Social Security beneficiaries and Supplemental Security Income recipients can now access their benefit verification letter online with a my Social Security Account. They also can change their address and phone number and start or change direct deposit of their benefit payment.
DOWNLOAD: The Kip Tips iPad App
When the Social Security Administration introduced the my Social Security account online in May 2012, it only provided workers' earnings records and estimates for retirement, disability and survivors benefits. With the expanded services launched January 7, Social Security recipients now can get their official benefit verification letter instantly rather than having to visit an office or make a phone call and wait for a letter to arrive by mail.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Benefit verification letters are needed as proof of income for loans, housing, and state or local benefits. People also can use the letters to prove age, retirement or disability status, and Medicare health insurance coverage. The Social Security Administration processed nearly 9 million requests for benefit verification letters in the past year, according to an agency press release.
To access your benefit verification letter, see your earnings record or use any of the other online services, you must create an account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount/. You'll be asked to provide information about yourself, such as your date of birth and Social Security number. You also must be able to answer some personal questions.
-
Take Charge of Retirement Spending With This Simple StrategyTo make sure you're in control of retirement spending, rather than the other way around, allocate funds to just three purposes: income, protection and legacy.
-
Here's How To Get Organized And Work For YourselfWhether you’re looking for a side gig or planning to start your own business, it has never been easier to strike out on your own. Here is our guide to navigating working for yourself.
-
Five Ways to Save on Vacation Rental PropertiesTravel Use these strategies to pay less for an apartment, condo or house when you travel.
-
How to Avoid Annoying Hotel Fees: Per Person, Parking and MoreTravel Here's how to avoid extra charges and make sure you don't get stuck paying for amenities that you don't use.
-
How to Appeal an Unexpected Medical Billhealth insurance You may receive a bill because your insurance company denied a claim—but that doesn’t mean you have to pay it.
-
Amazon Prime Fees Are Rising. Here’s How to Cancel Your Amazon Prime MembershipAmazon Prime Amazon Prime will soon cost $139 a year, $180 for those who pay monthly. If you’re a subscriber, maybe it’s time to rethink your relationship. Here’s a step-by-step guide to canceling Prime.
-
How to Haggle for Almost AnythingSmart Buying Learning how to haggle is an invaluable skill. These strategies will help you negotiate a better price for just about any product or service.
-
Disability Insurance Can Provide COVID CoverageCoronavirus and Your Money If you are concerned about long-term complications from COVID-19, consider disability insurance coverage.
-
21 Things You Can't Return to Amazon — Either Online or In-StoreDid you know there are things you can't return to Amazon? Before tossing these items into your shopping cart, be sure to read Amazon's return policy first.
-
How to Avoid a Charity Scampersonal finance Scammers never quit, even when you're trying to be altruistic. But you can avoid getting duped if you do your homework.
