How To Obtain Common Social Security Administration Forms [Step-By-Step Process]

Are you applying for any kind of Social Security Benefits? Are you appealing a decision?

When applying for any benefits you need to fill out and submit specific forms to begin the process. Some of these forms can be found online, others you may need to request over the phone or in person. 

This article will go over where you find the specific form you should request, how you can request them, and how you can submit them. 

Quick Navigation Article Links

• What Are SSA Forms
• How Do I Know Which Form To Request 
• Where Can I Find The Forms I Need
• Do I Need To Pay For The Forms
• What If I Requested Or Filled Out The Wrong Form
• Can I Get The Forms I Need If I Live Outside Of The USA
• Where Can I Find The Forms To Apply For Social Security Retirement Benefits 
• Where Can I Find The Forms To Apply For Death Benefits 
• Where Can I Find The Forms To Apply For Medicare 
• Where Can I Find The Forms To Apply For Disability Benefits 
• How Can I Get My Social Security Benefit Statement

What Are SSA Forms

SSA forms are documents that you must fill out when applying for benefits, appealing a decision, or requesting certain assistance from the SSA. Forms can be found online, requested in person, and in some cased requested over the phone. 

It is important that you identify the correct form and fill it out accurately. The faster you submit your form with any other documents the faster your application will be processed. 

Each form can have letters and numbers. For example, SS-5 is the form to apply for a Social Security card. SSA-3820-BK is the form to file a Child Disability Report. 

The SSA has application forms, waiver forms, forms to agree to fees or representation, and tax-related forms. 

Each form applies to a specific application or report. 

How Do I Know Which Form To Request 

You can usually find the correct forms with a quick google search. The SSA’s website includes a page where you can search all their uploaded forms and find the form you need. There are also many online resources that can walk you through applying for your benefits. 

To find out the form(s) you need to fill out you can reference the link here. That link will bring you to the page on the SSA’s website where you can search for your form. 

To learn what forms you will need to get a Social Security card click here. 

Where Can I Find The Forms I Need

Once you have identified the forms you need to fill out you can usually get them one of three different ways. Online, by phone, or in person. 

Online, you can access many different forms on the Social Security Administration’s website. Click the link here to find your form. If you do not see your form on that page or you cannot access the SSA’s website you can call the SSA. 

Not all SSA forms are listed online. Some forms may have to be specifically requested in-person or by phone. 

Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or TTY 1-800-325-0778 to request the forms. If you need to visit your local Social Security office you may need to set up an appointment ahead of time. Locate the closest Social Security office near you by clicking this link.

Avoid Phone Scammers 

Please be careful when taking ANY phone call about your Social Security benefits!!! Unfortunately, there are quite a few scams related to Social Security numbers. A Social Security officer will NEVER threaten you or say you will go to jail if you do not give them your personal information. 

If you receive a phone call where someone says “there is a charge against you, you will go to jail if you do not pay money or give us your information” that is a scam! Hang up!  

A Social Security officer or representative will not ask for your payment information to activate a benefit or card. 

Be cautious when you are called by anyone offering “free” benefits, refunds, or promotions. Do not give out your SSN, medicare number, or credit card numbers to anyone suspicious. 

Do I Need To Pay For The Forms

No, all the Social Security Administrations forms are free! You have free access to their forms online or in person. You should never have to pay a fee to request an application form. 

What If I Requested Or Filled Out The Wrong Form

If you requested the wrong form to be sent to you or you filled out the incorrect form you need to get the correct form and submit it. Make sure to inform the SSA that the form you submitted before was incorrect and should be discarded. 

You can find the correct form on the SSA’s website and download it. Ince, you fill out the physical copy you can mail it to your nearest Social Security office. 

If you cannot access the form you need online then you will need to call the SSA and request the special form to be mailed to you. 

You may be able to pick up the form(s) you need from your nearest Social Security office. 

Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or TTY 1-800-325-0778 to request the forms. If you need to visit your local Social Security office you may need to set up an appointment ahead of time. Locate the closest Social Security office near you by clicking this link.

Can I Get The Forms I Need If I Live Outside Of The USA

If you live outside of the USA and need to apply for benefits and request forms you can still do so. As mentioned earlier, many forms are available for download online. 

Research the form you will need for your benefits application or call the SSA. If you cannot find your form(s) online then you will need to contact a different office to request the forms. 

If you live outside of the USA and need to request a form that is not online you can contact the nearest Federal Benefits Unit. Click this link to learn more. 

Where Can I Find The Forms To Apply For Social Security Retirement Benefits 

When applying for your retirement benefits you will need to fill out form SSA-1-BK Application For Retirement Insurance Benefits. Access that form here. 

You can apply online by logging into my Social Security account. If you have not set up your account yet you can do so online. Click on the Sign In or Create an Account link. Once you are logged in select the Retirement benefits application. You will be able to fill out submit your form online. This usually saves time because you can fill out the form and submit it immediately instead of mailing it in and waiting a week or two for the SSA to receive your form. 

You can also call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or TTY 1-800-325-0778 to request the forms. If you need to visit your local Social Security office you may need to set up an appointment ahead of time. Locate the closest Social Security office near you by clicking this link.

On this form, you will need to complete over 40 different boxes with different questions. You will need to provide your proof of identity, work history, military history, tax history, and an explanation for any special circumstances. 

You will also be required to certify the information is correct and accurate. Then you fill in your direct deposit payment information. There is also a “Receipt For Your Claim For Social Security Retirement Insurance Benefits” section. 

Along with filling out that form, you will need to provide other documents to prove your identity, work history, income, taxes, and military service. Make sure to have all those documents on hand when filling out the form and/or speaking to the SSA.

If you are applying for spousal retirement benefits you will need to fill out form SSA-2-BK Application for Wife’s or Husband’s Insurance Benefits.  

This form will have similar information to the SSA-1. You will be asked about your spouse’s identity, work history, and tax history. You will need to provide proof of identity, income, and work history as well. 

Where Can I Find The Forms To Apply For Survivors Or Death Benefits 

When applying for survivors or death benefits the form(s) you will need depend on your specific situation. To find the specific form you will need, skip to the subheading below that applies to you. 

You can apply online through your my Social Security account. If you have not set up your account yet you can do so online. Click on the Sign In or Create an Account link. Once you have done that and logged in you need to select the benefit you are applying for and begin the process. Make sure to hit submit once you complete the application. 

You can also call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or TTY 1-800-325-0778 to request the forms. 

If you need to visit your local Social Security office you may need to set up an appointment ahead of time. Locate the closest Social Security office near you by clicking this link.

Widows, Widowers, or Surviving Divorced Spouses

Widows, widowers, or surviving divorced spouses will need to fill out the SSA-10 Application For Widows or Widowers Insurance Benefits. 

This form can be found here. It is an 8-page form that goes over the deceased spouse’s work, medical, and military history. You will need to provide proof of identity, SSN, work history, tax information, proof of marriage, and other information. 

Child Benefits

For the child benefit, you will need to complete the SSA-4-BK Application For Child’s Insurance Benefits. You will need to call the SSA or go in person. This application cannot be completed online as of now.

The form can be found and downloaded on the SSA’s website. Click here to view the form. It is a 9-page form that thoroughly covers information about the worker who passed, proof that the worker was the parent of the child, the child’s identity, income, and work history. 

You will need to include your direct deposit information in the form as well. Make sure to have all the correct documents and information ready when you are filling out the form. 

Read more about the child benefit application process here. 

Mother’s Or Fathers Benefits

You must be taking care of a child of the deceased worker that is disabled or under 16. To apply for this benefit you need to complete for SSA-5-BK. Click here to view this form.

This form is 7 pages long and required information about the deceased worker, their income, taxes, work history, date of death. The form will also cover any Social Security credits or benefits the worker was eligible for. Marriage proof and proof of your identity will be required as well. 

Lump-Sum Death Payment

When applying for the lump-sum payment you will need to complete the SSA-8 form. Access it here. You need to call the Social Security Administration to apply for this benefit or go to a Social Security office in person.

This form is 4 pages long and required information such as the date of the worker’s death, the deceased worker’s SSN, their Social Security work credits, marriage mate(s), and proof of identity. 

You will also need to include your name, SSN, income, marriage mate(s), your relationship to the deceased, and proof of identity. 

This document required details about the deceased worker’s history so you will need to have that information on hand when completing this form. 

You will need to submit certain documents such as a W2 form, passport, Social Security Card, and so on when applying for death benefits. 

Parents Benefits

To apply for parent’s benefits you must be dependent on the deceased worker for a certain portion of your support. You will need to complete the SSA-7-F6 form to apply for this benefit. Access that form here. 

This form is 6 pages long and goes over the date of the worker’s death, the deceased worker’s SSN, their Social Security work credits, marriage mate(s), and proof of identity. 

You will need to provide information about yourself such as name, date of birth, SSN, marriage mate(s), your military service, and your taxes.

To see all the other forms the SSA provides click this link. 

Where Can I Find The Forms To Apply For Medicare 

When applying for Medicare you will need to complete the SSA-1 form if you are applying for Medicare at the same time you apply for retirement benefits. 

If you are applying for Medicare only you will need to specify that in your SSA-1 form. 

If you are applying for Medicare park B you will need to complete the CMS-40B and the CMS-L564. You will need to state “ I want Part B coverage to begin MM/DD” in the remarks area of the CMS-40B form. 

You can apply online by logging into my Social Security account. If you have not set up your account yet you can do so online. Click on the Sign In or Create an Account link. Once you are logged in select the Retirement benefits application. You will be able to fill out submit your form online. 

You can also call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or TTY 1-800-325-0778 to request the forms. 

If you need to visit your local Social Security office you may need to set up an appointment ahead of time. Locate the closest Social Security office near you by clicking this link.

Where Can I Find The Forms To Apply For Disability Benefits 

When applying for disability benefits you will need to fill out form SSA-16 You can log into your my Social Security account to start your application for this benefit. 

If you have not set up your account yet you can do so online. Click on the Sign In or Create an Account link. Once you are logged into your accounts you can choose the benefit you are applying for and complete that form. 

You can also call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or TTY 1-800-325-0778 to request the forms. 

If you need to visit your local Social Security office you may need to set up an appointment ahead of time. Locate the closest Social Security office near you by clicking this link.

The SSA-16 is a pretty long form. It is 7 pages in total and has over 30 sections you need to fill out in detail. You will need to cover your medical history, work history, military service history, marriage history, and proof of identity. Have your documents and information ready when filling out this form. 

You will also need to fill out a waiver to allow the SSA to access your medical history. 

How Can I Get My Social Security Benefit Statement

The SSA-1099 or Social Security Benefits Statement will be mailed to you every January. This document will be mailed to anyone receiving Social Security Benefits. This is a tax form that should be used when reporting your income for the previous year to the IRS. 

Any nonresident aliens of the USA will be sent a different from. Nonresident aliens who received or repaid any Social Security benefits will receive an SSA-1042s form.

Those forms are not available for anyone who gets Supplementary Security Income(SSI). 

If you have lost or misplaced your SSA-1099 or SSA-1042s forms you can request a new copy from the SSA. 

You can log into your my Social Security account. If you have not set up your account yet you can do so online. Click on the Sign In or Create an Account link. Once you have logged into your account you can find your statements and request a new one. Click the “Replacement Documents” tab and follow the prompts. 

You can also call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or TTY 1-800-325-0778 to request the forms. 

If you need to visit your local Social Security office you may need to set up an appointment ahead of time. Locate the closest Social Security office near you by clicking this link.