Social Security/Medicare Corner
Katie Shockley
Benefits Services
How can I find out if I am eligible for any of the programs Social Security offers?
Social Security Administration (SSA) has a new online tool that you can use to find out if you could be eligible for benefits that they offer. The Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST) will give you eligibility information based on answers that you give to questions in the screening. No one will see the answers that you give and when you leave the tool your answers will be erased. The questions take about 5-10 minutes to complete, but you must answer them all for BEST to give you information as to which programs you may be eligible.
What information do I need to complete the BEST?
- Your (and your spouse’s) date of birth, date of marriage(s), and earnings information
- Information about your personal finances to determine if you could be eligible for Supplemental Security Income or qualify for help with your Medicare premium.
Which benefits can BEST screen for my eligibility?
- Medicare
- Social Security Disability
- Social Security Retirement
- Social Security Survivors
- Special Veterans
- Supplemental Security Income
What will BEST not be able to tell me?
BEST is not an application for benefits and will not give you an estimate of your benefit amounts. If you decide that you would like to apply for any of the benefits after completing the questions and seeing the results, you must contact Social Security for more information online at ssa.gov or medicare.gov.