Washington, DC - Social Security Matters by AMAC’s Certified Social Security Advisor C.J. Miles - Association of Mature American Citizens:

QUESTION: What are the most difficult questions in the application process for Social Security?  How should I handle them?  Do you have any suggestions?

ANSWER: I have been with people while they applied for benefits and helped them through the process.  You do have the option of applying over the phone, in person at the Social Security office, or online.  The Social Security Administration (SSA) recommends applying online and I have to agree.  Not only can you easily verify your answers and go at your own pace in the comfort of your own home, but your application will be processed more quickly than the other methods.  If you are even a little comfortable using a computer, you should not have a problem.  If you have difficulties using the computer while doing this, you can always stop and finish the application in person or over the phone.

With that being said, I recommend that the first thing you do is get a statement of estimated benefits.  If you do not already have one, you can also get it online (both the application and your statement of benefits can be found at ssa.gov).  Click on mySocialSecurity to get an online statement.  The application will ask if you agree with the earnings listed on the statement. Your benefit payment may be slightly different than what’s listed, but will be very close if you are applying right away.

When you start your application, you will receive a number.  Write that down, as well as your login and password (these can be difficult to get back if you lose them).  After that you will be asked a long series of questions.  Depending on how prepared you are with information and how quick you are on a computer, the process can take as long as 1-2 hours. However, you have the option of saving and finishing at a later time by using the number I just mentioned.

Some of the questions you may want to be prepared for include:

• Income: How much did you make in last year and up to the day you’re applying?  There are several reasons for this information:  the SSA wants to know if you are applying for disability, if you are applying at an age younger than full retirement age (because there is an earnings limit), and to make sure all your earnings are applied to your highest 35 years of earnings for your benefit.

• Employer: Name and address

• Have you ever applied before for Social Security, Disability, or SSI?

• Spouse information: They will ask for your husband and/or ex-husband’s name, date of birth, and social security number, as well as dates of marriage, where you got married (and divorced if applicable).  They allow you to estimate, so do the best you can, and if you do not have the social security number, that’s okay.

• Children information: Even if you do not have children that would be eligible, they will ask questions to find out if they are eligible.  If they are not, you will not have to include further details.

• Banking information: They will ask you for routing number and bank account number. This is just for direct deposit of your benefit payments and nothing more, but it is necessary if you want to get paid.

They will ask when you want your benefits to start and provide a list of dates for you to choose from that will be 3 or 4 months out depending on the date of application and your birthdate.  Keep in mind that whatever date you choose, your benefit will start one month later.  For example, if you choose a date in June, your first check will arrive in July.

At the end of the application, if you are applying online, you will be directed to a page that lists any additional documentation they want from you and a mailing address.  While you are taking care of that, your application will be processed, but will not be finalized until those documents are received.  The documents requested could be any number of things.  For example, if you were born outside the U.S., then it might be citizenship proof.  If you estimated your income, they may want income proof.

Just remember to review your answers before submitting your application.  Also, if you have any questions during the application process, do not hesitate to stop, save your application, and get the answer you need by contacting the Social Security Administration by phone or by visiting a local office.

To ask a question about Social Security contact AMAC’s C.J. Miles at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

The information contained in this article is for general information purposes only. Every individual’s situation is unique and you should make your benefit choices according to your personal needs. Furthermore, AMAC and its affiliates do not provide legal or accounting services. Please contact a licensed professional for such advice.