If you want to apply for Social Security benefits, you should read the Social Security website to determine what types of benefits are offered and which you might qualify for.

Social Security was originally created to deliver retirement benefits to workforce, but the program has grown tremendously and now Social Security features disability benefits, death benefits and many other family benefits over and above retirement benefits.

To determine what Social Security benefits you may qualify for, Social Security offers the BEST screening tool. With this tool you can figure out whether you are entitled to Medicare, Social Security disability, Social Security retirement, survivor benefits, unique veterans benefits, or even supplemental security income (SSI). Be prepared to answer questions such as your date of birth, how much you have earned during your employment and other information about your personal finances. This information is essential to determine what benefits (if any) you may be eligible for.

Once you have determined what benefits you may qualify for, how do you apply for Social Security benefits?

The Social Security administration provides several ways to apply for Social Security. You can apply online at ssa.gov, by going to your local Social Security office, or simply by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213.

The online Social Security application can be used to apply for retirement or spousal benefits, or to apply for Medicare. To claim retirement benefits you must be at least 61 years and 9 months old. You must also look forward to starting your benefits in the next four months. Finally you need to reside in the USA (or territories) to use the online application. If you are close to age 65, you can apply for Medicare at the same time that you apply for Social Security retirement benefits.

When applying for benefits, you will be asked many questions regarding your age, your work history and other personal finance data. You should have the following documents accessible before you start the online application:

- Your birth record

- Your citizenship or naturalization papers (if applicable)

- your military service papers (if applicable)

- your W-2 forms or self employment tax return relating to the last tax year.

In addition, you should be prepared to provide the following information:

- your birth-date with place of birth

- your Social Security number

- your bank account and routing number (in case you are requesting direct deposit for the benefits)

- how much you earned the last two years, including your employer's name and address

- details about your military service

- information about your current and any former spouses, including name, Social Security number and date of birth (or age in case you don't know the birth-date)

- your earnings history from your most recent Social Security statement

In case you are applying for Social Security retirement benefits, you must carefully decide the best time to apply. While you can collect Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62, that will not be the best time to apply. Your benefits will vary substantially based on when you apply, or your decision on when to apply could impact your family.

If you want to know how much you can expect to earn from Social Security, however you are not ready to apply for benefits yet, the Social Security website offers several calculators to help you estimate your retirement benefit.

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