You can request a 1099 form from Social Security if you received benefits that year, but the form arrives only if Social Security paid you more than $10 in taxable benefits

Social Security sends a Form SSA-1099 (Social Security Benefit Statement) to anyone who received benefits during the tax year and had taxable income from those benefits. The form shows how much you were paid and how much of it may be subject to federal income tax. You do not request this form — Social Security mails it automatically to your address on file, usually in January.

If you did not receive a 1099 but believe you should have, or if you need a replacement copy, you can contact Social Security directly. The process depends on whether you have a my Social Security account and how quickly you need the form.

Key Takeaways

  • Social Security mails Form SSA-1099 automatically in January if you received more than $10 in taxable benefits during the previous year.
  • You can view your 1099 online through your my Social Security account without waiting for the paper copy to arrive.
  • If you did not receive a 1099 and believe you should have, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to request a replacement or verify your mailing address.
  • The 1099 shows your gross benefit amount and the taxable portion, which you will need to report on your federal tax return.

How to view your 1099 online through my Social Security

The fastest way to see your 1099 is through your my Social Security account, which you can access at ssa.gov. If you already have an account, sign in and look for "Benefit Verification" or "Tax Information" in the menu. The 1099 information typically becomes available in mid-January, before the paper form arrives in the mail.

If you do not have a my Social Security account, you can create one using your email address, Social Security number, and a phone number. Social Security will send you a verification code by text or email to confirm your identity. Once your account is set up, you can view your 1099 and other benefit documents anytime.

Requesting a replacement 1099 by phone or mail

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to request a replacement 1099 or to confirm that one was sent. Have your Social Security number ready. You can ask them to mail a new copy or verify the address where your original was sent. Wait times are typically shorter early in the morning or later in the week.

If you prefer to request a replacement in writing, you can mail a letter to your local Social Security office. Include your name, Social Security number, date of birth, and the tax year you need the 1099 for. You can find your local office address at ssa.gov/locator. Allow two to three weeks for a response.

What information appears on your 1099

Form SSA-1099 shows four key pieces of information: your total Social Security benefits paid in the tax year (Box 5), the amount of those benefits that is taxable (Box 5a), any federal income tax withheld from your benefits (Box 4), and your net benefit amount after withholding (Box 3). The taxable amount depends on your other income and filing status — not everyone who receives Social Security owes tax on it.

You will need the information from your 1099 to complete your federal tax return. If you file taxes, bring the 1099 to your tax preparer or enter the numbers into your tax software. If you do not file taxes but received a 1099, you may still want to check whether you are required to file based on your total income for the year.

When Social Security does not send a 1099

Social Security only mails a 1099 if you received more than $10 in taxable benefits during the year. If your benefits were very low or if you received only Supplemental Security Income (SSI) instead of Social Security retirement or disability benefits, you will not receive a 1099. SSI is not taxable income and does not generate a 1099 form.

If you received both Social Security and SSI, you will receive a 1099 only for the Social Security portion. The SSI amount will not appear on the form. If you are unsure whether your benefits are Social Security or SSI, check your benefit statement or call Social Security to ask.

Correcting errors on your 1099

If your 1099 contains an error — such as the wrong benefit amount or incorrect personal information — contact Social Security as soon as you notice it. Call 1-800-772-1213 and explain the error. Social Security will investigate and send you a corrected 1099 if needed. Keep the corrected form with your tax records.

Do not file your tax return with an incorrect 1099. If you file before the error is corrected, you may need to file an amended return later. Social Security can usually correct errors within a few weeks if you report them before the tax filing important date.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Social Security mail the 1099?

Social Security mails Form SSA-1099 in January for the previous tax year. If you have a my Social Security account, you can view it online in mid-January, before the paper copy arrives. The exact mailing date varies slightly each year.

Do I need a 1099 if I do not file taxes?

You do not need a 1099 to file taxes if you are not required to file. However, if your total income (including Social Security) exceeds the filing threshold for your age and filing status, you must file and will need the 1099 to report your benefits correctly.

What if I moved and did not receive my 1099?

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to update your mailing address. They can resend your 1099 to your new address or you can view it online through my Social Security. If you moved after the 1099 was mailed, the post office may have forwarded it or it may be returned to Social Security.

Can I get a 1099 for a year I already filed taxes?

Yes. You can request a 1099 for any prior year by calling Social Security or through your my Social Security account if you have one. You may need this if you filed taxes without the form or if you are amending a prior return.