HOW TO APPLY FOR BENEFITS

You can apply for benefits by telephone or by going to any Social Security office. You may need some of the documents shown on the list below. But don't delay your application because you don't have all the information. If you don't have a document you need, Social Security can help you get it.

INFORMATION NEEDED

Your Social Security number and the deceased worker's Social Security number.
A death certificate. (Generally, the funeral director provides a statement that can be used for this purpose.)
Proof of the deceased worker's earnings for last year (W-2 forms or self-employment tax return).
Your birth certificate
A marriage certificate, if you are applying for benefits as a widow, widower, divorced wife or divorced husband.
A divorce decree, if you are applying for benefits as a divorced wife or husband.
Children's birth certificates and Social Security numbers, if applying for children's benefits.
Your checking or savings account information, if you want direct deposit of your benefits.
You will need to submit original documents or copies certified by the issuing office. You can mail or bring them to the office. Social Security will make photocopies and return your documents

SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI)

If you are 65 or older, disabled, or blind, ask the Social Security representative about Supplemental Security Income (SSI) checks for people with limited income and resources. If you receive SSI, you may also qualify for Medicaid, food stamps, and other social services.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more information, write or visit any Social Security office, or phone the toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213. You can speak to a representative weekdays 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

A REMINDER

If the deceased was receiving Social Security benefits, any checks which arrive after death will need to be returned to the Social Security office. If Social Security checks were being directly deposited into a bank account, the bank needs to be notified of the death, too.