How to Apply for Social Security: Step-by-Step Guide

Our step-by-step guide will show you how to apply for social security retirement and spousal benefits easily in this video.

You will need to provide specific information and documents with your application, including details about your date and place of birth, marital history, children, employment history, and income.

You will also need your recent W2 or self-employment tax return, veteran service details, social security card, birth certificate, and bank account information.

We will also discuss the specific process for applying for survivor benefits, available only through phone or in-person filing.





*CHAPTERS*
00:00 How to Apply for Social Security Benefits
00:20 Documents Needed to Apply for Social Security
01:05 Applying for Survivor Benefits

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*CONNECT* with AARP Online:

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to helping people ages 50 and older improve their quality of life as they age. With over 38 million members and growing, we lead positive social change through our extensive product offerings and services.

#socialsecurity #aarp #socialsecuritybenefits #socialsecurityretirements

[outdoorqrandma]

Took less time to get drafted and go to war than trying to retire through Social Security! Ridiculous. Just another slap in the face of a Vietnam Veteran.

[stephaniefythm]

Social security benefits for seniors are an essential safety net for many, but it's also crucial to plan ahead and invest wisely for your retirement. Diversifying your investments across can help build wealth over time. It's never too early to start saving and investing for a comfortable retirement. I’m 63 and my husband 65 we are both retired with over $3 million in net worth and no debts. Currently living smart and frugal with our money. Saving and investing lifestyle made it possible for us this early even till now we earn monthly through passive income.

[mirahopper]

I applied for survivor benefits 3 years ago, and I must say, the process has been incredibly smooth.

[melanieorduna]

I work two jobs and rarely have time to visit social security. Having social security online makes the process easier, thankfully.

[alayahcoleman]

for someone who has social anxiety, asking things like how to apply for social security in person is very difficult. Thank you for sharing this.

[billwdwc]

what are all you comment bots talking about . This video is only 1:30 long it does cover anything but the basic papers you need

[kyndalldecker]

managing my social security online is incredibly convenient and stress-free.

[salennabradford]

I find it incredibly convenient that AARP answers most of my social security questions. I appreciate not having to search for information on other websites or articles.

[donnamachen]

Spent 1hr 15 min on hold waiting to talk to a representative. Was switched to a survey about my experience with the representative who I had yet to talk to. Then was hung up on. NOT HAPPY!!!!

[RhaelynCharles]

thank you, AARP answers, for tackling this topic!

[AfraBenson]

this old lad is preparing for retirement, thanks for the helpful video.

[LeahKranz-seph]

Starting my 2024 digging into this stuff, retirement is on my way.

[mollyspencer]

looking into Social Security benefits. This video helped me understand retirement and spousal concerns. Props!

[KennishaManning]

personal experience shows that Social Security is beneficial. It gives me peace of mind in retirement.

[elliecrawford]

appreciate that AARP answers are discussing important matters like this.

[JushawnHarper]

thankful for aarp for an easy explanation of the social security application

[RamonaEvans-jxpt]

It's good to know aarp is covering this topic.

[LeahKranz-seph]

my parents are making the most of their social security benefits, retirement is looking pretty good for both.

[erniebell]

The Social Security Administration handles Medicare. I wish they actually learn how to do the job.

I've been trying to get my Korean wife enrolled through Medicare. However, since I am a retired service member in Korea and my wife is Korean they said I have to go through the US Embassy in the Philippines. I started in March 2021 and some of the delay was sending certified mail to Manila. I did that through a military postal service. It took a month to get to Manila, the Philippines and sat there for 3 months due to a lock down. Finally around October the Medicare section in Manila said all the correct paper work was done and was sent to the US for processing.

My wife still hasn't received anything and now it has been 11 months and 2 weeks since we have started. I contacted Medicare in the US but they said I have to check with the US Embassy in the Philippines. However, the US Embassy says they have to wait for Medicare to finish in the US.

Talk about lazy, worthless and incompetent people. As a retired US Army service member, I was proud to serve my country. My only regret is that we also serve and protect those who could care less about us.

[MarionThompson-ywsd]

getting close to my retirement and absorbing all these infos.