Your Social Security statement gives you access to estimates for retirement, disability and survivor benefits you and your family may be eligible for and shows your earnings history and how much you’ve paid in Social Security and Medicare taxes. Your Social Security statement can also be used as proof of income.

                By                    Josephine Nesbit

See: Your Social Security Statement Is About To Get a Lot Easier To ReadFind: How To Fix Your Social Security Earnings Record If There’s a Mistake

This proof may be necessary you apply for a loan, such as a mortgage, or for government assistance, such as subsidized housing or energy assistance, AARP reported. You can also use your Social Security statement to prove that you don’t receive benefits, that you have have applied for benefits or have never received Social Security benefits or Supplemental Security Income.

Your Social Security statement may go by other names, such as “budget letter,” “benefits letter,” “proof of income letter” or “proof of award letter.” 

To request a copy, log into your “mySocialSecurity” online account. Select the link “Get a Benefit Verification Letter,” and then “Customize Your Letter,” AARP advised. Select the information you want to include and click “Apply to Letter.” You can print the letter or save a copy online. 

See: Social Security Timeline — When Should High-Earning Seniors Claim Benefits?Find: Social Security — Benefit Recipients Should Know About These Two Credits This Tax Season

If you don’t already have an account, you can create one one from the mySocialSecurity page. The system will prompt you for some personal information to verify your identity, a username and password. The SSA says it implements strict verification and security features to keep your information safe.

You can also call Social Security at 800-772-1213 or contact your local Social Security office. Keep in mind that local Social Security offices are closed to walk-in visits due to the pandemic but are on track to reopen on March 30.

  • How Much You Should Have in Your Savings Account at Every Stage of Life
  • Find Out Which Banks Are the Top 100 Banks Leading the US in 2022
  • How Has COVID-19 Impacted the 2022 Tax Season?
  • 35 Useless Expenses You Need To Slash From Your Budget Now