This week I would like to address those of you who are thinking about filing a claim for Social Security retirement, disability or survivors benefits. Knowing beforehand what type of documentation is needed will speed the process. You can request an appointment to file your application over the telephone and then will be taken care of at your own convenience. Call SSA's toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213, to request an appointment or to obtain answers to any questions you might have. Also, check our Web site: www.socialsecurity.gov.

For a retirement claim, whether you file by phone or in person, you will need to have the following: proof of age and citizenship; last year's W-2 (this will provide a good estimate of your future earnings if you intend to continue working); proof of prior military service, if applicable; birth certificates and Social Security numbers for any children under age 18, or 19 and still in secondary school.

If you have a disabled child whose disability started before age 22, he or she may be entitled to benefits on your record, too.

You'll need your child's birth certificate and Social Security number and the names, addresses and telephone numbers of the doctors and medical facilities where your child has been treated.

If your spouse is also filing on your record, you'll need his or her birth records, Social Security number and your marriage certificate.

For a disability claim, you need: the name, address, telephone number and

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medical record number for any doctor or medical facility that has treated you for your impairment; copies of any medical evidence you may have; information on any type of federal or state workers' compensation you may be receiving; last year's W-2 if you stopped working recently; and your birth certificate.

Even if you do not have the required available, don't delay filing or calling SSA's toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213; you could lose benefits if you do not do so.

For a survivors claim, you will need: the death certificate of the worker who died; the birth certificate and Social Security numbers of all persons filing, and in the case of a surviving spouse, the marriage certificate (and divorce decree if it is a surviving divorced spouse); last year's W-2 and, if possible, a statement from employer of deceased indicating how much was earned in the year of death.

Reaching age 65 or full retirement age in 2008? - If you will turn 65 or reach full retirement age in 2008 and have not filed a Social Security or Medicare application, we can provide you with information that will be helpful in determining when to file an application. Mail us the following information:

- Your name.
- Social Security number.
- Estimated 2007 earnings.
- Estimated 2008 earnings.
- Complete mailing address.
- Telephone number (both home and work).
-Date of birth.
- If you plan to retire in 2008, month in which you would.
- Spouse's Social Security number.
- Spouse's date of birth.
- If spouse is deceased, give date of death.

Send it to: Your Social Security, Social Security Administration, 3885 Main St., 3rd Floor, Bridgeport CT 06606. Attn: A. Renzoni.

Anthony Renzoni is district manager of the Bridgeport office of the Social Security Administration. His column appears every Monday.