What an Award Letter Is and Why You Need It
An Award Letter is an official document from Social Security that tells you how much money you will receive each month and when your benefits start. It also lists any dependents who are receiving benefits on your record and explains the rules about working while you collect benefits.
You need this letter for many reasons: to prove your income to a landlord or loan officer, to show your doctor for Medicare questions, to report to your state for Medicaid or other programs, or straightforward to have a record of what Social Security says you are may have access to to receive. If you disagree with the amount, the letter also explains how to request a review.
Social Security sends an Award Letter automatically when your benefits are first approved. If you have lost yours, moved, or need a new copy for any reason, you can request one through several methods.
Key Takeaways
- Your Award Letter arrives by mail automatically when Social Security approves your benefits, and you should keep it in a safe place.
- You can request a replacement copy online through your personal my Social Security account, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office.
- Online requests through my Social Security are usually the fastest method and do not require you to speak with anyone.
- If you need the letter urgently, calling Social Security or visiting an office in person will get you a copy faster than waiting for mail delivery.
- The letter shows your monthly benefit amount, your start date, any family members receiving benefits, and your work incentives if you are on disability.
Getting Your Award Letter Online Through My Social Security Account
The fastest way to get a copy of your Award Letter is through my Social Security, which is Social Security's online portal. If you already have an account, you can log in and view or print your letter in minutes without calling anyone.
To use this method, go to ssa.gov and click "Sign in to my Social Security" in the upper right. You will need your Social Security number and a password. If you do not have an account yet, you can create one on the same page — it takes about 10 minutes and requires your email address, a phone number, and answers to security questions based on your credit history.
Once you are logged in, look for "Benefit Verification Letter" or "Award Letter" in the menu. Click it, and you can view the letter on screen or print it when ready. You can also request that Social Security mail you a certified copy, which takes about 5 to 7 business days.
Requesting Your Award Letter by Phone
If you do not want to set up an online account, you can call Social Security's main number at 1-800-772-1213. Have your Social Security number ready. The wait time varies by time of day and season, but calling early in the morning on a weekday usually means a shorter hold.
Tell the representative that you need a copy of your Award Letter. They will verify your identity by asking questions about your personal history, then they can mail one to you or, in some cases, read key details over the phone so you can write them down. Mailed copies typically arrive within 5 to 10 business days.
If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778. Spanish-language information is also available at the main number.
Getting Your Award Letter in Person at a Social Security Office
You can walk into your local Social Security office and request a copy of your Award Letter on the spot. Find the office nearest you by going to ssa.gov/locator or calling 1-800-772-1213 and asking for the address.
Bring a photo ID and your Social Security card if you have it. You may need to wait, especially during busy times, but you can often leave with a printed copy the same day or have one mailed to you within a few days. Some offices allow you to make an appointment online or by phone, which can shorten your wait time.
What Information Your Award Letter Contains
Your Award Letter shows several key pieces of information. At the top is your monthly benefit amount — the exact dollar figure you receive each month. Below that is your benefit start date, which is the first month you are may have access to to benefits.
The letter also lists any family members who are receiving benefits based on your work record, such as a spouse or children, and how much they receive. If you are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) instead of or in addition to retirement or disability benefits, that will be noted separately with a different amount.
For people on disability, the letter includes information about work incentives — rules that let you work and still receive some or all of your benefits. These rules change depending on your situation, so the letter explains what applies to you.
If Your Award Letter Shows the Wrong Amount
If the amount on your Award Letter does not match what you expected, do not assume it is a mistake. The letter itself explains how to request a review. You have the right to ask Social Security to reconsider the decision, and you have 60 days from the date on the letter to file a written request.
Common reasons for a lower-than-expected amount include: you worked during the year you turned 62 (which can reduce benefits), you are receiving a government pension that triggers a rule called the Government Pension Offset, or your earnings record shows fewer years of work than you thought. The letter may explain which of these applies to you.
If you want to understand why your amount is what it is, call 1-800-772-1213 and ask to speak with a representative who can walk you through your earnings record and explain the calculation. Bring your Award Letter with you when you call.
Keeping Your Award Letter Safe
Your Award Letter contains your Social Security number and benefit information, so store it in a safe place — a file cabinet, safe deposit box, or find folder at home. You do not need to carry it with you every day.
Make a copy for your records and keep the original in a place where you can find it quickly if you need to show it to a doctor, landlord, or government agency. If you move, you do not need to notify Social Security of your new address unless you are receiving SSI — Social Security uses your address on file with the IRS and the Post Office to stay current.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get an Award Letter by mail?
If you request it online through my Social Security, it usually takes 5 to 7 business days. If you call or visit an office, mailed copies typically arrive within 5 to 10 business days. If you need it urgently, visiting an office in person or calling may get you information faster.
Can I get my Award Letter if someone else manages my benefits?
If you have a representative payee or a legal guardian managing your benefits, they can request the letter on your behalf. You can also request it yourself if you are able to verify your identity, even if someone else handles your account.
What if I lost my Award Letter and do not remember my benefit amount?
You can view your benefit amount by logging into my Social Security online, calling 1-800-772-1213, or visiting an office. You do not need to remember the amount — Social Security has your information on file.
Does my Award Letter expire or need to be renewed?
Your Award Letter does not expire, but the information on it may change if your benefits are adjusted, you add a dependent, or your circumstances change. You can request a new letter anytime to confirm your current benefit amount.
Can I get my Award Letter if I have not started receiving benefits yet?
Yes. Once Social Security approves your benefits, they send an Award Letter automatically. If you have not received it yet, you can request one through my Social Security, by phone, or in person to confirm your approval and start date.