Social Security Award Letter
Updated October 2026 · 2026 figures from the Social Security Administration and IRS
A Social Security award letter (Notice of Award) is the letter SSA sends when your benefits are approved, showing your monthly amount, deductions such as Medicare, your payment date and any back pay. Need proof of income now? Download a benefit verification letter instantly from my Social Security at ssa.gov, or request one by phone at 1-800-772-1213.
Retirement Rules Guide is an independent site, not the Social Security Administration. We can't issue letters or see your record.
Social Security award letter vs. other letters
| Letter | When you get it | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Notice of Award (award letter) | Once, when a claim is approved | Your first decision: amount, start date, back pay |
| Benefit verification letter | Any time you request it | Proof of income for loans, rent, housing aid, Medicaid, SNAP |
| Annual cost-of-living (COLA) notice | Every December, by mail and in your online account | Your new amount for the next year after the COLA and Medicare premium |
| SSA-1099 benefit statement | Every January | Income taxes (box 5 = net benefits) |
Most landlords, lenders and agencies that ask for an "award letter" will accept the current benefit verification letter, which shows this year's amount.
What's on your award letter
- Your monthly benefit before deductions and the month it starts.
- Deductions: usually the Medicare Part B premium ($202.90 in 2026, more with IRMAA) and any federal tax withholding you chose.
- Net payment and the date you'll be paid each month.
- Back pay owed for past months and when it will be paid (SSI and some disability back pay is paid in installments).
- Family members receiving benefits on your record, if any.
- Your appeal rights and the deadline.
Get a benefit verification letter online
- Sign in to my Social Security. Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and sign in with Login.gov or ID.me.
- Open the letters section. Choose 'Get a Benefit Verification Letter' (or the Message Center for award and COLA notices).
- Pick the letter type. Choose the year and what to include, such as benefit amount and Medicare.
- Download or print. The letter is ready immediately as a PDF; you can also have it mailed.
No internet? Call 1-800-772-1213; the automated line can mail a benefit verification letter 24 hours a day. It arrives in about 10 days.
Check your award letter for mistakes
Compare the benefit amount with the estimate on your Social Security Statement and your own Social Security calculator result. Common problems:
- Missing earnings years (the benefit is lower than expected).
- Wrong start month or date of birth.
- Medicare premium deducted when you have other coverage, or an IRMAA based on an old, higher income (you can ask for a new determination with Form SSA-44).
- Spouse or survivor benefits not considered.
Disagree? You have 60 days
You can appeal any decision within 60 days of receiving the letter; SSA assumes you received it five days after the date on it. Ask for reconsideration online, by phone or at an office (Form SSA-561). For an overpayment notice, you can appeal and also ask for a waiver if it wasn't your fault and repaying would cause hardship. Filing within 10 days can keep your benefits unchanged while the appeal is reviewed, in some cases.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get my Social Security award letter?
The award letter is mailed when your claim is approved and is also in your my Social Security Message Center. For current proof of income, download a benefit verification letter from my Social Security or request one at 1-800-772-1213.
Is a benefit verification letter the same as an award letter?
Not exactly, but it's what most lenders, landlords and agencies want. The award letter shows the original decision; the benefit verification letter shows your current benefit.
How long does it take to get a Social Security award letter?
It's sent once your application is approved, typically a few weeks after you apply for retirement benefits and longer for disability. A benefit verification letter is available instantly online.
Can I get my award letter by phone?
You can request a benefit verification letter by mail through the automated line at 1-800-772-1213, 24 hours a day. It arrives in about 10 days.
How long do I have to appeal a Social Security decision?
60 days from when you receive the letter; SSA assumes you received it five days after the date on the letter.