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.
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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.
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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.
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