may be as young as 62. A survivor without children may be as young as 60. Children must be under the age of 18, or 19 if in high school, to qualify for survivor benefits.

A disabled person must meet the definition of "disabled" under Social Security guidelines. You will be required to bring documentation of your condition from your doctor, along with a list of medical tests you have undergone, the name and address of each physician, the names of all medications and their dosages. You will also need information about your last five jobs and any worker's compensation claims you have filed. You can start the application online. You will need Social Security numbers for your spouse and children, your W-2 form from your last employment and military service discharge DD-214 if applicable. You also need your bank account number and routing number for the bank.

If a worker dies, Social Security provides survivor benefits to those who counted on the employee for support. The worker must have sufficient work history, similar to those of disability claimants. Spouses, children and ex-spouses are eligible for survivor benefits. You can apply for survivor benefits by calling 800-772-1213 to make an appointment. You will need your birth certificate, marriage license, naturalization papers, military discharge DD-214 and W-2 forms or self-employment tax returns for the past year. Bring information about the deceased, including his Social Security number, date and place of birth and date and place of death. Social Security will also need your bank account and routing number to deposit your check.

You can apply for Social Security retirement benefits online, over the phone or at your local Social Security office. You will need your Social Security number, date and place of birth and your work history. If you apply for spousal benefits based on his work history, you will need the same information for your spouse. A key question is whether you want benefits based on your work history or the work history of your spouse. You can receive a maximum of 50 percent of your spouse's retirement benefit, or you may receive 100 percent of your retirement benefit at your full retirement age. As of 2011, full retirement age is 66 for individuals born between 1943 and 1954.