Use BEST to Find Out Which Benefits You Could Get from the SSA

Published on: August 27, 2015

BESTAre you unsure about which benefit programs you may be eligible for? Or perhaps you may be wondering about the requirements, or how to qualify and apply? In case you didn’t know, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has a website called “BEST,” or the Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool, that can allow you to find out whether you’re eligible for benefits, and if so, what kind(s).

Now keep in mind this is specifically geared toward benefits that the SSA administers, and not other government benefit programs. To access other benefit programs, please go here. There are thousands of programs out there from the government available to help those in need.

That said, let’s dive in to some more details about BEST.

Using BEST

As the website mentions, BEST “is NOT an application for benefits.” It also does not collect your SS number or any personal SS records, and will not give you a benefit amount based on what you’re eligible for. Benefit amounts are done on a case-by-case basis and is based on an individual's Social Security Earnings Record. To learn more about how disability benefits are calculated, make sure you visit our blog.

BEST, however, does screen for the following category benefits:

  •          Disability assistance
  •          Family
  •          Insurance
  •          Medicare
  •          Retirement
  •          Spouse and widow(er)
  •          Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  •          Veterans

This does not include screening for Medicare prescription drug plan costs. BEST also does not save your answers, so make sure you print the pages if you want to keep your answers for later.

Other Things You Need to Know

The questions on BEST’s website are straightforward and split up into 7 categories. Some of these are where you live, whether you are in school and information regarding your spouse if you have one. Again, this information is not saved, so make sure you print the pages if you want to keep them for your own records.

Each question has an “I” icon to the side so you can get more information on what it means. This clarity should lend itself well to you while filling out the questions—which should only take 5-10 minutes to fill out if you know all of the information already.

The Takeaway

Do you still have questions about the BEST website from the SSA? Make sure you visit their FAQ page and browse the categories for the benefits BEST screens for. You need to fill out all of the questions so the website can give you a comprehensive view of all the programs you can qualify for. That way, you can narrow down your search and take steps toward applying for disability or other benefits from the SSA.

From retirement benefits to disability, we here at DEF understand it’s not an easy application process. If you are hesitant about the application process, contact an expert disability advocate to assist you through. Having help from a disability representative can save you a possible denial due to inadequate documentation or information. Are you ready to apply? 

disability-application-guide

Contact Us

New Call-to-action