20 CFR § 404.611 - How do I file an application for Social Security benefits?

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t20/s404.611"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "20 CFR § 404.611 - How do I file an application for Social Security benefits?"
title_number: 20
title_name: "Employees' Benefits"
section_number: "404.611"
section_name: "How do I file an application for Social Security benefits?"
chapter_name: "SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION"
part_number: "404"
part_name: "FEDERAL OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS AND DISABILITY INSURANCE (1950-  )"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-03-24"
last_updated: "2026-03-24"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
cfr_part: "404"
---


# 404.611 How do I file an application for Social Security benefits?

(a) *General rule.* You must apply for benefits on an application that we prescribe. *See* § 422.505(a) of this chapter for the types of applications we will accept. *See* § 404.614 for places where you can file your application for benefits.

(b) *What if I file a claim with the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB)?* If you file an application with the RRB on one of its forms for an annuity under section 2 of the Railroad Retirement Act, as amended, we will consider this an application for title II Social Security benefits, which you may be entitled to, unless you tell us otherwise.

(c) *What if I file a claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA)?* If you file an application with the DVA on one of its forms for survivors' dependency and indemnity compensation (*see* section 3005 of title 38 U.S.C.), we will consider this an application for Social Security survivors' benefits, except for the lump sum death payment.

[69 FR 498, Jan. 6, 2004]