How to Get a Social Security Award Letter
Proof of your benefit type, amount, and start date, free, and instant online.
- cost to request
- Free
- online with my Social Security
- Instant
- to request it
- 4 ways
- as a current beneficiary
- Any time
A Social Security award letter is the official notice confirming that you've been approved for benefits and what you'll receive. Once you're receiving benefits, the same information is available any time as a benefit verification letter, the document lenders, landlords, and assistance programs ask for as proof of income. You can get either for free, and the online version is issued instantly.
Four ways to get your letter
- 1
Get it instantly online
Sign in to your free my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount. If you already receive benefits, choose “Get a benefit verification letter” and download or print it on the spot. This is the fastest route and is identical proof to a mailed letter.
- 2
Call Social Security
Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), 8:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. weekdays, and ask for a benefit verification letter to be mailed. Allow about 10 business days for it to arrive.
- 3
Visit a local office
Bring photo ID to your local Social Security office and request a letter at the counter. Booking an appointment first avoids the longest waits.
- 4
Wait for the original award notice
When a new claim is approved, SSA mails the original award letter automatically, usually 30-60 days after approval. There is no way to speed this up, so for an urgent need use the online letter instead.
What the letter shows
| Detail | What it confirms |
|---|---|
| Benefit type | Retirement, disability (SSDI), survivors, or SSI |
| Monthly amount | Your gross benefit and any deductions (e.g., Medicare premiums) |
| Start date | When payments began or will begin |
| Payment details | Your payment schedule and how you're paid |
| Medicare status | Whether you're enrolled and any premium withheld |
Frequently asked questions
- Is an award letter the same as a benefit verification letter?
- People use the terms interchangeably. The original “award letter” is the approval notice SSA mails when a claim is first granted. If you need current proof of your benefits later, the document to request is the benefit verification letter, it shows the same information and is available instantly online.
- How much does a Social Security award letter cost?
- Nothing. SSA does not charge to issue or replace an award or benefit verification letter through any channel.
- Can I get an award letter if I haven't started benefits yet?
- An award letter only exists once a claim is approved. If your application is still pending, SSA hasn't issued one. You can check your claim status in your my Social Security account.
- What can I use the letter for?
- It's accepted as proof of income or benefit status for mortgages and loans, rental and housing applications, assistance programs, and immigration or court matters.
- How long does the mailed letter take?
- About 10 business days by mail. The original award notice after a new approval can take 30-60 days. The online version is immediate.
Prefer to go in person? Find your local office. Related: get your earnings record.