Social Security Q&A

Question: What information will I need to have if I'd like to complete the online application for Social Security retirement benefits?

Answer: Although not required in all cases, we suggest that you have the following information at hand when you apply online for benefits. It will make completing the application much easier for you.

Your date and place of birth, and your Social Security number;

Your bank account number and your bank's routing number, for direct deposit;

The amount of money you earned last year and this year. If you are applying for benefits between September and December, you may also need to provide an estimate of what you will earn next year;

The name and address of your employer(s) for this year and last year;

The beginning and ending dates of any active military service you had prior to 1968;

The name, Social Security number, and date of birth of your current spouse, and, if applicable, any former spouses from marriages that lasted more than 10 years or ended in death. You should also know the dates of marriage, places of marriage and the dates of divorce or death; and

A copy of your Social Security Statement.

In most cases, once your application is submitted electronically, you're done. There are no forms to sign and usually no documentation is required. Social Security will process your application and contact you if any further information is needed. To get started, www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline.

Question: I am 65 and my wife is 62 and receiving spouse's benefits. When will she qualify for Medicare?

Answer: Most people must wait until age 65 to apply for Medicare. Some people can get Medicare at any age. This includes people who:

have been getting Social Security disability benefits for 24 months;

have kidney failure and require dialysis;

have had a kidney transplant; or

receive disability benefits because they suffer from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (also known as Lou Gehrig's disease).

As someone who already receives retirement benefits, your wife will be enrolled automatically for Medicare coverage when she becomes eligible at age 65. Some people choose to delay filing for Medicare. Such people can now apply online at www.socialsecurity.gov by selecting the "Retirement/ Medicare" bar in the center of the page.

This column was prepared by the Social Security Administration. For fast answers to specific Social Security, contact Social Security toll-free at 800-772-1213.