How to Get Your SSA 1099 Form From Social Security

Request your SSA 1099 directly from Social Security, either online through your my Social Security account, by phone, or by mail

Social Security sends a 1099-SSA form to anyone who received benefits during the tax year. You do not have to request it — Social Security mails it automatically to the address on file by January 31 each year. But if you need a copy before then, lost yours, or moved since you last updated your address, you can request one yourself through three routes: your online my Social Security account (fastest), a phone call to Social Security, or a written request by mail.

The form shows the total benefits you received in the previous year. You need this to file your tax return, even if you do not owe tax on the benefits themselves. Some people do owe federal income tax on Social Security benefits depending on their other income; the 1099-SSA is how you report what you received.

Key Takeaways

• Social Security mails your 1099-SSA automatically by January 31 to the address they have on file, so you may not need to request one.
• You can view and print your 1099-SSA online through my Social Security if you have an account, which is the fastest method.
• Call Social Security's main number (1-800-772-1213) to request a replacement form if you lost yours or need it before January 31.
• If you moved and did not update your address with Social Security, request a new 1099-SSA by mail or phone to may support it reaches you.
• The 1099-SSA shows your total benefits for the year; you use this figure to calculate whether your benefits are taxable on your return.

Check your my Social Security account first

The fastest way to get your 1099-SSA is through your my Social Security account online. If you already have an account, sign in at ssa.gov/myaccount. Once logged in, look for a section labeled "Benefit Verification" or "Tax Documents" — the exact name varies slightly, but it will show your 1099-SSA for the current and prior years.

You can view the form on screen and print it when ready. This works even before January 31 if you need the form early. If you do not have a my Social Security account yet, you can create one at the same website. You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity (usually a phone number or state ID number). Account setup takes about 10 minutes.

Call Social Security if you cannot access your account online

If you do not use the internet or prefer to speak with someone, call Social Security's main customer service line at 1-800-772-1213. The line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Tell the representative you need a replacement 1099-SSA or that you did not receive yours.

Have your Social Security number ready. The representative can mail a new form to you, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you are calling before January 31 and your form has not been mailed yet, the representative can tell you when to expect it or arrange to send it sooner if you explain why you need it early.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, Social Security offers a TTY number: 1-800-325-0778. If English is not your first language, interpreters are available on the phone line at no cost.

Mail a written request if you prefer not to call

You can also request a 1099-SSA by mail. Write a letter that includes your full name, Social Security number, date of birth, and the year you need the form for. Keep the letter short — one paragraph is enough. Mail it to your local Social Security office. You can find the address at ssa.gov/locator by entering your zip code.

A mailed request takes longer than calling or using your online account — expect 2 to 3 weeks for the form to arrive. Use this method only if you cannot access the online account and calling is not an option for you.

Update your address if you moved recently

If you moved and did not tell Social Security, your 1099-SSA will go to your old address. You can update your address online through my Social Security, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting a local Social Security office in person. Once you update your address, Social Security will mail a new 1099-SSA to the correct location.

If your form went to an old address and you cannot retrieve it, request a replacement using one of the three methods above. Tell Social Security that your address has changed so they know to send future documents to the new one.

What to do if you never received your 1099-SSA by mid-February

Social Security is supposed to mail all 1099-SSA forms by January 31. If you have not received yours by mid-February and you are certain your address is correct on file, contact Social Security. Call 1-800-772-1213 or log into your my Social Security account to request a replacement.

When you file your tax return, you can file without the physical form in hand if you know your benefit amount. You can look up your annual benefit statement through my Social Security, which shows your total benefits for the year. If you cannot find that either, Social Security can tell you the amount over the phone. You will need this number to complete your return accurately.

Keep your 1099-SSA with your tax records

Once you have your form, keep it with your tax return and supporting documents for at least three years. The IRS can ask to see it if they review your return. If you file electronically, you do not mail the form itself — your tax software or preparer enters the information from the form into your return. But you should still keep the physical 1099-SSA or a copy for your records.

If you receive benefits for a spouse or child, Social Security sends separate 1099-SSA forms for each person. Make sure you have all the forms you need before you file.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to request my 1099-SSA or does Social Security send it automatically?

Social Security sends it automatically by January 31 to the address on file. You only need to request one if you did not receive it, moved, lost it, or need it before the mailing date.

What if I received benefits for only part of the year?

Social Security still sends you a 1099-SSA showing the total you received during that year, even if you started or stopped benefits partway through. The form covers only the months you actually received payments.

Can I file my tax return without my 1099-SSA?

You can file if you know your total benefit amount for the year. You can find this on your annual benefit statement in my Social Security or by calling Social Security. But you should still obtain the actual 1099-SSA form for your records.

How do I know if my Social Security benefits are taxable?

It depends on your other income. The 1099-SSA shows what you received, but whether you owe tax on it depends on your combined income from all sources. Your tax software or preparer will calculate this using the worksheet in the tax instructions.

What if I moved and my 1099-SSA went to my old address?

Contact your old landlord or the person living there and ask them to forward it, or request a replacement from Social Security using any of the three methods in this guide. Update your address with Social Security so future forms go to the correct place.