Last updated 2 months ago. Our resources are updated regularly but please keep in mind that links, programs, policies, and contact information do change.
Navigating government services can sometimes feel overwhelming, but getting proof of your Social Security income is straightforward. Whether you’re applying for a loan, seeking housing assistance, or need to verify your benefits for other reasons, the Social Security Administration (SSA) provides an official document called a Benefit Verification Letter.
What is a Proof of Income Letter from Social Security?
The Social Security Benefit Verification Letter is an official statement from the SSA confirming your benefit status. It serves as formal proof that you either:
- Receive Social Security benefits (like retirement or disability)
- Receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments
- Are enrolled in Medicare
- Have applied for benefits and are awaiting a decision
- Have never received Social Security benefits or SSI
This letter is often required when you need to verify your income or benefit status for various applications and processes. Common situations include applying for loans (like mortgages or car loans), housing assistance programs, state or local benefits, or other financial processes where proof of income is necessary.
You might hear this document referred to by several different names, including:
- Proof of Income Letter
- Benefit Letter
- Budget Letter
- Benefits Letter
- Proof of Award Letter
While these terms are often used interchangeably in conversation, the official SSA document is the Benefit Verification Letter. It’s important to distinguish this from the initial “Award Letter” you receive when first approved for benefits; the Benefit Verification Letter provides your current status.
Get Your Letter Online Instantly
The fastest and most convenient way to get your Benefit Verification Letter is through your personal my Social Security account online. This secure portal gives you immediate access to view, print, or save your letter whenever you need it, 24/7.
Steps to Get Your Letter Online:
- Visit the my Social Security portal
- Sign In or Create an Account:
- If you have an account: Click “Sign In.” You will likely sign in using Login.gov or ID.me, which are secure identity verification services used by the government. If you created an SSA username/password before September 18, 2021, you might be prompted to transition to Login.gov or ID.me.
- If you need to create an account: Click “Create an Account.” You must be 18 or older and have a Social Security number. You’ll choose between Login.gov or ID.me to verify your identity securely. Follow the on-screen prompts from your chosen provider to set up your credentials (email, password, multi-factor authentication). Once verified, you’ll return to the SSA site to complete your my Social Security account setup. Note: ID.me can be used by those with foreign addresses.
- Navigate to the Letter: Once logged in, look for a link related to “Benefit Verification Letter” or “Proof of Benefits.” This may be under a section like “Replacement Documents” or directly visible on your account dashboard. Representative Payees can also access letters for their beneficiaries through the Representative Payee Portal section of their own account.
- View, Customize, and Download/Print:
- Select the option to get your Benefit Verification Letter
- You may have options to customize the letter to include specific information relevant to your needs
- Once generated, you can view the letter directly on screen
- Choose to “Print Now” or “Save a Copy” (usually as a PDF file) to your device
- Some interfaces may also offer an option to have the letter mailed, though downloading/printing is instant
Using the my Social Security account provides instant access without waiting for mail delivery. It also allows you to manage many other aspects of your benefits online, such as checking payment information, changing your address (for Social Security, not SSI), setting up direct deposit, and getting tax forms (SSA-1099).
Remember, your personal my Social Security account is for your use only; no one can create or use an account on your behalf.
Other Ways to Request Your Letter
If you are unable or prefer not to use the online my Social Security account, you can request your Benefit Verification Letter by phone or in person at a local SSA office.
Requesting by Phone
You can request a Benefit Verification Letter through the SSA’s national toll-free number.
- Phone Number: Call 1-800-772-1213
- TTY Number (for deaf or hard of hearing): Call 1-800-325-0778
- Automated Service: An automated system is available 24/7. When prompted “How can I help you today?” simply say “proof of income”. This automated service can handle the request to mail you the letter.
- Representative Hours: If you need to speak with a person, representatives are available Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time. Wait times are often shorter earlier in the morning (8-10 am), later in the afternoon (4-7 pm), later in the week (Wed-Fri), and later in the month.
When calling, you will need to provide identifying information to verify your identity. If you receive benefits or have a pending application, you can request that the letter be mailed to the address the SSA has on file for you. Ensure your address is up-to-date, which you can often do via your my Social Security account or by phone (SSI recipients must contact SSA to update their address).
Requesting In Person
You can also visit a local SSA field office to request your letter.
- Find Your Local Office: Use the SSA’s Social Security Office Locator tool by entering your ZIP code or visit www.ssa.gov/locator/. The locator provides office addresses, hours, and contact information.
- Appointment Required: You generally must call ahead to schedule an appointment before visiting an SSA office for in-person help. Calling the national number 1-800-772-1213 or your local office number found via the locator can help schedule this.
- What to Expect: Bring valid identification with you. Office staff can assist you with your request. Depending on the office and your situation, they might be able to print the letter for you on the spot, or they may arrange for it to be mailed. Be aware that offices can be busy, particularly on Mondays, the day after holidays, and early in the month. Using the website or phone service is often faster than visiting an office.
What Information is On the Letter?
The Benefit Verification Letter is personalized based on your specific circumstances with the SSA. While the exact presentation may vary slightly, it typically includes key information such as:
- Beneficiary Name: Your full legal name as recorded by the SSA
- Social Security Number: Often displayed partially masked for security
- Benefit Type: Specifies the type of benefit(s) you receive (e.g., Retirement Insurance Benefits, Disability Insurance Benefits, Supplemental Security Income, Medicare) or confirms your application status or non-receipt of benefits
- Current Monthly Benefit Amount: If you receive benefits, it states the gross monthly payment amount. Note: Some deductions, like certain Medicare Part D adjustments (IRMAA), might not always be explicitly detailed on the standard letter, showing only the Part B premium deduction. The letter generally reflects the benefit amount before such specific deductions are itemized.
- Effective Date: Indicates the date your current benefit amount became effective
- Verification Date: The date the letter was generated
- Medicare Information: If applicable, it may confirm your Medicare enrollment (Part A, Part B) and the effective dates
The letter serves as official SSA documentation verifying this information.
Delivery Time and Cost
The time it takes to receive your Benefit Verification Letter depends on the method you use:
- Online (my Social Security Account): Instant. You can view, download, and print the letter immediately after logging in and generating it.
- Phone Request (Mailed): Approximately 10 business days. If you request the letter via the automated phone service or by speaking to a representative, the SSA will mail it to the address on file.
- In-Person Request (Mailed): Approximately 10 business days. If the office doesn’t print it on the spot, requesting it in person will also result in it being mailed. Some offices may print it during your visit, but mail delivery is the standard expectation.
Is there a fee?
No, there is no fee to obtain a standard Benefit Verification Letter from the Social Security Administration. This service is provided free of charge.
Be aware that fees do apply if you request detailed, certified earnings history reports using Form SSA-7050, but this is a different document than the standard Benefit Verification Letter.
What If My Letter Has Incorrect Information?
Accuracy is crucial, especially when using the letter for important applications. If you receive a Benefit Verification Letter and believe the information is incorrect (e.g., wrong benefit amount, incorrect name spelling, wrong effective date), you should contact the SSA immediately to get it corrected.
The primary way to report errors in your personal information or benefit details is to:
- Call the SSA’s toll-free number: 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778)
- Contact your local Social Security office: Use the office locator to find contact information and call them
Explain the specific error you found on the letter. SSA representatives can review your record and help resolve discrepancies related to your individual benefits, earnings, or personal data.
There is also a formal process under Section 515 of Public Law 106-554 for requesting corrections to publicly disseminated information by the SSA (like reports or data products), but this specific process is not intended for correcting personal information on your individual records or benefit letters. For personal record corrections, calling the main number or local office is the appropriate channel.
Alternatives to the Official Letter
While the official Benefit Verification Letter is the standard proof requested by many organizations, there might be situations where other documents or methods could potentially serve as verification, depending on the requirements of the entity asking for proof:
- my Social Security Account: Simply showing information directly within your secure online account might suffice for some informal purposes, though most official applications will require the printed letter. The account itself provides access to benefit details, payment history, and tax forms.
- Original Award Letter: This is the letter you received when your benefits were first approved. It confirms eligibility and the initial benefit amount. However, it doesn’t reflect current benefit amounts or recent changes. Some entities might accept it, but many prefer the up-to-date Benefit Verification Letter. You typically need to call or visit an SSA office to request a copy of your original award letter.
- SSA-1099 (Social Security Benefit Statement): This is the annual tax form showing the total benefits paid in the previous year. While it verifies income received over a year, it doesn’t show the current monthly benefit amount. It can be accessed via your my Social Security account.
- Bank Statements: Statements showing direct deposits from “US TREASURY” or similar might indicate receipt of federal benefits. However, many official programs (like state assistance or Medicaid) specifically require the official SSA letter and may not accept bank statements alone as proof of the benefit amount or type.
- SSA Form 3288 (Consent for Release of Information): In some cases, particularly involving third-party organizations (like assistance programs or legal representatives), the individual can sign Form SSA-3288 authorizing the SSA to release specific information (like benefit verification) directly to that third party.
Always check with the organization requesting proof of income to confirm exactly what documentation they will accept. The official Benefit Verification Letter obtained through your my Social Security account or requested from the SSA is generally the most reliable and widely accepted option.
Official Resources
Here are key official Social Security Administration resources:
- Main SSA Website: www.ssa.gov
- my Social Security Account Portal: www.ssa.gov/myaccount/
- Benefit Verification Letter Information: www.ssa.gov/manage-benefits/get-benefit-letter
- SSA Office Locator: secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp or www.ssa.gov/locator/
- SSA Toll-Free Number: 1-800-772-1213
- SSA TTY Number: 1-800-325-0778
- Information on Correcting SSA Information: www.ssa.gov/515/requests.htm
Our articles make government information more accessible. Please consult a qualified professional for financial, legal, or health advice specific to your circumstances.
