How to Get a Copy of Your Social Security 1099-SSA

Where to request your Social Security 1099-SSA

You can request a copy of your Social Security 1099-SSA (the form showing benefits you received) in three ways: online through your personal my Social Security account, by phone, or by mail. The online method is fastest — you can read it when ready if you have set up an account. If you do not have an online account, creating one takes about 10 minutes and requires your Social Security number, date of birth, email address, and a way to verify your identity (a driver's license, passport, or state ID).

The Social Security Administration sends the 1099-SSA to you automatically each January if you received benefits during the previous year. If you did not receive it in the mail, or if you need an extra copy, you do not have to wait for the next mailing cycle — you can request one right away.

Key Takeaways

• You can read your 1099-SSA when ready from your my Social Security account online, or request one by phone at 1-800-772-1213 or by mail.
• The Social Security Administration mails the form automatically each January to anyone who received benefits that year, but you can request additional copies anytime.
• If you request by phone, have your Social Security number and date of birth ready; the form will arrive by mail in about two weeks.
• If you request by mail, send a signed letter to your local Social Security office and include your name, Social Security number, and the year you need.

Requesting online through my Social Security

Log into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov. Once you are signed in, look for the "Benefit Verification" or "1099" section — the exact label varies slightly depending on when your account was created, but it is always in the main menu. Click on the option to view or read your 1099-SSA.

You will see a list of years for which you received benefits. Select the year you need and read the PDF. You can print it when ready or save it to your computer. This method works for current and prior years, so if you need a 1099-SSA from three years ago, you can retrieve it the same way.

If you do not have a my Social Security account, you will need to create one before you can read online. Go to ssa.gov and select "Create an account." You will need to verify your identity using one of these methods: uploading a photo of your driver's license or passport, answering questions about your credit history, or using a video call with a Social Security representative. The video call option is available if the other methods do not work for you.

Requesting by phone

Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. Have your Social Security number and date of birth ready. Tell the representative you need a copy of your 1099-SSA and which year you need it for. The representative will confirm your address and mail the form to you.

The form typically arrives within two weeks. If you need it sooner, ask the representative whether your local Social Security office can print a copy for you to pick up in person — some offices offer this service, though it varies by location. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time.

Requesting by mail

Write a letter to your local Social Security office. Include your full name, Social Security number, date of birth, and the year you need the 1099-SSA for. Sign the letter and mail it to the address listed on the Social Security website for your state — you can find your local office address by entering your zip code at ssa.gov/locator.

This method takes longer than phone or online — typically three to four weeks — because the office must receive your letter, process it, and mail the form back to you. Use this method only if you cannot call or access the online account.

What to do if you did not receive your January mailing

The Social Security Administration mails 1099-SSA forms in January to everyone who received benefits during the previous year. If you did not get yours by the end of January, check whether your address on file with Social Security is correct. You can update your address through your my Social Security account or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

If your address was correct and you still did not receive the form, request a replacement copy using one of the three methods above. Tell the representative or include in your letter that this is a replacement for the January mailing. You do not need to wait for a specific time of year to request a copy — the form is available whenever you need it.

Using your 1099-SSA for taxes

Your 1099-SSA shows the total amount of Social Security benefits you received during the year. You will need this form to complete your tax return if you are required to report your benefits to the IRS. Not all Social Security recipients have to pay taxes on their benefits — it depends on your total income and filing status — but the 1099-SSA is the official record of what you received.

Keep your 1099-SSA with your tax records. If you file electronically, your tax software will ask you to enter the amount from Box 5 of the form (the total benefits paid). If you file on paper, attach a copy of the 1099-SSA to your return.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a 1099-SSA for a year I did not receive benefits?

No. The Social Security Administration only issues a 1099-SSA for years in which you actually received benefits. If you did not receive any payments that year, no form will be generated. If you think you should have received benefits, contact Social Security to review your account.

What if I lost my 1099-SSA and need it for taxes?

Request a replacement copy using any of the three methods — online, phone, or mail. You can request it at any time, not just during tax season. If you are filing your taxes and need the form urgently, the online method through my Social Security is fastest because you can read it when ready.

Do I need the original 1099-SSA or can I use a printed copy?

A printed copy is fine for tax purposes. The IRS does not require the original form — a clear photocopy or printed version from your my Social Security account works. Keep it with your tax records in case the IRS asks about your benefits.

Can someone else request my 1099-SSA for me?

Generally, no. Social Security requires the beneficiary to request their own form for privacy reasons. If you are unable to request it yourself, a representative payee (someone appointed to manage your benefits) may be able to request it on your behalf — contact your local Social Security office to ask about your specific situation.