Social Security Award Letters and Benefit Verification Letters (Explained)

Learn how to get your Social Security award letter and how it is different from a Benefit Verification Letter.

The Social Security Administration sends out an award letter, or award notice, once your benefit claim has been approved.

Learn the steps to request a replacement for your original award letter by contacting the Social Security Administration via phone or visiting your local office. Note that online access for this service is not available.

A benefit verification letter provides a detailed statement of your current benefits and can be obtained instantly online through your My Social Security account on ssa.gov.

To learn more, go to www.aarp.org/retirement/social-security/