How to request your SSA 1099 from Social Security

The Social Security Administration sends Form SSA-1099 (Social Security Benefit Statement) to anyone receiving Social Security benefits. You do not request it — Social Security mails it to you automatically each January if you received benefits in the prior year. If you did not receive one, or if you need a replacement copy, you can get one through three routes: online through your my Social Security account, by phone, or by visiting a local Social Security office in person.

The fastest method is your my Social Security account at ssa.gov. Log in, select "Benefit Verification Letter" or navigate to the documents section, and you can view and print your 1099 when ready. If you do not have an online account, you can create one using your email, Social Security number, and identity verification through ID.me or Login.gov.

If you prefer not to use the online portal, call Social Security's main line at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers). Have your Social Security number ready. They can mail you a replacement 1099, though it typically takes 5 to 7 business days. You can also visit your local Social Security office — find the nearest one at ssa.gov/locator — and request a copy in person, which you may receive the same day.

Key Takeaways

  • Social Security mails Form SSA-1099 automatically each January to anyone who received benefits the prior year.
  • The fastest way to get a replacement is through your my Social Security account online, where you can view and print it when ready.
  • You can also call 1-800-772-1213 to request a mailed copy, which takes 5 to 7 business days.
  • Visiting your local Social Security office in person may get you a copy the same day.

What information appears on your SSA 1099

Your SSA-1099 shows the total amount of Social Security benefits you received during the tax year in Box 5 (gross benefits). It also shows any federal income tax you had withheld in Box 4. The form lists your name, Social Security number, and the tax year it covers.

If you received Supplemental Security Income (SSI) instead of or in addition to Social Security retirement, survivor, or disability benefits, you will receive Form SSA-1099-SSI, which works the same way but covers SSI payments only. Some people receive both and will get two separate forms.

The 1099 you receive in January covers the prior calendar year. For example, the form you receive in January 2024 reports benefits paid in 2023. Keep this in mind if you are looking for a specific year — you may need to request an older form if you are filing a prior-year tax return.

When you need your SSA 1099 for taxes

You need your SSA-1099 to file your federal income tax return if you received Social Security benefits during the year. The form tells you and the IRS how much you were paid and how much federal tax was already withheld. Even if no tax was withheld, you still report the gross benefit amount on your return.

Whether your benefits are taxable depends on your combined income — a calculation that includes your adjusted gross income, nontaxable interest, and half of your Social Security benefits. If your combined income exceeds certain thresholds (which vary by filing status), a portion of your benefits becomes taxable. Your tax software or tax preparer will use the 1099 to make this calculation.

You should receive your 1099 by January 31 each year, which gives you time before the April 15 tax important date. If you file early and have not received it, you can use the online portal or call Social Security to get a copy sooner.

Replacing a lost or damaged 1099

If your 1099 arrives damaged, illegible, or with incorrect information, request a replacement through the same three channels: online, by phone, or in person. When you call or visit, mention that the form is damaged or contains an error so Social Security can investigate and correct it if needed.

If the information on the form is wrong — for example, the benefit amount does not match what you were actually paid — do not assume it is a mistake on your part. Contact Social Security directly to verify. Errors can occur if benefits were adjusted, overpaid and recovered, or if there was a change in your case during the year.

Keep your 1099 with your tax records for at least three years. The IRS can request documentation of your income during that period, and having the original form makes it straightforward to respond.

Getting a 1099 for a prior tax year

If you need a 1099 from a previous year — because you are filing a late return or amending a prior-year return — you can request it the same way as a current-year form. Through your my Social Security account, you may be able to view prior years directly. By phone or in person, tell Social Security which year you need, and they will send it to you.

Social Security keeps records going back several years, so even if you lost your original form, you can obtain a copy. This is especially important if you are filing an amended return (Form 1040-X) and need to show the IRS what your actual benefits were in that year.

What to do if you never received a 1099

If you received Social Security benefits but did not get a 1099 in the mail, first check that Social Security has your correct mailing address. Log into your my Social Security account and verify the address listed there. If it is wrong, update it when ready.

If your address is correct but you still have not received the form by mid-February, contact Social Security by phone or visit your local office. They can confirm whether a form was mailed and resend it if needed. Do not wait until tax time to discover the form is missing.

If you are filing your return before the 1099 arrives, you can file using the benefit amount shown in your my Social Security account or your last benefit statement. You can then file an amended return once you receive the official 1099 if the amounts differ.

Using your 1099 with tax software and preparers

When you file your taxes, have your SSA-1099 in front of you. Most tax software will ask you to enter the gross benefit amount from Box 5 and any federal withholding from Box 4. The software then calculates whether your benefits are taxable based on your other income.

If you use a tax preparer or CPA, bring the original 1099 with your other tax documents. They will use it to complete your return correctly and will keep a copy for their records. If you are filing electronically, the preparer may scan or photograph the form as part of their file.

Do not estimate or guess at the benefit amount. Use the exact figure from your 1099. The IRS receives a copy of your 1099 from Social Security, so your return must match.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my SSA 1099 before January?

Social Security does not mail 1099s until January, but you can view your benefit information through your my Social Security account year-round. If you need the official form early for tax planning or other reasons, call Social Security and ask if they can mail one ahead of schedule — they sometimes will, though it is not may provide.

What if my 1099 shows the wrong benefit amount?

Contact Social Security when ready to report the discrepancy. Do not file your tax return using the incorrect amount. Social Security will investigate and issue a corrected form if an error is found. Keep records of when you reported the error in case the IRS questions your return later.

Do I need the 1099 if I did not owe taxes?

Yes, you still need it to file your return accurately. Even if your benefits were not taxable or you had no tax liability, you must report the gross benefit amount on your return. The 1099 provides the official documentation of what you received.

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

Generally, no. Social Security requires the beneficiary to request the form in person or authorize someone in writing. If you cannot visit in person, using your my Social Security account online or calling is faster and does not require a representative.

What if I lost my 1099 after filing my taxes?

Keep a copy for your records for at least three years. If you need it later for a loan process, verification of income, or other purpose, you can request another copy from Social Security at any time using the same methods.