How to Request Your 1099-SSA Form From Social Security
Social Security sends you a 1099-SSA automatically if you received benefits
You do not request a 1099-SSA — Social Security mails it to you without asking. If you received Social Security retirement, survivor, or disability benefits (SSDI) during the tax year, the Social Security Administration sends Form 1099-SSA to your address on file by January 31. The form shows the total benefits you received that year, which you may need to report on your tax return depending on your income level.
If you did not receive a 1099-SSA by early February, or if you moved and think it went to an old address, you have two ways to get a copy: request one by phone or create an account on the Social Security website to view and print it yourself.
Key Takeaways
- Social Security mails Form 1099-SSA to you automatically by January 31 if you received benefits during the tax year — you do not need to request it.
- If your 1099-SSA did not arrive, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to request a replacement copy by mail.
- You can create a free my Social Security account online to view and print your 1099-SSA yourself without waiting for the mail.
- The 1099-SSA shows your total benefits received; whether you owe tax on those benefits depends on your total income and filing status, not the form itself.
Calling Social Security to request a replacement 1099-SSA
The fastest way to get a replacement 1099-SSA is to call Social Security's main customer service line at 1-800-772-1213. Have your Social Security number ready. Tell the representative you need a copy of your 1099-SSA for the tax year you are filing. They will confirm your mailing address and mail the form to you — this usually takes 5 to 10 business days.
If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778. Social Security also accepts requests through your local Social Security office, though calling is faster. You can find your local office address at ssa.gov/locator.
Have your tax year ready when you call. If you are filing 2024 taxes, you need the 2024 1099-SSA. Social Security can provide copies from prior years as well, though the current year form is what you need for your return.
Viewing your 1099-SSA online through my Social Security
If you have a my Social Security account, you can view and print your 1099-SSA without calling or waiting for mail. Go to ssa.gov, click "Sign In" at the top right, and log in with your username and password. If you do not have an account, you can create one for free — you will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity (usually a phone number or address on file).
Once logged in, look for a section labeled "Benefit Verification" or "Tax Information." Your 1099-SSA should appear there as a downloadable PDF. You can print it when ready and use it for your tax filing. This is the fastest option if you already have an account set up.
Creating a my Social Security account takes about 10 minutes the first time. Social Security will send you a confirmation email. Once your account is active, you can view your 1099-SSA anytime, which is helpful if you need it again in future years.
What to do if you received benefits but no 1099-SSA arrived
If you received Social Security benefits during the tax year and did not get a 1099-SSA by mid-February, the form may have gone to an old address. Call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm your current mailing address on file. If it is wrong, Social Security will update it and mail a replacement form.
If your address is correct but you still have not received the form, ask the representative to mail a duplicate. This sometimes happens if mail is lost or if there was a processing delay. Requesting by phone is more reliable than waiting longer.
Do not file your tax return without the 1099-SSA if you received benefits. You need the exact benefit amount from the form to report on your return. If the form is truly delayed and your tax important date is approaching, call Social Security and ask for the total benefits amount over the phone — you can use that number temporarily and attach a note to your return explaining why the form was not included.
Understanding what the 1099-SSA shows and what it means for your taxes
Form 1099-SSA has three main boxes. Box 1 shows your total Social Security benefits for the year. Box 2 shows the amount of those benefits that are taxable (this is not always the same as Box 1). Box 3 shows the amount withheld for federal income tax, if any.
The 1099-SSA does not tell you whether you owe tax on your benefits — it only reports what you received. Whether your benefits are taxable depends on your total income (including wages, interest, and other sources) and your filing status. You may owe tax on some or all of your benefits, or none at all. Your tax software or tax preparer uses the 1099-SSA along with your other income to calculate this.
Keep your 1099-SSA with your tax records for at least three years. If Social Security sends you a corrected form (called a 1099-SSA-C), use the corrected version instead and keep both copies.
Corrected 1099-SSA forms and what to do if yours has an error
If Social Security made an error on your 1099-SSA — for example, the benefit amount is wrong or your name is misspelled — call 1-800-772-1213 to report it. Social Security will investigate and send you a corrected form (1099-SSA-C) if needed. This usually takes a few weeks.
If you already filed your tax return with the incorrect 1099-SSA, you will need to file an amended return (Form 1040-X) once you receive the corrected form. Your tax software or preparer can help you do this. Keep the corrected 1099-SSA with your amended return.
Do not ignore a discrepancy. The IRS receives a copy of your 1099-SSA, so if the amount on your return does not match what Social Security reported, the IRS may send you a notice. Correcting it early prevents that problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my 1099-SSA before January 31?
No. Social Security does not mail 1099-SSA forms until January 31 each year. However, if you have a my Social Security account, you may be able to view it a few days earlier online. Calling before January 31 will not get you the form faster.
What if I received benefits for only part of the year?
Social Security still sends you a 1099-SSA. It will show only the benefits you received during the months you were may be able to access. If you started or stopped benefits mid-year, the form reflects that.
Do I need the 1099-SSA if I do not owe taxes?
You still need to report your Social Security benefits on your tax return even if you do not owe tax. The 1099-SSA is the document that proves the amount you received. Keep it with your records even if your tax liability is zero.
Can someone else pick up my 1099-SSA at a Social Security office?
Social Security generally mails forms only to the beneficiary's address on file. If you need someone else to retrieve it, contact your local Social Security office to ask about their specific policy — some offices may release it to an authorized representative with proper documentation.
What if I lost my 1099-SSA after I received it?
Call 1-800-772-1213 and request a duplicate. You can also view and print it from your my Social Security account if you have one set up. Keep copies in a safe place for your records.
This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.