{"id":1038,"date":"2021-04-15T01:06:00","date_gmt":"2021-04-15T01:06:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog-2023\/?p=1038"},"modified":"2023-06-22T21:36:51","modified_gmt":"2023-06-22T21:36:51","slug":"social-security-widows-benefits-checklist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/social-security-widows-benefits-checklist\/","title":{"rendered":"Social Security Widows Benefits Checklist"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"1038\" class=\"elementor elementor-1038\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-6f08443 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"6f08443\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-d45beb7\" data-id=\"d45beb7\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-033263e elementor-widget elementor-widget-template\" data-id=\"033263e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"template.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-template\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"section\" data-elementor-id=\"196\" class=\"elementor elementor-196\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-339b45e0 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"339b45e0\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-3f771e94\" data-id=\"3f771e94\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-44435407 elementor-cta--skin-classic elementor-animated-content elementor-bg-transform elementor-bg-transform-zoom-in elementor-widget elementor-widget-call-to-action\" data-id=\"44435407\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"call-to-action.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/elementor\/css\/custom-pro-widget-call-to-action.min.css?ver=1764022918\">\t\t<a class=\"elementor-cta\" href=\"https:\/\/simplywise.app.link\/Iv0wVANrvfb\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-content-item elementor-cta__content-item elementor-icon-wrapper elementor-cta__icon elementor-view-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"far fa-lightbulb\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-cta__title elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item\">DID YOU KNOW?<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__description elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tRetirement is 99% easier when your paperwork is organized. \n\nJoin 250,000+ Americans securely storing their important receipts, bills &amp; documents with the SimplyWise app.\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__button-wrapper elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item \">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-cta__button elementor-button elementor-size-md\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tGet the App\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-02031d8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"02031d8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.13.3 - 28-05-2023 *\/\n.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fbfa831 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"fbfa831\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d5064f1 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"d5064f1\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-05692e8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"05692e8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><p>Social Security can be confusing, particularly when you have lost a loved one, and intend to claim benefits for widows based on their working record. Whether they passed recently, or years ago, you don\u2019t have to navigate your finances and benefits alone.<\/p><p>Our widow financial checklist provides a guide to walk you through what you are owed and\u00a0how to apply for Social Security retirement and survivors benefits.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-944f5ab elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"944f5ab\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2fe6b03 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"2fe6b03\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-68207b0 elementor-widget-divider--separator-type-pattern elementor-widget-divider--no-spacing elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"68207b0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-divider\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-818d2b9 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"818d2b9\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-32ccdfb elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"32ccdfb\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-053b2be elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"053b2be\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Social Security: Application Checklist<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-356a7c8 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"356a7c8\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7470879 elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"7470879\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f134cfb elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-hidden-phone elementor-view-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon\" data-id=\"f134cfb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-icon-wrapper\"><div class=\"elementor-icon\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b77641a elementor-column elementor-col-66 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"b77641a\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a81dbca elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a81dbca\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/social-security-widows-benefits-checklist#reportdeath\">#1\u00a0<strong>Report the death to the Social Security Administration as soon as possible<\/strong><\/a><\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b87e8e7 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"b87e8e7\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cc05b42 elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"cc05b42\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8c0a00c elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-hidden-phone elementor-view-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon\" data-id=\"8c0a00c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-icon-wrapper\"><div class=\"elementor-icon\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d1f985f elementor-column elementor-col-66 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"d1f985f\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3f9f7b2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3f9f7b2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/social-security-widows-benefits-checklist#survivoreligibility\">#2\u00a0<b>Review eligibility specific to widows benefits<\/b><\/a><\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d2f4afd elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"d2f4afd\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-963a5f3 elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"963a5f3\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8e44cbf elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-hidden-phone elementor-view-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon\" data-id=\"8e44cbf\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-icon-wrapper\"><div class=\"elementor-icon\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b47caa4 elementor-column elementor-col-66 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"b47caa4\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-283fbf9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"283fbf9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/social-security-widows-benefits-checklist#financialhousekeeping\">#3 Manage post-death financial housekeeping<\/a><\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9b8435d elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"9b8435d\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0239762 elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"0239762\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d41fe95 elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-hidden-phone elementor-view-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon\" data-id=\"d41fe95\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-icon-wrapper\"><div class=\"elementor-icon\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c134397 elementor-column elementor-col-66 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"c134397\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0db9319 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0db9319\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/social-security-widows-benefits-checklist#bestagetoclaimbenefits\">#4 Calculate the best age to claim Social Security benefits\u200b<\/a><\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ca4aae5 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"ca4aae5\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-91d12ec elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"91d12ec\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-35dd49f elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-hidden-phone elementor-view-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon\" data-id=\"35dd49f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-icon-wrapper\"><div class=\"elementor-icon\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4e54066 elementor-column elementor-col-66 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"4e54066\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c60e976 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c60e976\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/social-security-widows-benefits-checklist#whentoapply\">#5 Pick the right date to apply<\/a><\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e756e7d elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"e756e7d\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-839b8e9 elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"839b8e9\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a87e24f elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-hidden-phone elementor-view-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon\" data-id=\"a87e24f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-icon-wrapper\"><div class=\"elementor-icon\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ccd4fd4 elementor-column elementor-col-66 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"ccd4fd4\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-af1aae7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"af1aae7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/social-security-widows-benefits-checklist#wheretoapply\">#6 Choose the right method for how to apply<\/a>\u00a0for widow benefits<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-54f9f23 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"54f9f23\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0d70c10 elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"0d70c10\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ec348b7 elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-hidden-phone elementor-view-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon\" data-id=\"ec348b7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-icon-wrapper\"><div class=\"elementor-icon\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-958cd1d elementor-column elementor-col-66 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"958cd1d\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e388d42 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e388d42\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/social-security-widows-benefits-checklist#gatherdocuments\">#7 Gather necessary documents for your application<\/a><\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0e99b2b elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"0e99b2b\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7d3f9a6 elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"7d3f9a6\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c883341 elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-hidden-phone elementor-view-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon\" data-id=\"c883341\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-icon-wrapper\"><div class=\"elementor-icon\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c307e4e elementor-column elementor-col-66 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"c307e4e\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e39c8ab elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e39c8ab\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/social-security-widows-benefits-checklist#createonlineaccount\">#8 Create a \u201cmy Social Security account\u201d<\/a><\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6cb75b5 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"6cb75b5\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ff58425 elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"ff58425\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e9163e1 elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-hidden-phone elementor-view-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon\" data-id=\"e9163e1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-icon-wrapper\"><div class=\"elementor-icon\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dca24c9 elementor-column elementor-col-66 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"dca24c9\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e0ea02a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e0ea02a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/social-security-widows-benefits-checklist#submitapplication\">#9 Submit your application<\/a><\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-073fbf1 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"073fbf1\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cb4d113 elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"cb4d113\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-90eac01 elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-hidden-phone elementor-view-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon\" data-id=\"90eac01\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-icon-wrapper\"><div class=\"elementor-icon\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fa38262 elementor-column elementor-col-66 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"fa38262\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-41364b3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"41364b3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/social-security-widows-benefits-checklist#checkapplicationstatus\">#10 Check application status<\/a><\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e49336c elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"e49336c\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-923e4ca elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"923e4ca\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4e22bda elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-hidden-phone elementor-view-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon\" data-id=\"4e22bda\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-icon-wrapper\"><div class=\"elementor-icon\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f7975e0 elementor-column elementor-col-66 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"f7975e0\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6dd7c55 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6dd7c55\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/social-security-widows-benefits-checklist#updateinformation\">#11 Update direct deposit information or address as necessary<\/a><\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7661d6e elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"7661d6e\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-19beea2 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"19beea2\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-36ea9e2 elementor-widget-divider--separator-type-pattern elementor-widget-divider--no-spacing elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"36ea9e2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-divider\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4abc48f elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"4abc48f\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4089aee elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"4089aee\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-815bba0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-menu-anchor\" data-id=\"815bba0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"menu-anchor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div id=\"reportdeath\" class=\"elementor-menu-anchor\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-456d354 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"456d354\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ba0bfba elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"ba0bfba\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0882c53 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"0882c53\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">#1 Report the death to the Social Security Administration as soon as possible<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1974468 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"1974468\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5359f6d elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"5359f6d\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0305dce elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0305dce\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><p>You should report the death of your spouse as soon as possible to the Social Security Administration (SSA). You can either do this directly or have the funeral home report the death (in which case you\u2019ll need to give them your spouse\u2019s Social Security number). You may be eligible for both a one-time \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ssa.gov\/planners\/survivors\/ifyou.html#h7\">death payment<\/a>\u201d as well as survivors benefits, based on your spouse\u2019s record. However, if your spouse was already receiving Social Security benefits, you will have to return the benefit received for the month of death any later months.<\/p><p>You can get in touch with the SSA to report the death by calling\u00a0<strong>1-800-772-1213\u00a0<\/strong>(TTY\u00a0<strong>1-800-325-0778<\/strong>) to speak to a Social Security representative between 8:00 am \u2013 5:30 pm. anytime Monday through Friday. You can also visit your\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/secure.ssa.gov\/ICON\/main.jsp\">local Social Security office<\/a>.\u00a0If you do, we recommend calling ahead to schedule an appointment, as it could greatly reduce the time you spend waiting \u2013 which is the last thing you need right now.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-96d5acb elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"96d5acb\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9bf504f elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"9bf504f\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0d30f3e elementor-widget elementor-widget-menu-anchor\" data-id=\"0d30f3e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"menu-anchor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div id=\"survivoreligibility\" class=\"elementor-menu-anchor\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f310cd7 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"f310cd7\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b4adecc elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"b4adecc\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3f2f172 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3f2f172\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">#2\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/social-security-widows-benefits-checklist#financialhousekeeping\">Review eligibility specific to widows benefits<\/a><\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-568b499 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"568b499\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c9d8205 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"c9d8205\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-abe7e28 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"abe7e28\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><p>To qualify for survivors benefits,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ssa.gov\/planners\/survivors\/ifyou.html\">you must be a<\/a>:<\/p><ul><li>Widow or widower, age 60 or older (age 50 if you are disabled), who was married to the deceased for at least\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ssa.gov\/OP_Home\/cfr20\/404\/404-0335.htm\">nine months<\/a><\/li><li>Widow or widower at any age who is caring for a deceased worker\u2019s child who is younger than age 16 or disabled\u00a0<\/li><li>Divorced spouse of the deceased (in some cases)<\/li><li>Minor or disabled child<\/li><li>Dependent parent of the deceased age 62 or older (in some cases)<\/li><li>Stepchild or grandchild of the deceased (in some cases)<\/li><\/ul><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>The worker who died must have paid into the Social Security system during his or her career. Workers earn up to four credits a year (in 2019,<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ssa.gov\/planners\/credits.html\">\u00a0$1,360<\/a>\u00a0in income equals one credit). Once the worker has earned 40 credits, his or her family is fully insured under the program \u2014\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/fas.org\/sgp\/crs\/misc\/RS22294.pdf\">most Americans are in this category<\/a>. But the families of workers who have less than 40 credits can still qualify for some survivors benefits. And under a special rule, if someone worked for only a year and a half in the three-year period before their death, their children and spouse can be eligible for benefits.<\/p><p>If you are collecting Social Security and your own benefit is as much or more as your deceased spouse\u2019s would have been, you likely won\u2019t see an increase in your total benefit.\u00a0<b>SimplyWise tip: When taking your estimate, confirm that you will actually receive a survivor benefit.<\/b><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ac20db2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-menu-anchor\" data-id=\"ac20db2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"menu-anchor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div id=\"financialhousekeeping\" class=\"elementor-menu-anchor\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d579574 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"d579574\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f103489 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"f103489\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-defdd16 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"defdd16\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">#3\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/social-security-widows-benefits-checklist#financialhousekeeping\">Manage post-death financial housekeeping<\/a><\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-34d2e77 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"34d2e77\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e63cadb elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"e63cadb\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5c018ee elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5c018ee\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><p>For widows and widowers, there are a few steps to take after the death of a spouse that will facilitate interactions with Social Security. One of the most\u00a0important things is to obtain the death certificate.\u00a0<\/p><p><b>SimplyWise tip:\u00a0You can get this from the funeral director or county clerk. Get approximately 15 certified copies of the death certificate, as you will need it for other financial housekeeping following their death, beyond just Social Security.<\/b><\/p><div>It\u00a0can also be helpful to have a\u00a0full picture of your financial situation. We recommend starting by collecting all records, bills, credit card statements, tax returns and insurance policies, as well as outstanding loans (or mortgages) and retirement accounts.\u00a0You may need to call each company directly and provide proof of your spouse\u2019s passing before you can gain access to their accounts.\u00a0<br \/><br \/><\/div><p><strong>SimplyWise tip:\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Send a letter to one of the 3 major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) to report their death get copies of your spouse\u2019s credit reports. This can be a \u201cshortcut\u201d to ensure you are aware of all existing accounts and debts.<\/strong><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2322d55 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"2322d55\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-be32cb4 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"be32cb4\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-71d563c elementor-widget elementor-widget-menu-anchor\" data-id=\"71d563c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"menu-anchor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div id=\"bestagetoclaimbenefits\" class=\"elementor-menu-anchor\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-79ff906 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"79ff906\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0c0598f elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"0c0598f\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7eedaae elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"7eedaae\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">#4 Calculate the best age to claim Social Security benefits<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a90dece elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"a90dece\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5e586a7 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"5e586a7\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3ec7e36 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3ec7e36\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><p>To determine when to start claiming benefits, you should first consult your Full Retirement Age:<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d2f5a38 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"d2f5a38\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.13.3 - 28-05-2023 *\/\n.elementor-widget-image{text-align:center}.elementor-widget-image a{display:inline-block}.elementor-widget-image a img[src$=\".svg\"]{width:48px}.elementor-widget-image img{vertical-align:middle;display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"526\" src=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Simplywise-full-retirament-age-from-1943-6-1024x841.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-1041\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Simplywise-full-retirament-age-from-1943-6-1024x841.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Simplywise-full-retirament-age-from-1943-6-300x246.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Simplywise-full-retirament-age-from-1943-6-768x631.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Simplywise-full-retirament-age-from-1943-6.jpeg 1466w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bbf1291 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"bbf1291\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><b>Next, use a\u00a0<\/b><a href=\"http:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/socialsecurity\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Social Security benefits calculator<\/a><b>\u00a0to determine the best\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/social-security-benefits-by-age\/\">age for you to claim<\/a><\/b>\u00a0in order to maximize your benefits (also known as your \u201cclaiming strategy\u201d).\u00a0<\/p><p>Note that you can claim\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/guide-to-social-security-and-death\/\">survivor benefits<\/a>\u00a0as early as age 60 (or 50 if you are disabled) and retirement benefits as early as age 62, but\u00a0if you claim before your\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/what-is-full-retirement-age-for-social-security\/\">Full Retirement Age<\/a>, your monthly benefits will be lower. For widows and widowers, it\u2019s possible to start collecting survivor benefits without claiming earned Social Security benefits.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-c0aae36 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"c0aae36\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-8f7f770\" data-id=\"8f7f770\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-20c809f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"20c809f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>For your own earned benefits, if you claim later than Full Retirement Age, your benefits will be higher.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-dac664c\" data-id=\"dac664c\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-29a3ef2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"29a3ef2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"579\" src=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Screen-Shot-2023-06-20-at-8.09.39-PM.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-1042\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Screen-Shot-2023-06-20-at-8.09.39-PM.png 684w, https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Screen-Shot-2023-06-20-at-8.09.39-PM-300x271.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e0a0cae elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e0a0cae\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-90005ed elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"90005ed\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7479c85 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"7479c85\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b5d76b7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"b5d76b7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">#5 Pick the right date to apply<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5e4705e elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"5e4705e\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bc323c0 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"bc323c0\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5755e26 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5755e26\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><p>While application processing times are quicker than they were in the past, particularly with the online application, it can still take several weeks to have your application confirmed. It can take longer if there\u2019s a mistake in your application.\u00a0<\/p><p>Fortunately, the Social Security Administration (SSA) allows you to apply up to four months in advance of when you want to start collecting benefits (three months if you plan to file at the minimum age of 62).<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8afee56 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"8afee56\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8966264 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"8966264\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-96fe8ea elementor-widget elementor-widget-menu-anchor\" data-id=\"96fe8ea\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"menu-anchor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div id=\"wheretoapply\" class=\"elementor-menu-anchor\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e3b33c4 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"e3b33c4\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-80164e4 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"80164e4\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-67fb166 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"67fb166\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">#6 Choose the right method for how to apply for widow benefits<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-14e3cdb elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"14e3cdb\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-34523e0 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"34523e0\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c54c70c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c54c70c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><p>There are three ways to apply for Social Security retirement benefits:<\/p><ul><li>Online on the Social Security Administration website<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ssa.gov\/agency\/contact\/phone.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">By phone at 1-800-772-1213<\/a><\/li><li>In person at a Social Security office near you<\/li><\/ul><div>\u00a0<\/div><p>For those applying for survivor benefits (widows benefits), the only options are to do so over the phone or to go into an office. If you go into an office, we suggest making an appointment to avoid long wait times.<\/p><p>If you are widowed but not claiming benefits based on your deceased spouse\u2019s earnings record, we recommend applying online, which is likely the easiest and in many cases has the fastest turnaround time.\u00a0<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d80676b elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"d80676b\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8e90279 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"8e90279\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-597f484 elementor-widget elementor-widget-menu-anchor\" data-id=\"597f484\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"menu-anchor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div id=\"gatherdocuments\" class=\"elementor-menu-anchor\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3f54a10 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"3f54a10\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2bf578e elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"2bf578e\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2b2f60f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2b2f60f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">#7 Gather necessary documents for your application<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-00832e8 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"00832e8\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0705456 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"0705456\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6cfe7b1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6cfe7b1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><p>We recommend gathering the necessary documents together before you apply for Social Security. The SSA can ask for the following information and documents:<\/p><h3>Personal information<\/h3><ul><li>If you were born outside the country, the name of your birth country at the time of your birth<\/li><li>Your citizen status; if you are not a citizen, you should have your Permanent Resident Card number\u00a0<\/li><li>Whether you have used any other Social Security number<\/li><li>Whether you or anyone else has ever filed for Social Security benefits, Medicare or Supplemental Security Income on your behalf; if so, you should have information on whose Social Security record you applied<\/li><li>Your Social Security card\u00a0<\/li><li>Your original birth certificate, or a certified copy<\/li><li>The dates and locations of your marriages, and for marriages that have ended, how, when and where they ended<\/li><\/ul><div>\u00a0<\/div><h3><strong>Deceased spouse information<\/strong><\/h3><ul><li>Proof of death (<strong>SimplyWise tip: You can get the death certificate from the funeral director or county clerk)<\/strong><\/li><li>Name and gender<\/li><li>Date of birth and date of death<\/li><li>Social Security number<\/li><li>The dates and locations of the deceased\u2019s marriages, and for marriages that have ended, how, when and where they ended<\/li><li>Whether the deceased spouse filed for Social Security benefits, Medicare or Supplemental Security Income\u00a0<\/li><li>The deceased spouse\u2019s most recent W-2<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6e780aa elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"6e780aa\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/death_certificate.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-1043\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/death_certificate.jpeg 640w, https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/death_certificate-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/death_certificate-150x150.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4c06def elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4c06def\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Sample of a death certificate, which must be certified for your survivors benefits application to Social Security<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-9853cb3 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"9853cb3\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-f61b604\" data-id=\"f61b604\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-344303f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"344303f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9745530 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"9745530\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-28c4ded elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"28c4ded\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-98585e8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"98585e8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><h3>Marriage or divorce information (if applicable)<\/h3><ul><li>Name of current spouse<\/li><li>Name of prior spouse (if the marriage lasted more than 10 years or ended in death)<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0a5e171 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"0a5e171\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-87f1e75 elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"87f1e75\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c6c756d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c6c756d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><ul><li>Spouse(s) date of birth and Social Security number (optional)<\/li><li>Beginning and ending dates of marriage(s) (<b>SimplyWise tip:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/guide-to-social-security-spousal-benefits\/\">if you are divorced<\/a>\u00a0and applying as a surviving divorced spouse, you will need a certified copy of the official divorce decree \u2014 not just a photocopy.<\/b>)<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2672ccc\" data-id=\"2672ccc\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2d5f554 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"2d5f554\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"556\" src=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Screen-Shot-2023-06-20-at-8.11.36-PM.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-1044\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Screen-Shot-2023-06-20-at-8.11.36-PM.png 681w, https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Screen-Shot-2023-06-20-at-8.11.36-PM-300x261.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f5ae95e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f5ae95e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8ef1eb6 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"8ef1eb6\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-168255e elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"168255e\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c63f309 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c63f309\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><h3>Children\u2019s information<\/h3><ul><li>Names and dates of birth for children who either i) are under age 18 and unmarried, ii) became disabled prior to the age of 22, or iii) are aged 18 to 19 and attending secondary school full time<\/li><\/ul><div>\u00a0<\/div><h3>Work information<\/h3><p>If you\u2019re\u00a0<i>not<\/i>\u00a0self-employed:<\/p><ul><li>Earnings for current year and prior two years or a copy of your Social Security Statement.\u00a0Note that even if you don\u2019t have a record of your earnings or aren\u2019t sure they are correct, you can still fill out the application. (<b>SimplyWise tip: If you are going to apply online, you can find this inside your\u00a0<\/b><b><i>my<\/i><\/b><b>\u00a0Social Security account.<\/b>)<\/li><li>Employer name<\/li><li>Employment start and end dates<\/li><li>Whether you or your spouse have ever worked for the railroad industry<\/li><li>Whether you qualified or expect to receive a pension or annuity based on your own employment with the Federal government of the U.S. or one of its states or local subdivisions<\/li><\/ul><div>\u00a0<\/div><p>If you\u00a0<i>are<\/i>\u00a0self-employed:<\/p><ul><li>Business type<\/li><li>Total net income<\/li><\/ul><div>\u00a0<\/div><h3>Direct deposit information<\/h3><ul><li>Account type<\/li><li>Account number<\/li><li>Bank routing number<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a23e9dd elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"a23e9dd\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-73ab616 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"73ab616\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-603620d elementor-widget elementor-widget-menu-anchor\" data-id=\"603620d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"menu-anchor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div id=\"createonlineaccount\" class=\"elementor-menu-anchor\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ee59189 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"ee59189\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-326c912 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"326c912\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1aa2828 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"1aa2828\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">#8 Create a \u201cmy Social Security account\u201d<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ef1fd43 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"ef1fd43\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-731bbc1 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"731bbc1\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-70533ab elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"70533ab\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><p>You will need a\u00a0<b><i>my<\/i><\/b><b>\u00a0Social Security account\u00a0<\/b>to apply for Social Security benefits online. But even if you apply for retirement benefits over the phone or in person, having a\u00a0<b><i>my<\/i>\u00a0Social Security account\u00a0<\/b>can still make things easier. The SSA\u2019s online<b>\u00a0<\/b>account is free, and allows you to set up your direct deposit to receive benefits, check your application status, request a new Social Security card, and more.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-1edf5ac elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"1edf5ac\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-37245ee\" data-id=\"37245ee\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a971bbb elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a971bbb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><b>When you\u2019re ready, head to the\u00a0<\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ssa.gov\/myaccount\/\"><b>my Social\u00a0Security account website<\/b><\/a><b>\u00a0and click \u201cCreate an Account\u201d<\/b>. When you reach the next screen, click again on \u201cCreate New Account\u201d. After agreeing to the Terms of\u00a0Service, you will be asked to fill in personal information, such as your:<\/p><ul><li>Name<\/li><li>Social Security number<\/li><li>Address<\/li><li>Phone number<\/li><li>Email address<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-5234935\" data-id=\"5234935\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ca55298 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"ca55298\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"567\" src=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Screen-Shot-2023-06-20-at-8.12.47-PM.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-1045\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Screen-Shot-2023-06-20-at-8.12.47-PM.png 681w, https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Screen-Shot-2023-06-20-at-8.12.47-PM-300x266.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-98771e5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"98771e5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-668e297 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"668e297\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d0ef6fd elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"d0ef6fd\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a14010c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a14010c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><div><b>SimplyWise tip: Make sure to enter the correct information, as you will receive a security code to your phone or email address every time you attempt to log in.<\/b><\/div><p>Additionally, you may be prompted to answer questions about your credit history or your history of addresses or phone numbers in order to verify your identity. You will have to create a username and password, which you can use to log back into your account at any time.<\/p><p>Note that you can also use your account to:<\/p><ul><li>View your Social Security earned benefit estimate<\/li><li>Review your earnings history\u00a0<b>(SimplyWise tip: review carefully and notify the SSA if you find any discrepancies.)<\/b><\/li><li>Request a new Social Security card<\/li><li>Change your contact information (phone # or address)<\/li><li>Set up \/ change your direct deposit to receive benefits<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f9be5a0 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"f9be5a0\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c804260 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"c804260\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-303213e elementor-widget elementor-widget-menu-anchor\" data-id=\"303213e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"menu-anchor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div id=\"submitapplication\" class=\"elementor-menu-anchor\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a4df568 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"a4df568\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-79e66a7 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"79e66a7\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-04cb2b2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"04cb2b2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">#9 Submit application<\/h2><\/div><\/div><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1155b6d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1155b6d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><p>As mentioned above, we would normally recommend that you apply online, as it\u2019s the easiest and quickest way to apply. However, if part or all of your application is towards survivor benefits, you\u2019ll have to apply over the phone or in person. Here we have laid out instructions for each.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-498684e elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"498684e\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c54e8b9 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"c54e8b9\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-025ef83 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"025ef83\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><h3>Applying online<\/h3><p>1. Be sure of your claiming strategy<\/p><p>2. Go to the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/secure.ssa.gov\/iClaim\/rib\">Social Security application page<\/a>, agree to the terms and start a new application<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f978939 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"f978939\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"630\" height=\"452\" src=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Apply-online-for-retirement-and-medicare-benefits-1.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-1046\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Apply-online-for-retirement-and-medicare-benefits-1.jpeg 630w, https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Apply-online-for-retirement-and-medicare-benefits-1-300x215.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5b8e819 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5b8e819\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>3. Follow the instructions on the screen to fill out the application (<b>SimplyWise tip: Write down the application number you are given near the beginning of the process and keep it in a safe place, in case you need to refer to it later.)<\/b><\/p><p>4. When you get to the section about when you want to receive your benefits, edit it to the date of your choosing (<b>SimplyWise tip: It will be set to the earliest possible date, so if that is not what you want, make sure to adjust it.<\/b>)<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-87e097d elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"87e097d\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-49eceaf\" data-id=\"49eceaf\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-325475d elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"325475d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"590\" src=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Screen-Shot-2023-06-20-at-8.14.30-PM.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-1047\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Screen-Shot-2023-06-20-at-8.14.30-PM.png 685w, https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Screen-Shot-2023-06-20-at-8.14.30-PM-300x276.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-ae800d9\" data-id=\"ae800d9\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-66ed801 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"66ed801\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>5. When you have responded to all of the questions, you will see a summary of your answers; review them critically and if necessary, click \u201cedit\u201d to make alterations<\/p><p>6. Give your digital \u201csignature\u201d to complete and submit the application<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-329445f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"329445f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Applying by phone<\/h3><p>1. Be sure of your claiming strategy (<b>SimplyWise tip: The agent helping you with your call will only be able to assist you with application and process questions.<\/b>)<\/p><p>2. Clear a few hours on your schedule; we estimate that the application itself will take around 30 minutes, but there may be a wait time (<b>SimplyWise tip:<\/b>\u00a0<b>Call volumes are higher at the beginning of the month and the beginning of each week, so you may want to avoid those days if possible.<\/b>)<\/p><p>3. Have the materials listed above on hand<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-5d582af elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"5d582af\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-c077af1\" data-id=\"c077af1\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ac95761 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ac95761\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>4. Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 anytime from\u00a08:00am \u2013 5:30 pm\u00a0on Monday through Friday (as long as it\u2019s not a holiday)<\/p><p>5. When the time comes, be clear to the representative the date at which you intend to claim; otherwise, the earliest date possible will be selected for you<\/p><p>6. Confirm to the agent your intent to submit the application; this will count as your \u201csignature\u201d<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-39cc40b\" data-id=\"39cc40b\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fd9be7a elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"fd9be7a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"638\" src=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Screen-Shot-2023-06-20-at-8.15.33-PM.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-1048\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Screen-Shot-2023-06-20-at-8.15.33-PM.png 680w, https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Screen-Shot-2023-06-20-at-8.15.33-PM-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Screen-Shot-2023-06-20-at-8.15.33-PM-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-28300cd elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"28300cd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3588436 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"3588436\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1b20110 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"1b20110\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b1c408a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b1c408a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><p>Applying in person<\/p><p>1. Be sure of your claiming strategy<\/p><p>2. Call the SSA\u00a0to schedule an appointment at 1-800-772-1213\u00a0(TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday, 8:00am \u2013 5:30 pm\u00a0(as long as it\u2019s not a holiday). (<b>SimplyWise tip:\u00a0when you go in, budget a few hours, since you may have trouble finding parking and the office may be busier than expected.<\/b>)<\/p><p>3. Gather the materials listed above and bring with you to the Social Security office<\/p><p>4. When the time comes, be clear to the representative the date at which you intend to claim; otherwise, the earliest date possible will be selected for you<\/p><p>5. Confirm to the agent your intent to submit the application; this will count as your \u201csignature\u201d<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6a9c773 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"6a9c773\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5ec8708 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"5ec8708\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5affa51 elementor-widget elementor-widget-menu-anchor\" data-id=\"5affa51\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"menu-anchor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div id=\"checkapplicationstatus\" class=\"elementor-menu-anchor\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-97e21a5 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"97e21a5\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-39dda67 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"39dda67\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7b25ec7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"7b25ec7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">#10 Check application status<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-de09fa9 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"de09fa9\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4fe9d48 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"4fe9d48\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c45d89f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c45d89f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><p>Once you have applied for Social Security retirement benefits, you can check the status of your application: online, by phone, or in person. (<b>SimplyWise tip: Checking online through a\u00a0<\/b><b><i>my\u00a0<\/i><\/b><b>Social Security account is typically the easiest way to get your update.)<\/b><\/p><h3>Check your Social Security application status online<\/h3><p>To check your application status online, you must either have (or create) a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ssa.gov\/myaccount\/\"><b><i>my<\/i><\/b><b>\u00a0Social Security account<\/b><\/a>. You can login there and check the\u00a0<b>Status of Your Application<\/b>\u00a0online.<\/p><p>Your application status online will show:<\/p><ul><li>Your Re-entry number for pending online benefit application or online appeal that has not been submitted;<\/li><li>The date the SSA received your application or appeal;<\/li><li>Scheduled Hearing date and time;<\/li><li>Current claim or appeal location including the address of the office processing your application; and<\/li><li>If a decision has been made.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-3082d00 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"3082d00\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2819ddd\" data-id=\"2819ddd\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fe25a45 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"fe25a45\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"585\" src=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Screen-Shot-2023-06-20-at-8.16.35-PM.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-1049\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Screen-Shot-2023-06-20-at-8.16.35-PM.png 684w, https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Screen-Shot-2023-06-20-at-8.16.35-PM-300x274.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-f4de078\" data-id=\"f4de078\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2b4bab1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2b4bab1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Check your Social Security application status by phone<\/h3><p>To check your application status by phone, call the SSA at<b>\u00a01-800-772-1213\u00a0<\/b>(TTY 1-800-325-0778). Their hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00am \u2013 5:30 pm.\u00a0<b>(SimplyWise tip:\u00a0Call volumes are higher at the beginning of the month and the beginning of each week, so you may want to avoid those days if possible)<\/b><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9a3caf1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9a3caf1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6cf556f elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"6cf556f\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3e9c166 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"3e9c166\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-128e9c8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"128e9c8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><p>Check your Social Security application status in person<\/p><p>To check your application status in person, locate your nearest office.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1d6169a elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"1d6169a\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-564bc1d elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"564bc1d\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8229523 elementor-widget elementor-widget-menu-anchor\" data-id=\"8229523\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"menu-anchor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div id=\"updateinformation\" class=\"elementor-menu-anchor\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6a6b1bb elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"6a6b1bb\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3abbaf5 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"3abbaf5\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9127f54 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"9127f54\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">#10 Update direct deposit information or address (as necessary)<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4384588 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section\" data-id=\"4384588\" data-element_type=\"section\"><div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"><div class=\"elementor-row\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-774bc69 elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column\" data-id=\"774bc69\" data-element_type=\"column\"><div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\"><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fc8a265 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"fc8a265\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\"><p>Social Security needs your address to send you communications and information on Medicare, among other things. So it\u2019s important to be sure they have your current details on file.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p><p>If you need to change either your address or the bank account where your Social Security benefits are deposited, you can change and update your information online, by phone, or in person. (<b>SimplyWise tip: Making changes online through a\u00a0<\/b><b><i>my\u00a0<\/i><\/b><b>Social Security account is typically easiest.)<\/b><\/p><h3>Change your info with Social Security online<\/h3><p>To make the changes online, you must either have (or create) a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ssa.gov\/myaccount\/\"><b><i>my<\/i><\/b><b>\u00a0Social Security account<\/b><\/a>. If you already receive benefits (retirement, survivors, or disability) and you have a bank account, you can start or update your direct deposit by using the\u00a0<b>My Profile Tab<\/b>\u00a0in\u00a0<b><i>my<\/i><\/b><b>\u00a0Social Security<\/b>. In addition, you can decide when your change will take effect.<\/p><h3>Change your info with Social Security by phone<\/h3><p>To make the changes by phone, call the SSA at<b>\u00a01-800-772-1213\u00a0<\/b>(TTY 1-800-325-0778). Their hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00am \u2013 5:30 pm.\u00a0(SimplyWise tip:\u00a0Call volumes are higher at the beginning of the month and the beginning of each week, so you may want to avoid those days if possible.)<\/p><h3>Change your info with Social Security in person<\/h3><p>To make the changes in person, locate your nearest office.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2bb413c elementor-widget elementor-widget-template\" data-id=\"2bb413c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"template.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-template\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"section\" data-elementor-id=\"196\" class=\"elementor elementor-196\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-339b45e0 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"339b45e0\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-3f771e94\" data-id=\"3f771e94\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-44435407 elementor-cta--skin-classic elementor-animated-content elementor-bg-transform elementor-bg-transform-zoom-in elementor-widget elementor-widget-call-to-action\" data-id=\"44435407\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"call-to-action.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-cta\" href=\"https:\/\/simplywise.app.link\/Iv0wVANrvfb\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-content-item elementor-cta__content-item elementor-icon-wrapper elementor-cta__icon elementor-view-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"far fa-lightbulb\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-cta__title elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item\">DID YOU KNOW?<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__description elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tRetirement is 99% easier when your paperwork is organized. \n\nJoin 250,000+ Americans securely storing their important receipts, bills &amp; documents with the SimplyWise app.\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__button-wrapper elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item \">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-cta__button elementor-button elementor-size-md\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tGet the App\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Social Security can be confusing, particularly when you have lost a loved one, and intend to claim benefits for widows based on their working record. Whether they passed recently, or years ago, you don\u2019t have to navigate your finances and benefits alone. Our widow financial checklist provides a guide to walk you through what you [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1039,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1038","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v21.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Social Security Widows Benefits Checklist - SimplyWise Cost Estimator<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Social Security is confusing. But our checklist simplifies what you\u2019re owed, and how to apply for Social Security retirement benefits. You need to know...\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/social-security-widows-benefits-checklist\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Social Security Widows Benefits Checklist - SimplyWise Cost Estimator\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Social Security is confusing. But our checklist simplifies what you\u2019re owed, and how to apply for Social Security retirement benefits. 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