Check your eligibility for Social Security benefits
Gather required documents such as your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or lawful alien status, W-2 forms, self-employment tax returns, and bank account information
Decide whether to apply for retirement, disability, survivors, or Medicare benefits
Create or sign in to your my Social Security account at ssa.gov
Apply online at ssa.gov if you are eligible to do so
Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to apply by phone or schedule an appointment
Visit your local Social Security office to apply in person if needed
Complete the application and provide all requested information accurately
Submit any additional documents the SSA requests
Keep copies of everything you submit
Wait for the SSA to review your application and send a decision
Respond promptly if the SSA asks for more information
Appeal the decision if your claim is denied and you want to contest it