Gathering your documents correctly is critical. You must provide original copies, never photocopies or notarized copies.
The SSA has strict documentation requirements to protect your identity. Submitting the wrong types of documents is the number one reason for application delays. All documents must be current and unexpired. The SSA will examine your documents and return them to you after your application is processed, so it is crucial to ensure they are originals or certified copies from the issuing agency.