Recipients of Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, may obtain a benefit verification letter by ordering it online, over the telephone or in person at a Social Security office. Some agencies refer to this letter as a budget letter, a benefits letter or an award letter.
The benefit verification or award letter is an official document from the Social Security Administration that a benefit recipient may need as proof of income when applying for a loan or mortgage or when applying for housing assistance or some other form of state or local aid.
Recipients who wish to order an SSI award letter online can log into their My Social Security accounts and follow the prompts to request the letter. The client can customize the letter online to include or omit information. Once the client submits the request, the Social Security Administration mails the letter to the client's address on file.
Customers who do not wish to create an online Social Security account or who do not have Internet access may call their local office or the main customer service number for Social Security at 800-772-1213 to request the SSI benefit verification letter and have it mailed. If a customer needs the letter immediately, he may visit the nearest Social Security office in person and request the letter. Most offices are able to accommodate this request or provide an acceptable alternative.
