5 Essential Documents to Access Your Retirement Benefits

There are many things to check off your list when planning for and transitioning into retirement, especially boosting your savings and establishing your lifestyle choice as you age. One thing that is often overlooked is preparing to access your retirement benefits as you near your retirement date. Here are five essential documents you’ll need to access these benefits and transition smoothly into your retirement.

Document Requirements and Guidelines

When gathering your essential documents for the Social Security Administration (SSA), keep the following points in mind:

• Any documents in a foreign language must also include a certified English translation.
• If a document is signed electronically, the signature must be added by an authorized service like DocuSign. Signatures added to documents through unauthorized services or applications like Adobe Acrobat are not acceptable. Stay safe when handling important documents electronically by practicing digital health and cyber security.
• Additional documents may be required if you have had a name change or it is unclear that the document pertains to you.

1. Birth Certificate or Other Proof of Age

Though you can submit copies of many documents, your birth certificate is not one of them. To apply for retirement, you will need an original or certified copy of your birth certificate from the issuing agency, as a photocopy will not be accepted. You will receive documents after filing.

In lieu of a birth certificate, you can submit another proof of your age as long as it’s the oldest document and either the original or a certified copy from the issuing agency:

• Certification of naturalization
• Greencard
• Hospital admission record
• Insurance policy
• Passport
• School record
• State census record
• Vaccination record

2. Social Security Card or Record of Number

Your Social Security number is directly tied to how much you receive from your Social Security benefits. Your specific number tracks the amount of money you have earned, which, in turn, determines your level of benefits in retirement. From there, your Social Security number will track your benefits, so you will either need your Social Security card or a record of your number.

3. Proof of Citizenship

The SSA will accept several documents as proof of citizenship, including a U.S. birth certificate, passport, or certification of citizenship. If you are a lawful non-citizen living in the U.S., you may present your Department of Homeland Security documents, which may include an I-551 (Green Card) or your DHS form I-94. Like your birth certificate, the Social Security Administration will only take original or certified documents, no expired, photo, or notarized copies.

4. Durable Power of Attorney for Finance and Health Care

A power of attorney is a legal document that allows the person you choose to make decisions on your behalf. Otherwise known as a decision-maker, this person will determine your health care should you not be able to. You can additionally include a directive that provides specific written instructions to your legal decision-maker to communicate your wishes. For retirement purposes, you’ll especially want to acquire a durable power of attorney for finance, a legal document that authorizes a person of your choosing to manage your finances should you be unable to do so yourself.

5. Tax Returns

Your life can get much easier in retirement, but you unfortunately still have taxes as a senior. Many complications regarding your taxes come into play in retirement because your employer is no longer automatically withholding taxes from your paycheck, which can make paying your taxes tricky. You may owe taxes on your Social Security, pension, and annuity depending on your state. It is best to work closely with a trusted tax and finance professional to assist you with these complicated matters. Remember that the IRS can look back up to three years for basic errors.

Wondering what your future has to offer in retirement? Learn about aging on your terms with our free ebook, What are My Senior Living Options.

At Life Enriching Communities (LEC), we’re committed to ensuring you feel well-equipped to plan their future and age how they wish. Explore more resources on senior living or contact us today to learn more about our legacy of services and programs that bring meaning and purpose to every stage of life.