Benefit Verification Letter (SSA) — Proof of income letter
A Benefit Verification Letter is the official SSA document that confirms your monthly benefit amount, benefit type, and Medicare status. Free online.
Official source: ssa.gov
A Benefit Verification Letter, sometimes called a proof of income letter or award letter, is an official Social Security Administration document that confirms your monthly benefit amount, benefit type, and Medicare enrollment status. It is one of the most frequently requested SSA documents.
Landlords, banks, housing authorities, and state benefit programs commonly ask for this letter. It works as proof of income for rental applications, mortgage and loan approvals, rental assistance, and other government programs.
The fastest way to get one is online and free. Log in to your my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount, choose Get a Benefit Verification Letter, and print or download it on the spot.
If you do not have an online account, call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to request a letter by mail. Standard delivery takes about 10 business days.
When generating online, you can customize what the letter shows, including whether to include Medicare information and recent cost-of-living adjustments. For your full earnings record and complete Social Security history, request your Social Security Statement instead.
In real life
- A retiree applying for an apartment downloads a Benefit Verification Letter from my Social Security in under five minutes and uploads it with the rental application as proof of income.
Also known as
Frequently asked questions about Benefit Verification Letter (SSA)
How do I get a Benefit Verification Letter from SSA?+
Log in to my Social Security at ssa.gov/myaccount and choose Get a Benefit Verification Letter, or call 1-800-772-1213 to request one by mail.
Is a Benefit Verification Letter free?+
Yes. SSA does not charge for benefit verification letters online or by mail.
What does a Benefit Verification Letter show?+
Your name, current monthly benefit amount, benefit start date, benefit type, and whether you have Medicare Part A or Part B.
How long does it take to receive a letter by mail?+
Standard mail delivery from SSA takes about 10 business days from the request date.
Can I customize what the letter shows?+
Yes. When generating online, you can choose to include Medicare details, cost-of-living adjustments, and other optional information.
Source: ssa.gov