What letters Social Security sends to confirm your details
Social Security sends different letters depending on what they are confirming. The most common are the Social Security Statement (which shows your earnings history and estimated benefits), the Award Letter (which confirms you were approved for benefits and states your monthly amount), and verification letters that confirm your current benefit status to a third party like a landlord or lender.
Each letter serves a different purpose. A Statement is informational and arrives once a year. An Award Letter is sent once when you are first approved and can be requested again if you lose it. Verification letters are sent on demand when you ask Social Security to confirm you are receiving benefits.
You can receive these letters by mail or view them online through your my Social Security account at ssa.gov. Creating an account lets you read letters without waiting for postal delivery.
Key Takeaways
- Social Security sends a Statement once yearly showing your earnings record and what your benefits might be at different ages.
- An Award Letter arrives when you are first approved for benefits and shows your monthly payment amount and the date payments begin.
- You can request a verification letter anytime to prove to a landlord, lender, or government agency that you receive Social Security benefits.
- You can view and read most letters through your my Social Security account instead of waiting for mail delivery.
- If you do not have an online account, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to request a letter by phone.
The Social Security Statement and what it contains
The Social Security Statement is sent to people who are not yet receiving benefits. It arrives once per year, usually in the month of your birthday. The Statement shows your complete earnings record — every year you worked and how much you earned — and estimates what your monthly benefit would be if you claim at age 62, your full retirement age, or age 70.
The Statement also shows how much you and your employer have paid into Social Security over your lifetime. This total appears near the top of the letter. The Statement is meant to help you plan ahead and check that Social Security has your earnings recorded correctly.
If you notice an error in your earnings history on the Statement, you should contact Social Security with proof of the correct amount — usually a copy of your tax return or W-2 form. Errors become harder to fix the longer you wait, so report them as soon as you see them.
Award Letters and what they prove
An Award Letter is sent once, when Social Security approves you for benefits. It states your monthly benefit amount, the date your benefits begin, and any dependents who are also approved. This letter is proof that you receive Social Security benefits.
You will need your Award Letter to show landlords, lenders, or government agencies that you receive benefits. Banks may ask for it when you open an account. Housing programs may ask for it to verify your income. If you lose your Award Letter, you can request a new copy from Social Security at no cost.
The Award Letter also explains any deductions that will be taken from your benefit — for example, if you are still working and your earnings are high enough to reduce your benefit temporarily. Read this section carefully so you understand what amount will actually arrive in your bank account each month.
Verification letters for landlords, lenders, and agencies
A verification letter (also called a benefit verification letter) is a document Social Security sends to confirm that you are currently receiving benefits and the amount. You request this letter when a third party needs proof of your benefit status. Landlords, mortgage lenders, and government agencies commonly ask for this letter.
The letter states your name, benefit type (retirement, disability, survivor), monthly benefit amount, and the date benefits began. It does not include your full earnings history or personal details beyond what is needed to verify your benefit status.
You can request a verification letter by logging into your my Social Security account, calling 1-800-772-1213, or visiting a local Social Security office. If you request by phone or in person, the letter is usually mailed within one week. Online requests through your account may be available when ready as a downloadable PDF.
How to access letters through your online account
Creating a my Social Security account at ssa.gov lets you view and read your Statement, Award Letter, and verification letters without waiting for mail. You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity — usually a phone number, U.S. mailing address, or bank account.
Once your account is set up, log in and look for the "Documents" or "Letters" section. From there you can read a PDF of your Statement or request a new verification letter. Downloaded letters can be printed or emailed to a landlord or lender directly.
If you do not have internet access or prefer not to create an online account, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in your time zone. A representative can mail you a letter or answer questions about what you received.
Why Social Security sends letters and when to expect them
Social Security sends letters to keep you informed about your account and to provide proof of your benefits when you need it. The Statement arrives automatically once a year so you can review your earnings record and plan for retirement. Award Letters are sent when you are approved so you have a record of your benefit amount and start date.
Verification letters are sent on request — there is no set schedule. You can request one anytime you need to prove your benefit status. Some people request them once a year for their records; others request them only when a landlord or lender asks.
If you have not received a letter you expected, check your my Social Security account first — it may already be there. If not, call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm your mailing address is correct or to request the letter be sent again.
What to do if your letter contains an error
If your Statement shows incorrect earnings, contact Social Security with documentation of the correct amount. Bring a copy of your tax return, W-2, or other pay record to a local Social Security office, or mail it to the address listed on the Statement itself. Errors in your earnings record can lower your benefit, so it is worth correcting them.
If your Award Letter shows the wrong monthly amount or benefit type, call 1-800-772-1213 right away. Do not assume the error will fix itself — Social Security will not correct it unless you report it. Have your Award Letter in front of you when you call so you can reference the incorrect information.
If a verification letter contains an error — for example, the wrong benefit amount or start date — request a corrected letter through your online account or by phone. Most errors are fixed within a few business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Award Letter as proof of income for an apartment?
Yes. An Award Letter shows your monthly benefit amount and is accepted by most landlords as proof of income. Some landlords may also ask for a recent bank statement showing the deposit, or a verification letter from Social Security. Ask the landlord which documents they need before you submit your process.
What if I never received my Statement?
Check your my Social Security account to see if it is posted there. If not, call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm your mailing address is correct. Social Security can mail a new Statement or you can read it from your online account once you set one up.
How long does it take to get a verification letter?
If you request online through your my Social Security account, you may read it when ready as a PDF. If you call or visit an office, the letter is usually mailed within one week. If you need it faster, ask the office if they can provide it in person or email it to you.
Do I need to show my Award Letter to my bank?
Banks sometimes ask for an Award Letter when you open a new account, especially if you list Social Security as your primary income. Bring it with you when you open the account, or call ahead to ask what documents the bank needs.
What is the difference between a Statement and an Award Letter?
A Statement shows your earnings history and estimates what your benefit could be in the future — it is sent before you claim benefits. An Award Letter confirms you were approved and states your actual monthly benefit amount — it is sent after you claim. You need the Award Letter to prove you receive benefits.