Social Security online application - which documents to submit and how?

I applied online last year. You don't mail your original documents or even upload scans during the initial application. You just enter the information from your documents (birth date, SS number, etc.). The SSA will contact you if they need to verify anything. They may ask you to bring or mail documents to your local office later, but this is rare if you're a straightforward case with a lifelong work history in the US. Make sure you have these ready before starting: - Social Security number - Birth date - Employment history for past 2 years (if applicable) - Bank account info for direct deposit - Marriage/divorce dates if claiming spousal benefits The online application takes about 30 minutes if you have everything handy. You can save and come back to it if needed.

i did my app online and didnt send anything in. they already have ur ss# and birth info in there system. they only asked for proof of identity when i went to fix something at the office later but not for the online part

I applied for my retirement benefits online in December 2024, and it was much smoother than I expected. You'll need to create a my Social Security account first if you haven't already. During the application, you'll enter information from your documents but won't upload or mail anything initially. The system is designed to verify most information electronically. However, after review, the SSA might contact you if they need to see certain documents. In my case, they needed proof of a name change from my divorce 20 years ago, which I had to take to the local office. Keep these documents accessible, just in case: - Birth certificate (original or certified copy) - Social Security card - W-2 forms or self-employment tax returns for last year - Military discharge papers if applicable - Marriage certificate/divorce decree if relevant to your claim The online process will guide you through each section. You can save your progress and return later if needed.

Just did this in January! You don't mail ANYTHING during the online application. Just fill in all the info they ask for. After you submit, they review everything electronically. I got approved in 2 weeks without ever sending any documents. My sister had to take her birth certificate to the local office because she was born in another country, but that's unusual.

The SSA's online application system is actually quite efficient. You won't need to submit physical documents during the initial application - you'll just enter the information from those documents. The SSA already has most of your information in their system and can verify it electronically. However, there are exceptions where verification may be required: 1. Foreign births requiring birth certificate verification 2. Name discrepancies between your SS record and application 3. Marriage/divorce documentation for spousal benefits 4. Gaps in your earnings record requiring proof of employment If documentation is needed, you'll receive a notice after your application is reviewed with specific instructions. This usually happens within 1-2 weeks of applying. I recommend applying about 2-3 months before you want benefits to begin. This gives time for processing and resolving any document requests.

I tried applying online last year and it was NOTHING but problems!!! The website kept crashing and after I finally submitted everything they sent me a letter saying I needed to verify my identity in person anyway!!! Wasted HOURS of my time for nothing. Tried calling SSA and was on hold for 3+ HOURS before being disconnected. RIDICULOUS!!! Had to take a day off work to go to the office in person where I waited another 2 hours!!! The whole system is broken!!!

When I applied last summer, I didn't mail or upload any documents initially, but they later requested proof of my birthdate because what I entered didn't match what they had on file (turns out there was a typo in their system). So while you don't need to provide documents up front, be prepared that they might request them later. Also - don't wait until the last minute! I'd start the application process at least 2-3 months before you want your benefits to begin. My application took 6 weeks to process because of that birthdate verification issue.

my wife did hers last month u dont send anything! just tell them the numbers off ur docs. but she got confused halfway thru and had to call for help. took 3 days to get someone on the phone!!!

One more tip - before you start your application, review your earnings record in your my Social Security account to check for any errors. It's much easier to correct earnings issues before you apply rather than during the application process. Also, the online application will ask about your preferred Medicare enrollment if you're not already enrolled. Have your healthcare information ready so you can make informed choices about Medicare Part B and Part D enrollment.