How to Get a Copy of Your Social Security 1099 Form

Where to Request Your Social Security 1099

You can request a copy of your Social Security 1099 form (officially called a SSA-1099) in three ways: online through your personal my Social Security account, by phone, or by mail. The online method is fastest — you can read it when ready if you have set up your account. If you do not have an online account, creating one takes about 10 minutes and requires your Social Security number, date of birth, and an email address.

To request online, log into my Social Security at ssa.gov, select "Benefit Verification Letter" from the menu, and choose the tax year you need. The form downloads as a PDF. If you prefer not to use the website, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask them to mail you a copy. Have your Social Security number ready when you call.

By mail, send a written request to your local Social Security office. You can find the address at ssa.gov/locator. Include your name, Social Security number, date of birth, and the tax year you need. Mail requests typically take 2 to 4 weeks.

Key Takeaways

The fastest way to get your 1099 is through your my Social Security account online, where you can read it when ready.
You can call 1-800-772-1213 to request a mailed copy, which arrives in 2 to 4 weeks.
Your 1099 shows the total Social Security benefits you received during the tax year and is used to report income to the IRS.
You need your 1099 by the time you file your tax return, usually by April 15 of the following year.
If you did not receive your 1099 by early February, contact Social Security to request a replacement.

What Information Is on Your 1099

Your SSA-1099 shows three key pieces of information: your name and Social Security number, the total amount of benefits you received during that tax year, and the amount of Medicare premiums deducted from your benefits (if any). The form also lists any federal income tax you had withheld from your payments.

Social Security mails 1099 forms automatically in January for the previous tax year. If you receive benefits, you should receive one even if you do not owe taxes. The form is sent to the address Social Security has on file, so if you have moved, update your address with Social Security before January to make sure it reaches you.

When You Need Your 1099

You need your 1099 when you file your federal income tax return. Some seniors do not owe federal income tax on their Social Security benefits, but you still need the form to report the income to the IRS. Your tax preparer or tax software will ask for the amounts shown on your 1099.

The important date to file your tax return is usually April 15 of the year following the tax year. If you file late, you will still need your 1099 to report your income accurately. If you are waiting for your 1099 and the filing important date is approaching, you can request an expedited copy by phone or use the benefit verification letter from your online account as a temporary record.

If Your 1099 Does Not Arrive

If you did not receive your 1099 by early February, contact Social Security. Call 1-800-772-1213 and tell them you did not receive your form. Have your Social Security number ready. They can tell you whether the form was mailed and to what address, and they can send you a replacement.

If you moved after your benefits started, Social Security may have sent your 1099 to an old address. Update your mailing address with Social Security as soon as possible — you can do this online through my Social Security, by phone, or in person at your local office. Once your address is corrected, Social Security can remail your 1099 or you can read it from your online account.

Replacing a Lost or Damaged 1099

If you received your 1099 but lost it or it was damaged, you do not need to wait for Social Security to mail another one. The fastest option is to log into my Social Security and read a replacement when ready. You can print as many copies as you need.

If you do not have an online account, call 1-800-772-1213 and request a replacement by mail. Tell them your 1099 was lost or damaged and provide the tax year you need. The replacement will arrive in 2 to 4 weeks. You can also visit your local Social Security office in person to request a copy on the spot.

Using Your 1099 for Tax Purposes

Your 1099 is the official record of your Social Security income for the tax year. When you file your taxes, you will report the amount shown in Box 5 of your 1099 as your Social Security benefit income. If you are married and file jointly, your spouse will need their own 1099 if they also receive benefits.

Some of your Social Security benefits may be taxable depending on your total income for the year. Your tax preparer or tax software will calculate whether you owe tax on your benefits using the amounts on your 1099 and your other income sources. Keep your 1099 with your tax records for at least three years in case the IRS has questions.

Setting Up Your Online Account

Creating a my Social Security account takes about 10 minutes and gives you access to your 1099 anytime without calling or visiting an office. Go to ssa.gov and click "Create an account." You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, email address, and a way to verify your identity — usually a driver's license, state ID, or passport.

Once your account is set up, you can read your 1099 for any year, check your benefit amount, see your payment history, and change your address or direct deposit information. You can also set up a username and password, or use sign-in options like Login.gov or ID.me if you already have those accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my 1099 before January?

Social Security does not issue 1099 forms until January for the previous tax year. If you need to know your benefit amount before then, you can log into my Social Security to see your current monthly payment amount, or call 1-800-772-1213 to ask Social Security to estimate your annual total.

What if I receive both Social Security and SSI (Supplemental Security Income)?

SSI does not generate a 1099 form. Only Social Security retirement, survivor, and disability benefits produce a 1099. If you receive both, you will receive a 1099 only for your Social Security portion. SSI income is reported differently on your tax return.

Do I need my 1099 if I do not owe taxes?

Yes. Even if your Social Security benefits are not taxable, you still need your 1099 to report the income to the IRS. The form proves you received the benefits and shows the amount. Your tax preparer or software will use it to determine whether any tax is owed.

Can someone else pick up my 1099 at the Social Security office?

Yes, but they will need written permission from you and a photo ID. You can also authorize someone to manage your account online by granting them access through my Social Security, which lets them read your 1099 on your behalf.

What if the amount on my 1099 looks wrong?

Contact Social Security when ready at 1-800-772-1213. Errors on your 1099 can affect your tax return and your tax refund. Social Security can review your payment history and issue a corrected 1099 if there was a mistake. Keep records of any payments you know you received so you can compare them to what the 1099 shows.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.