You can get a copy of your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) award letter online or at a local Social Security office. If you're willing to wait for the mail, you can also request the letter by telephone. Your award letter provides proof of your SSI if you need it when applying for an apartment or a home loan, or for some other reason.
Get Your SSI Award Letter Online
Obtain a copy of your award letter online in seconds by logging on to your Social Security account. You'll need your username and password to sign in. Choose "Get a Benefit Verification Letter" and print or save the letter.
If you don't have an account yet, create one at Sign In or Create an Account. You must be at least age 18 and have a working email address to open an account. You'll have to give personal information to prove your identity, including your name, U.S. mailing address and Social Security number.
Call the Office
If you prefer, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7. p.m. weekdays to request a copy of your award letter. Call 1-800-325-0778 if you're hearing-impaired. It may take several weeks for your letter to arrive in the mail.
Get a Copy in Person
If you prefer to request your award letter at a local Social Security office, use the Social Security Office Locator to find the branch nearest you. Enter your Zip Code, and the tool will provide the office address and hours.
When you visit the local branch, you'll have to provide personal identifying information, including your name and Social Security number. After you wait your turn, the office staff can print out your SSI verification letter the same day.
Learn the Status of New Benefits
If you recently applied for SSI benefits, you may still be waiting for approval or for your official verification letter. Approval of an initial application may take three to five months, according to the SSA website. After you're approved, you'll typically wait an additional one to three months to receive your letter. In fact, some people get their first SSI bank deposit before they receive the award letter.
The fastest way to check the status of your SSI application is to go online, according to the Social Security Administration. Just log on to your Social Security account to see whether your application has been approved. When you award letter is ready, you can print it out also.