You may apply for benefits by telephone or by going to any Social Security office. Some of the documents and information you will need are outlined below. You should begin the application process without delay. This will enable you to determine the documents you have and which documents you will need to obtain. Your Social Security office can help you with this.

You will need to submit original documents or copies certified by the issuing office. You can bring them to the Social Security office or mail them. If mailed, a certified return receipt requested is advised. Social Security will make photocopies and return your documents to you.

• Your Social Security number and the deceased worker’s Social Security number and a death certificate (your funeral director can provide you with a statement)
• Proof of the deceased worker’s earnings for the last year (e.g., W-2 forms for self-employed 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
• A checking or savings account number if you elect direct deposit of SS benefits
  (you will need the bank’s address and transit number)

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