Documents Needed To Apply For Social Security Retirement Benefits
Applying for Social Security retirement benefits might seem like a challenging process, but a little bit of preparation goes a long way. In fact, the Social Security Administration office now allows applicants to apply online. If youve already decided youre at the right age for retirement and you want to get the process started, the application isnt overly difficult to fill out and submit.
One of the most important things to do before applying for Social Security benefits is gathering up all the paperwork you will need. Gathering the documents needed to apply for Social Security retirement benefits before you submit your application is what will make the process simple. For example, the SSA will need to verify your birthday and the fact that you have United States citizenship, so having your original birth certificate can go a long way.
Corrected Card For A Noncitizen Child
If you legally change your child’s name because of adoption, court order or any other reason, you need to tell Social Security. If your child is working, also tell your child’s employer. If you do not tell us when your child’s name changes, it may:
- Delay your tax refund or your child’s refund and
- Prevent your child’s wages from being posted correctly to your child’s Social Security record, which may lower the amount of your child’s future Social Security benefits.
Important
You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies. All documents must be current . We cannot accept a receipt showing you applied for the document.
Social Security Administration Forms And Resources
- SSA-3288: Consent for Release of Information
- SSA-827: Authorization to Disclose Information to SSA
- SSA-1696: Appointment of Representative
- SSA-8000: Application for Supplemental Security Income
- SOAR TA Center Tool: Fillable SSA-8000
- SSA-16: Application for Social Security Disability Insurance
- paper form
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Applying For A Social Security Card
Student who are in status and authorized to work are eligible for a Social Security number. If you are not eligible for a Social Security number, you can request a letter of ineligibility from the Social Security Office. You need to present your original I-20/DS-2019, passport, and I-94 card. The letter of ineligibility may be required in order to obtain a drivers license.
To apply for a Social Security number, bring the following original documents to your local Social Security office :
- Form I-20 or DS-2019
- I94 Arrival/Departure Record
- Unexpired Passport
You will also need one or more of the following depending on the type of employment:
- F1 Oncampus Employment: On campus employment form, printed on letterhead by the hiring department and signed by the hiring department and your international student advisor. You can apply up to 30 days before your on-campus start date.
- F1 Curricular Practical Training: I20 with CPT authorization on Page 3. You can apply up to 30 days before your CPT start date.
- F1 Optional Practical Training: Employment Authorization Document . You can apply once you reach the start date on your EAD card.
- J1 Oncampus Employment or Academic Training: Letter authorizing employment from your J1 program sponsor on the sponsors letterhead with an original signature. You can apply to to 30 days prior to your start date.
How Do I Request A Dso Or Aro Letter
Follow the directions below to submit a request to ISS:
- Login to UB Global using your UBIT Name and Password.
- Find the e-form:
- F-1 Students: Click on F-1 Student Services and then Social Security DSO Letter Request.
- J-1 Students: Click on J-1 Student Services and then Social Security ARO Letter Request.
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Apply For Retirement Benefits
Starting your Social Security retirement benefits is a major step on your retirement journey. This page will guide you through the process of applying for retirement benefits when youre ready to take that step. Our online application is a convenient way to apply on your own schedule, without an appointment. You can also apply by phone or by appointment at a Social Security office.
Replacement Card For A Foreign Born Us Child
You can replace your child’s Social Security card for free if it is lost or stolen. However you may not need to get a replacement card, knowing your childâs Social Security number is what’s important. You are limited to three replacement cards in a year and 10 during a lifetime. Legal name changes do not count toward these limits. Also, you may not be affected by these limits if you can prove you need the card to prevent a significant hardship.
Important
You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies. All documents must be current . We cannot accept a receipt showing you applied for the document.
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How To Apply For A Social Security Number
After submitting your e-form in UB Global, you will receive information by email from ISS by 9/1/2021 with details on how to make an appointment with the Social Security Administration . At this time please do not call the SSA office directly.
Due to SSA health and safety protocols, you must be in the U.S. for at least 14 days before your can make an in-person appoitnment to submit your apllciation to the Social Security administration.
Medical Evidence You Need To Apply For Disability Benefits
In addition to the above, you need to submit any relevant documentation about your medical condition within the past year. This medical evidence should include things such as:
- X-rays, MRI or CT scans, if applicable
- Lab test dates and results, if applicable
- Doctors notes showing your diagnosis date, current treatments and progress, if applicable
- A complete list of your current prescriptions, dosages and frequency, along with any side effects
- Hospitalization, ER visits, surgery dates and receipts, if applicable
- Physical therapy and/or vocational rehab documentation, if applicable
- Documentation showing how often you saw your doctor to treat your condition and/or symptoms within the last year
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Documents You May Need To Provide
We may ask you to provide documents to show that you are eligible, such as:
- Birth certificate or other proof of birth
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status if you were not born in the United States
- U.S. military discharge paper if you had military service before 1968
- W-2 forms and/or self-employment tax returns for last year
- An Adult Disability Report that collects more details about your illnesses, injuries or conditions, and your work history
- Medical evidence already in your possession. This includes medical records, doctors’ reports, and recent test results and
- Award letters, pay stubs, settlement agreements or other proof of any temporary or permanent workers’ compensation-type benefits you received .
Important
We accept photocopies of W-2 forms, self-employment tax returns or medical documents, but we must see the original of most other documents, such as your birth certificate.
Do not delay applying for benefits because you do not have all the documents. We will help you get them.
Corrected Card For A Us Born Adult
If you legally change your name because of marriage, divorce, court order or any other reason, you need to tell Social Security so that you can get a corrected card. If you are working, also tell your employer. If you do not tell us when your name changes, it may:
- Prevent your wages from being posted correctly to your Social Security record, which may lower the amount of your future Social Security benefits.
- Cause delays when you file your taxes.
Important
We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies. We cannot accept a receipt showing you applied for the document. All documents must be current .
We may use one document for two purposes. For example, we may use your U.S. passport as proof of both citizenship and identity.
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Go To A Social Security Administration Office
To apply for an SSN, you must go to a Social Security Administration office in person.
Locating an SSA Office
To find the nearest Social Security Office, you can enter your zip code in the SSA locator. Two popular SSA locations include:
- Downtown location :
- J-1 students ONLY :
- For On Campus Jobs: employer letter signed by employer and SSN support letter from OIA. Original signatures are required on letters.
- For Academic Training: DS-2019 with AT authorization and SSN support letter from OIA. Original signatures are required on letters.
Please also review the Social Security Administration Publication “International Students and Social Security Numbers” for additional information.
Prepare Your Application Documents
2. Immigration Documents
3. All of your original I-20’s OR
DS-2019s .
- The signature on your I-20 or DS-2019 must be an original signature. It cannot be a stamped or electronic signature except during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- During COVID-19 an electronic signature may be accepted. If you are not sure what is accepted at the time you apply please contact your local office for details.
They should be the exact same size as the original immigration documents.
3. Employment Letter
On-Campus Employment
A letter from your on-campus employer on the employer’s letterhead verifying that you have secured employment. If it is not on original office letterhead, it must have an original signature in blue ink.
- Your academic department cannot issue the employment letter.
- There are several employers at UB . If you are not sure who your employer is, please ask your department who will pay you.
- If you are employed by the State of New York or Research Foundation, your letter will automatically be sent to you when your new hire paperwork is received by Human Resources. If you have not received the employer letter, please check with your department to see if your paperwork was submitted. If your paperwork was submitted and you still have not received the employer letter, please contact the appropriate person below.
State of New York
Contact: Amanda Brown or Carlos Gallardo – 645-4429 or 645-4430
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How Do I Apply For A Social Security Number
Step 1: Be in the U.S. for 10 Days with ‘Active’ Record
If you are in F-1, H-1B or J-1 status, the data that confirms your status and the fact that you are eligible for a Social Security Number has to be accessed on-line by the agent of the Social Security Administration at the time you apply. The data will not travel from the Immigration Service to the SSA database until two conditions apply:
Obtain A Receipt Wait For Your Ssn Card
Anyone applying for a Social Security Number will receive a “receipt,” consisting of a form letter confirming that you have submitted an application. There are three different versions of this receipt, depending on circumstances:
- Your application is accepted and will take 10-14 days
- Your application is under processing and may take 1-3 months for review
- Your application has been rejected
If you got a receipt notice you are eligible to begin work. Show a copy of your receipt notice to your employer.
For more information, please see the following SSA publications:
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Earn Ssa Work Credits In Some Countries
You may not have enough credits from your work in the United States to qualify for retirement benefits. But, you may be able to count your work credits from another country. The SSA has agreements with 24 countries. If you earned credits in one of those countries, they can help you qualify for U.S. benefits.
Replacement Card For A Noncitizen Adult
You can replace your Social Security card for free if it is lost or stolen. However, you may not need to get a replacement card, knowing your Social Security number is what’s important. You are limited to three replacement cards in a year and 10 during your lifetime. Legal name changes and other exceptions do not count toward these limits. Also, you may not be affected by these limits if you can prove you need the card to prevent a significant hardship.
In general, only noncitizens who have permission to work from the Department of Homeland Security can apply for an SSN. If you do not have permission to work but need an SSN for other purposes, see “If you do not have permission to work” for further information.
Enumeration Beyond Entry
You may be eligible to apply using our automated process called Enumeration Beyond Entry if you are applying to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services for work authorization or lawful permanent resident status.
If you are unable to use Form I-765 or Form I-485, you will need to contact your local Social Security field office to apply for an SSN replacement card.
Important
You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies. All documents must be current . We cannot accept a receipt showing you applied for the document.
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What Is A Social Security Number
The Social Security Number is a tax identification number that tracks employee salary in a payroll system. Social Security Numbers are issued by the Internal Revenue Service , which is the tax authority of the United States, at birth for U.S. citizens. To be eligible to apply for a SSN, foreign nationals must be required to have one for a specific immigration status or as an employee onboarding requirement.
The University Payroll Office must show proof an SSN to the IRS for every individual employed by the University in order to pay that employee and to conduct government reporting required of employers. F-1 and J-1 students that are eligible for employment in the United States, whether on or off campus, will also require a Social Security Number.
Beyond tracking payroll, the SSN has become somewhat of a universal identification number used for many purposes around the country, including signing up for utilities, phone service, credit reporting, and banking.
If You Don’t Have All Of The Documents
Even if you don’t have everything, don’t delay applying for Social Security retirement benefits. You can provide the missing documents later. We may be able to help you get them.
In many cases, your local Social Security office can contact your state Bureau of Vital Statistics and verify your information online at no cost to you or find other ways to get the information we need.
If you delay signing up, you could lose some benefits you may be due.
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Required Documentation All Ssd Applicants Must Provide To Qualify
First, its important to note that the Social Security Administration will only accept originals for certain items. Weve noted in our documentation list below which things you can submit copies for vs. original versions only. Now, lets start with the standard, non-medical documentation you need to file along with your disability claim: