Is there an easy fast way to determine if I am eligible for social security benefits?

Question:  I think I might be eligible for Social Security benefits, but I'm not sure.  Is there a resource I can check before I go through the work of filing for benefits?

Response:  You can use the Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST) on the Social Security website.  By answering some questions, you can get a list of benefits that you might be eligible that you can later use to file social security online.  The tool will also give you more information about how to qualify and apply.

BEST does not know or ask for your name or Social Security number, does not access your personal Social Security records, and will not give you an estimate of benefit amounts.  BEST will find social security matches for the following benefits:  Medicare, Social Security Disability, Social Security Retirement, Social Security Survivors, Special Veterans, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).  You should allow 5-10 minutes to answer the questions, which ask for your (and your spouse's) date of birth, date of marriage, and earnings information.  The tool will also ask for information about your personal finances to determine if you could be eligible for SSI or qualify for help with your Medicare premium.  Remember, BEST is a screening tool only; it is not an application for benefits.

If you still have questions, enlist the help of a Social Security attorney.

Answered by Jan Hill

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