The benefit verification letter, sometimes called a "budget letter," a "benefits letter," a "proof of income letter," or a "proof of award letter,” serves as proof that you either:
- Get Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Medicare.
- Have never received benefits or SSI.
- Have applied for benefits.
You can request one online by using your personal my Social Security account, which will allow you to immediately view, print, and save a copy of the letter. You can call us to request one at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time.
If you receive benefits or have a pending application, you can request that we mail you a benefit verification letter. We will mail your benefit verification letter within 10 business days to the address we have on file. Be sure to confirm or update your mailing address in your personal my Social Security account. If you get SSI, you will need to contact us to update the address.
You cannot get a benefit verification letter online for another person, such as a spouse or child, unless they are a beneficiary for whom you are an active representative payee.
For more information go to the Get your Social Security Benefit Verification Letter online page.