Verification Documents
A W-2 form. A SSA-1099 form. A Non-SSA-1099 form. A paystub showing full SSN.
The Benefit Verification letter, sometimes called a "budget letter," a "benefits letter," a "proof of income letter," or a "proof of award letter," serves as proof of your retirement, disability, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Medicare benefits.
The most convenient way to do business with us from any location and on any device is to visit www.ssa.gov to get information and use our online services. Or, call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 or at 1-800-325-0778 (TTY) if you're deaf or hard of hearing. We can answer your call from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays.
Documents to prove your SSN
U.S. Social Security card. DD214. NGB 22. W-2 Form (including W-2C, W-2G, etc.)
In most states, you can use your personal my Social Security account to request a replacement card. If you are not able to do that, you can still begin your application online and self-schedule an appointment to complete it in your local Social Security office or Card Center.
If a business or other organization asks for your SSN, offer your driver's license number instead. Other alternative forms of ID include a passport, proof of current and previous address (such as utility bills), or a student ID from a college or university.
You may not need to replace your card if you know your Social Security number. In most cases, a physical card isn't necessary.
You'll need to show us a U.S. driver's license, a state issued non-driver identification card, or a U.S. passport to prove your identity. Sometimes you may also need to prove your current U.S. citizenship or lawful noncitizen status with a birth certificate or passport.
Your Social Security Statement (Statement) is available to view online by opening a my Social Security account. Millions of people of all ages now use these online accounts to learn about their future Social Security benefits and current earnings history.
Go online to SSA.gov, sign up for online access, and print one up. You will still need to request your replacement while you're in there. As for using the Soc Sec card for the I-9, there is a list of other documents which can be used, the temporary card won't be valid for this purpose.
Our customers can get an instant verification letter online with a personal my Social Security account. Also, they may continue to call us toll-free to request a letter by mail.
A Social Security card is legal proof of a Social Security number. If your agency or organization requires proof and the person cannot produce a card, that person will need a replacement card.
Social Security offers two options to verify Social Security numbers: The Social Security Number Verification Service - This free online service allows registered users to verify that the names and Social Security numbers of hired employees match Social Security's records.
Your Social Security number often appears on tax documents and financial statements. Check tax forms such as your old W-2s, 1099s, or tax returns to see if your SSN is on one of them. If you don't have access to your tax forms, look at other financial documents you have available.
If you make a request to us in person, you must provide at least one piece of tangible identification such as a driver's license, passport, alien or voter registration card, or union card to verify your identity.
You can request one online by using your personal my Social Security account, which will allow you to immediately view, print, and save a copy of the letter. You can call us to request one at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time.
Unfortunately, the Social Security Administration does not issue new Social Security cards on the same day. Whether you apply online or in person, the SSA needs time to verify your documents and process your request. The standard processing time is up to 14 business days from the date your application is approved.
To see your own, personalized Statement PDF, create or log in to your personal my Social Security account. There, you can print, save, or download your own Statement PDF to check your earnings record and personalized benefit estimates.