How to get a Social Security benefit verification letter

Check which document the organization wants

A benefit verification letter is sometimes called a proof-of-income letter, budget letter, or benefits letter. SSA explains that it is personalized to the status of your Social Security benefits, SSI, and Medicare coverage.

It is different from an SSA-1099 tax statement, which reports annual benefit information for tax purposes. Before requesting a document, ask the organization needing it whether it wants current benefit verification, a tax statement, or another specific notice.

Download the letter from your account

Open SSA’s official benefit-letter page and follow its account route. After signing in, access the benefit verification letter and download the PDF. SSA’s publication says the letter can be viewed, saved, or printed online.

If you do not already have a personal account, follow SSA’s account-creation instructions. Keep the saved file somewhere you can find again. It contains personal information, so review the destination before sharing or uploading it to the requesting organization.

Use automated phone assistance

SSA’s benefit-letter page offers an automated service at 1-800-772-1213. When prompted to describe what you need, say “proof of income.” The page lists this automated option as available around the clock in English and Spanish.

TTY users can call 1-800-325-0778. If the automated route does not resolve your request, contact SSA about the help you need rather than repeatedly generating a document that does not answer the organization’s question.

Review the letter before using it

The requesting organization decides which evidence it needs. This directory cannot certify a letter, change SSA’s record, or guarantee that a particular institution will accept it.

• Check that you requested the document for the right purpose.
• Read the information shown rather than assuming it is identical to a tax form or old award notice.
• Ask the requesting organization how it accepts the document.
• Contact SSA if you need help understanding information on your record.

An office trip may be unnecessary

Try the official online or automated-phone route before arranging a visit solely to obtain the letter. If account access is the problem, use SSA’s account-help instructions. Keep that issue separate from correcting a benefit or personal-record error.