Documents Needed for Charleston Social Security Office Visit

Core Required Documents for All Visits

Regardless of your specific service needs, you must bring these essential documents to any Charleston Social Security office visit:

Service-Specific Document Requirements

Depending on the specific Social Security service you need, additional documents may be required beyond the core requirements:

Social Security Card Replacement

• Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5)
• One document proving identity (see photo ID options above)
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or immigration status
• Evidence of legal name change (if applicable)

Learn more about Social Security card replacement procedures.

Disability Benefits Application

• Medical records and test results
• List of medications
• Names and addresses of doctors and hospitals
• Work history for past 15 years
• W-2 forms or tax returns
• Dates of prior marriages (if applicable)
• Birth certificates for dependent children

For detailed guidance, visit our disability benefits application page.

Retirement Benefits

• W-2 forms for the last two years
• Self-employment tax returns
• Military discharge papers (if applicable)
• Bank account information for direct deposit
• Birth certificates for dependent children
• Marriage certificate (if married)
• Divorce decree (if divorced)

Start your retirement benefits application process today.

Survivor Benefits

• Death certificate of deceased worker
• Proof of relationship to deceased
• Marriage certificate
• Dependent children's birth certificates
• Deceased worker's W-2 forms
• Bank account information

Get help with survivor benefits applications.

Medicare Enrollment

• Proof of current health insurance
• Information about employer health plans
• List of current medications
• Preferred doctors and hospitals
• Bank account information

Learn about Medicare enrollment options.

Document Acceptance Guidelines

Understanding what makes documents acceptable can save you time and prevent appointment delays:

Acceptable Document Conditions

• Documents must be original or certified copies
• All information must be clearly legible
• No alterations or corrections visible
• Official seals and signatures required where applicable
• Current and not expired (for ID documents)
• Names must match across all documents

Non-U.S. Citizens Requirements

If you're not a U.S. citizen, you'll need to provide current immigration documents:

• Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
• Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
• I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
• Valid foreign passport with visa
• Certificate of Report of Birth (FS-240)
• Certification of Birth Abroad (DS-1350)

For specific immigration status requirements, check our frequently asked questions.

Document Preparation Tips

Follow these guidelines to ensure your documents are ready for your Charleston Social Security office visit:

What to Do If You're Missing Documents

If you don't have all required documents, don't panic. Here are your options:

• Contact the office first: Call Charleston Social Security office to discuss alternatives
• Request certified copies: Order birth certificates from your state's vital records office
• Use acceptable alternatives: W-2 forms or pay stubs may substitute for Social Security cards
• Reschedule if necessary: Better to come prepared than waste a trip

Translation Requirements

Foreign documents must be translated into English and certified:

• Use a certified translation service
• Include translator's certification statement
• Provide both original and translated versions
• Ensure translations are complete and accurate

Special Situations and Exceptions

Some circumstances require additional documentation or have modified requirements:

Name Changes

If your current name differs from the name on your Social Security record, bring:

• Marriage certificate
• Divorce decree
• Court order for name change
• Adoption decree
• Certificate of Naturalization with new name

Minors (Under 18)

When applying on behalf of a child:

• Child's birth certificate
• Parent's identification
• Evidence of parent-child relationship
• Child's current immigration documents (if applicable)
• Adoption papers (if adopted)

Representative Payee Applications

• Beneficiary's Social Security number
• Your relationship to the beneficiary
• Medical evidence of beneficiary's condition
• Your identification and Social Security number
• Bank account information for direct deposit

Learn more about the Charleston office location and directions.

Final Document Checklist

Use this checklist before heading to your Charleston Social Security office appointment: