Social Security and Medicare papers to gather now
The best time to gather Social Security and Medicare papers is before anyone needs them. If your parents (or you) write down the Social Security numbers, marriage and divorce history, Medicare and plan cards, and where every original is kept, the family can claim survivor benefits in one visit instead of months of searching.
Social Security
- [ ] Social Security number for each person, and where the card is
- [ ] Birth certificates, and where the originals are kept
- [ ] Every marriage: certificate, dates, and where it was registered
- [ ] Every divorce: the decree, the date, and the court. An ex-spouse married 10 years or more may qualify for survivor benefits
- [ ] Children's birth certificates and Social Security numbers
- [ ] The latest W-2s or tax returns
- [ ] Where Social Security deposits arrive (bank and account)
- [ ] Any letters from Social Security about benefit amounts
These are the papers Social Security asks survivors for. Sources: SSA, what survivors need to apply, SSA, Survivors Benefits (EN-05-10084).
Medicare
- [ ] The red, white and blue Medicare card, with the Medicare Number and the start dates of Part A and Part B
- [ ] The cards of any Medicare Advantage, drug (Part D) or supplement plan
- [ ] The name of the agent or broker who helped choose the plan
- [ ] Doctors, pharmacy and medications
Medicare says to treat the Medicare Number like a credit card and keep the card in a safe place. A lost card can be replaced through a Medicare account or 1-800-MEDICARE. Source: Medicare.gov, your Medicare card.
Why it matters
Survivor benefits generally pay only up to six months before the month the family applies, and Social Security wants originals or certified copies. A family that knows where everything is applies in the first weeks; a family that has to search can lose months. Sources: SSA Handbook §1513, SSA, what survivors need to apply.
Keep it where your family can find it
A folder at home works until it doesn't: a move, a fire, a flood, or simply no one knowing which drawer. Keep a copy of each paper and a note of where the original is, somewhere your family will get when they need it. Our guide on how to organize your important documents covers the rest.
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Frequently asked questions
Should I keep my Medicare card with me?
With Original Medicare, carry it when you're away from home. With a Medicare Advantage plan, use the plan card and keep the Medicare card safe.
Why write down old divorces?
An ex-spouse married at least 10 years may qualify for survivor benefits, and the divorce decree is one of the papers Social Security asks for.
Is this legal or financial advice?
No. It's general information from Social Security and Medicare.
Sources
- ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10505.pdf
- ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10084.pdf
- medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/using-medicare/your-medicare-card
- ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.15/handbook-1513.html
General information, not legal or financial advice. Rules change; check the official sources above or talk to a licensed professional about your situation.
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Who can get Social Security survivor benefits (spouse, ex-spouse, children, parents), how much each gets, how far back it pays, and how to apply.Can an ex-spouse get Social Security survivor benefits?
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