How to Get a 1099 Form From Social Security

What a 1099-SSA actually is and when you need it

Social Security sends you a 1099-SSA (or SSA-1099) each January if you received benefits during the previous year. This form reports the total amount of benefits you got, and you use it to file your taxes. The form goes to you automatically — you do not have to request it, and Social Security does not charge a fee.

You will receive a 1099-SSA if you got retirement, survivor, or disability benefits at any point during the tax year. If you received Supplemental Security Income (SSI) instead, you get a different form called an SSA-1099 (note: slightly different name). The two are not interchangeable, so make sure you have the right one before you file.

The form arrives in the mail in early January, typically by mid-month. If you have set up a my Social Security account online, you can also view and read your 1099-SSA through that account starting in mid-January, even before the paper copy arrives.

Key Takeaways

• Social Security mails your 1099-SSA automatically in January — you do not need to request it unless you did not receive one.
• You can view your 1099-SSA online through your my Social Security account starting in mid-January, before the paper form arrives.
• If you did not receive your form by the end of January, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to request a replacement.
• SSI recipients receive an SSA-1099 instead of a 1099-SSA, and the two forms are used differently on your tax return.
• You can request prior-year 1099 forms by mail, phone, or through your online account if you need to file an amended return.

How to find your 1099-SSA online through my Social Security

The fastest way to get your 1099-SSA is through your my Social Security account. If you do not have one, you can create it at ssa.gov in about 10 minutes using your email, Social Security number, and a way to verify your identity (a driver's license, passport, or military ID).

Once you are logged in, look for a section labeled "Benefit Verification" or "Tax Information." Starting in mid-January, your 1099-SSA will appear there as a downloadable PDF. You can print it, save it to your computer, or read it directly to your phone. This copy is official and accepted by the IRS, so you do not have to wait for the paper version to file your taxes.

The online version also shows you exactly what Social Security reported about your benefits, so you can catch errors before you file. If something looks wrong — for example, if the amount does not match what you actually received — you can contact Social Security to correct it before tax time.

What to do if you did not receive your form by the end of January

If your 1099-SSA did not arrive in the mail by late January and you do not see it in your online account, contact Social Security. Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard-of-hearing callers) between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Have your Social Security number ready.

When you call, tell the representative that you need a replacement 1099-SSA. They can mail you a new copy, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you need it faster, ask whether they can email or fax it to you instead — some offices will do this if you provide a fax number or email address.

You can also request a replacement form by visiting your local Social Security office in person, though calling is usually faster. Bring your ID and Social Security card if you go in person.

How to get a 1099-SSA from a previous year

If you need a 1099-SSA from a past tax year — for example, because you are filing an amended return or you lost the original — you can request it through your my Social Security account, by phone, or by mail.

Through your online account: Log in to my Social Security, go to the tax information section, and look for an option to view or read prior-year forms. Not all accounts show this option, so if you do not see it, use one of the other methods.

By phone: Call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for a 1099-SSA from the specific year you need. The representative will mail it to you. This usually takes 7 to 10 business days.

By mail: Write to Social Security at the address on your benefit statement or on ssa.gov. Include your name, Social Security number, date of birth, and the specific year(s) you need. Mail takes longer than calling, so use this method only if you cannot call.

The difference between 1099-SSA and SSA-1099

If you received Supplemental Security Income (SSI) instead of regular Social Security benefits, you will get an SSA-1099 instead of a 1099-SSA. The two forms look similar but are reported differently on your tax return.

A 1099-SSA is for Social Security retirement, survivor, and disability benefits. An SSA-1099 is for SSI payments. Some people receive both types of benefits, in which case you will get both forms. Make sure you report each one on the correct line of your tax return — using the wrong form can delay your refund or trigger an IRS notice.

If you are unsure which type of benefit you receive, check your benefit statement or log into your my Social Security account. It will clearly say whether you are on Social Security or SSI.

What information is on your 1099-SSA and how to use it

Your 1099-SSA shows the total amount of benefits you received during the tax year in Box 5. This is the number you report on your tax return. The form also shows any federal income tax you had withheld (Box 4) and your net benefit amount (Box 3).

When you file your taxes, your tax software or tax preparer will ask you to enter the amount from Box 5. If you had taxes withheld, that amount goes on a separate line. The IRS matches this information against what Social Security reported, so the numbers must match exactly.

Keep your 1099-SSA with your tax records for at least three years, even after you file. The IRS can ask for it if they audit your return.

Correcting errors on your 1099-SSA

If the amount on your 1099-SSA does not match what you actually received, or if your name or Social Security number is wrong, contact Social Security right away. Call 1-800-772-1213 and explain the error. The representative will investigate and send you a corrected form if needed.

Social Security has until the end of February to correct errors and send you a replacement form. If the error is caught after February, Social Security will still correct it, but you may need to file an amended tax return (Form 1040-X) once you have the corrected 1099-SSA.

Do not file your taxes with an incorrect 1099-SSA. It is better to wait a few days for a corrected form than to file with wrong information and have to amend later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file my taxes before I receive my 1099-SSA?

You can file once you see the form in your my Social Security account, which is usually mid-January. You do not have to wait for the paper copy to arrive. If you prefer to wait for the paper form, most arrive by mid-January, so the delay is usually only a week or two.

What if I never received Social Security benefits but got a 1099-SSA anyway?

Contact Social Security when ready at 1-800-772-1213. This could be a mistake, or it could indicate identity theft. Social Security will investigate and send you a corrected form if the 1099-SSA was issued in error.

Do I need to report my 1099-SSA if my benefits are not taxable?

You still need to report it on your tax return, even if none of your benefits are taxable. The IRS uses the 1099-SSA to verify your income. Your tax software will calculate whether any of your benefits are actually taxable based on your other income.

Can I get my 1099-SSA emailed to me instead of mailed?

Social Security does not email 1099-SSA forms as a standard practice, but you can view and read yours through your my Social Security account starting in mid-January. This digital copy is official and accepted by the IRS. If you need a paper copy mailed, call 1-800-772-1213.

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

Log into your my Social Security account and read a copy, or call 1-800-772-1213 to request a replacement. Either way, you will have an official copy within days. Your tax preparer can also contact Social Security directly if needed.