There is a Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool if you are curious about Social Security.
If might be time to start looking if you’re nearing retirement age.
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How to use BEST
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST). It can calculate how much you could receive in just a few minutes. Read more about it here.
In order to use the BEST, you’ll need to answer a questionnaire about the benefits you might qualify for. The options are:
- disability assistance
- family benefits
- insurance
- Medicare
- retirement
- spouse & widow(er)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- veterans benefits
According to the SSA website, after you complete the questionnaire, your information isn’t stored and doesn’t share your answers. It only takes a few minutes to complete and will ask about marital status, income, health, and birthday.
It will not ask for your name, address of Social Security number. If it looks like you qualify for benefits, the site will direct you to get more information.
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Who can use it?
If your health has been impacted and you’ll have to limit working hours, you or your spouse is over 62, or if your income or marital status has changed are all good reasons to look into the BEST.
The tool can help you save time and help you know what to expect before applying for benefits.
It is important to note that the BEST isn’t an application and you will not receive money. It is simply to help you figure out what benefits you may qualify for. You’ll need to go to SSA.gov/benefits/forms to complete the correct form or call 1-800-772-1213.