OBTAINING A BENEFIT VERIFICATION LETTER ONLINE FROM THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

April 26, 2017

What is a Benefit Verification Letter?
Are you unsure of which government benefits you are receiving? The Social Security Administration (SSA) can provide an individual with a letter that shows proof that an individual receives social security benefits, such as, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Medicare benefits, or has applied for such benefits. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), this letter is also known as a “budget letter,” a “benefits letter,” a “proof of income,” or a “proof of award letter.”

How do I Obtain a Benefit Verification Letter?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has made it simpler for an individual to obtain a benefit verification letter. An individual can go online by using their website. Individuals must visit https://secure.ssa.gov/RIL/SiView.do or to www.ssa.gov/myaccount to create a new account or go to the site to log in. The following items and information needed to create an account are the following:
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  • Valid email address
  • Social Security Number (SSN)
  • Have a U.S mailing address
  • At least 18 years of age

Can I Request a Benefit Verification Letter for Someone Else?
It is vital to note that the Social Security Administration (SSA), clearly indicates on their website that a person cannot request a benefit verification letter online for another person. Regardless, if the person is a family member or has written consent, you still cannotrequest a benefit verification letter on behalf of someone else online.

Other Options Available to Retrieve Benefit Verification Letter
If you opt to not use the Social Security Administration’s (SSA’s) online service system for obtaining a benefit verification letter, or you need a benefit verification letter for someone, other than for yourself, the Social Security Administration (SSA) must be contacted directly.

The number provided to obtain a benefit verification letter for yourself or for someone else other than yourself, contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) office at 1.800.772.1213, Monday thru Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., or try to contact the local Social Security Administration (SSA) office in your area.

Further Reading/Sources:
https://faq.ssa.gov/en-us/Topic/article/KA-01717
https://secure.ssa.gov/RIL/SiView.do
https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/
https://www.ssa.gov/hlp/mySSA/df-beve.htm