Social Security Administration Changes Rules Regarding Proof of Income Letters

On February 4, 2014, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced that effective October 1, 2014, SSA field offices will no longer offer benefit verification letters. Budget cuts are responsible for this cutback.

Households needing verification of SS benefits should now be obtaining them online. Since many SS recipients are not computer savvy, management staff may have to assist in the process – at least initially. Residents and applicants should be informed that they should go to www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount to set up a personal account. Once the account is set up, SS recipients can easily view, print or save official letters that include proof of benefit amount and type; Medicare start date and withholding amount; and age.

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