What Documents Do You Need When Applying For Social Security?

Here are the documents you need to collect before filing

To make the process of filing for Social Security benefits easier, it’s important to know what documents you need when applying. Here’s a directive from the Social Security website: “You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. We (Social Security) cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies. All documents must be current (not expired). We cannot accept a receipt showing you applied for the document.”

Social Security’s objective is to confirm your citizenship, age, and identity. Additionally from the Social Security website: “We (Social Security) may use one document for two purposes. For example, we may use your U.S. passport as proof of both citizenship and identity. However, you must provide at least two separate documents.”