How to Get a Benefit Verification Letter

The easiest way to get a copy of your benefit verification letter is online, using your My Social Security account. Here’s what you need to know.

What is a benefit verification letter?

A benefit verification letter is an official, personalized document that spells out your Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicare coverage. It includes your name, date of birth, benefit status, payment amount and other identifiers designed to prevent misuse or fraud.

This document goes by many names; you might also hear it called a “budget letter,” “benefits letter,” “proof of income letter” or “proof of award letter.” Whatever you call it, a benefit verification letter can serve as evidence that you are receiving or have applied for Social Security benefits and how much you get. You might need such proof when applying for a mortgage or other loan, or for government aid such as subsidized housing or energy assistance. 

How can I get my benefit verification letter?

You can get a copy of your benefit verification letter in seconds with a My Social Security account. Once you’ve logged in, simply click on “Your Benefit Verification Letter” in the menu at the top of your home page and use the link on the following page to open a printable, downloadable PDF.

You can also request a benefit verification letter by calling Social Security’s national help line, 800-772-1213. When you hear the automated prompt “How can I help you today?” say “proof of income.” The Social Security Administration (SSA) will mail a copy to the address it has on file for you within 10 business days.

You can also get a copy at a local Social Security office. While appointments are required for most in-person services, the SSA says you don’t need one if all you need is a benefits letter. The national average wait time for service at a Social Security office without an appointment is 27 minutes, according to SSA data, but actual waits and customer experiences can vary by office.

If you live outside the U.S., you must use My Social Security for this task. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will not mail a benefit verification letter to a foreign address. For additional assistance, contact the SSA’s Office of Earnings and International Operations or the Federal Benefits Unit serving your country of residence.