What’s social security award letter?

When you apply for Social Security benefits, it can take some time before you receive communication from the Social Security Administration (SSA). As a federal government insurance program with millions of applicants, Social Security takes approximately 6 weeks to make a decision on your application. If you get approved, Social Security will send an approval letter to your mail.

A Social Security award letter is an official document that SSA sends out to inform applicants that their claim for Social Security benefits has been approved. Once your application has been approved, it can take one to three months to receive the award letter. The letter acts as a guide to help you know what steps you have to take to claim those benefits.

What is a Social Security Award Letter?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues a Social Security award letter to individuals who have applied for Social Security to inform them that they have been approved for the benefits. Generally, you must have applied for Social Security benefits to receive an award letter. The award letter is an official Social Security letter, and it confirms your qualification to receive a certain amount of benefits.

Once you have received a Social Security award letter, you can use the letter to prove that you are eligible for benefits and that you will start receiving the monthly Social Security checks. The award letter details the next steps you should take to claim those benefits. If you believe you are eligible to receive higher monthly benefits than what the letter states, the letter will inform you about the process of appealing SSA's determination. However, the appeal will not affect the monthly benefits; you will continue receiving the monthly checks until SSA acts on your appeal.

How to get a Social Security Award Letter

The Social Security Administration sends a Social Security award letter in response to an application for benefits under Social Security Act. Although the award letter is commonly associated with disability benefits, it is sent out for all types of Social Security benefits.

Here are ways to get an SSA award letter:

Online

You can request an award letter via your Social Security account. If you don’t have an account, you can sign up for My Social Security account on the Social Security website. You can access your account to download or print the awards letter. You can also request a physical award letter through your account, and the SSA will mail the letter within 10 business days.

Telephone

You can request a duplicate Social Security award letter by calling Social Security at 800-772-1213 during working hours. You will be asked to provide personal information such as your Social Security number or driving license number to verify your identity. Once you verify your identity, you can request Social Security to mail you a hard copy of your Social Security award letter.

Visit the local SSA office

You can visit your local Social Security office during business hours to request an award letter. You will be required to verify your identity before you can receive any service. Although most local offices have re-opened after being closed for walk-in traffic during the COVID-19 pandemic, the SSA recommends scheduling an appointment in advance.

Is an award letter the same as a benefits verification letter?

An award letter and benefits verification letter are two official documents from the SSA that often create confusion. The two documents are different, and each document has a different purpose.

An SSA award letter is an official letter from the SSA that confirms you have been approved for Social Security benefits. Typically, you will receive an awards letter if you have applied for one or more of the Social Security benefits available. Its purpose is to confirm that you have been awarded benefits, but it does not contain specifics on the benefits approved.

On the other hand, a benefits verification letter spells out the benefits you will receive. You will need a benefits verification letter when applying for a mortgage, or receiving government aid such as low-cost housing and energy assistance. It is also known as a budget letter or proof of award letter.

When do you receive a Social Security award letter?

The type of Social Security award letter you receive depends on the type of Social Security benefit you applied for. Here are the various Social Security benefits available:

Retirement benefits

If you paid into the Social Security system over your working years, you will be eligible for Social Security retirement benefits when you qualify to claim Social Security benefits. You must have accumulated enough work credits and be at least 62 years to apply for Social Security benefits. Once you apply and get approved for Social Security retirement benefits, you will receive an award letter confirming the benefits approval.

Disability benefits

If you have a physical or mental disability that prevents you from working, you may qualify for Social Security Disability insurance benefits. The disability must have lasted or be expected to last 12 months in a row, or result in death. When you apply for a Social Security disability benefits, SSA collects medical information from you to determine whether the disability meets its definition of disability.

Survivor benefits

If you are a child, spouse, or other eligible dependents of a covered worker, you may be eligible to claim Social Security survivor benefits. These benefits are designed to support children, widows, and widowers of deceased workers who were covered by Social Security.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

If you have limited income, and you are age 65 or older, blind, or have a disability, you may be eligible to receive SSI. SSI is a separate income from Social Security retirement benefits or disability benefits, and it is designed to offer a safety net to US citizens who are unable to meet their financial needs.

Medicare

If you are age 65 or older, you may be eligible to receive subsidized healthcare services under Medicare. You may also be eligible for Medicare if you are below 65 years as long as you meet the eligibility criteria. Generally, Medicare has four parts, i.e. parts A, B, C, and D, and each part provides different services. If you are receiving Social Security benefits, and you are 65 or older, you will be automatically enrolled for parts A and B of Medicare.