Where to Request a Duplicate 1099-SSA

A duplicate 1099-SSA is the form that shows how much Social Security income you received in a tax year. The Social Security Administration sends one to you automatically each January, but if yours is lost, damaged, or never arrived, you can request a replacement from Social Security directly—not from the IRS.

You have three ways to get a duplicate: online through your my Social Security account, by phone, or by mail. The online method is fastest if you already have an account set up. If you do not have one, creating it takes about 10 minutes and requires a valid email address and a way to verify your identity (usually a driver's license or passport number).

The phone number for Social Security's main line is 1-800-772-1213. They are open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Have your Social Security number ready when you call, and tell them you need a duplicate 1099-SSA for the tax year in question. They will mail it to the address on file, which usually takes 5 to 7 business days.

Key Takeaways

  • Request a duplicate 1099-SSA through your my Social Security account online, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by mailing Form SSA-7050-F to your local Social Security office.
  • Social Security mails the form to your address on file, so make sure your mailing address is current before you request it.
  • The online method through my Social Security is the fastest way and does not require a phone call or a trip to an office.
  • If you need the form urgently for tax filing, request it as soon as you realize it is missing—processing takes about a week by mail.

Requesting Online Through My Social Security

If you have a my Social Security account, log in and look for the "Benefit Verification" or "Earnings and Benefits" section. The exact wording varies slightly depending on when your account was created, but the option to view or request your 1099-SSA is always in the benefits area. Click on the year you need, and you will see the option to view it on screen or request a printed copy mailed to you.

If you do not have a my Social Security account yet, go to ssa.gov and click "Create an account" in the upper right. You will need to provide your email address, create a password, and verify your identity using either a driver's license, passport, or state ID number. Social Security will ask a few security questions based on your credit history to confirm you are who you say you are. Once your account is verified, you can request your duplicate 1099-SSA when ready.

The online request usually results in the form being mailed within 3 to 5 business days. This is faster than calling, and you have a record of when you requested it.

Calling Social Security to Request by Phone

When you call 1-800-772-1213, have your Social Security number and the tax year you need ready. Tell the representative you need a duplicate 1099-SSA. They will confirm your address and mail the form to you. The call usually takes fewer than 10 minutes if the line is not busy.

Social Security's phone lines are busiest early in the morning and in January and February when people are filing taxes. If you call in the afternoon or in a month other than tax season, you will likely wait less time. If you reach a busy signal, hang up and try again in a few minutes rather than staying on hold for an hour.

Mailing a Request to Your Local Office

If you prefer to request by mail, you can fill out Form SSA-7050-F and send it to your local Social Security office. You can read the form from ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 and ask them to mail you a copy. The form asks for your name, Social Security number, date of birth, and the tax year you need.

Mail the completed form to the address of your local Social Security office. You can find your local office on ssa.gov by entering your zip code. Mail requests take longer than online or phone requests—usually 10 to 14 business days from the time Social Security receives your form. Include a return address so they know where to send the duplicate.

What to Do If Your Address Has Changed

Social Security will mail your duplicate 1099-SSA to the address they have on file for you. If you have moved since you last contacted Social Security, update your address before you request the form. You can update your address online through my Social Security, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local office in person with a photo ID and proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease works).

If you request the form and then realize your address is wrong, call Social Security back right away. They may be able to stop the mailing and send it to the correct address instead. If the form arrives at your old address, ask the new resident to write "return to sender" on it, or contact Social Security to request another copy sent to your current address.

If You Never Received Your Original 1099-SSA

Social Security mails 1099-SSA forms in January each year to everyone who received Social Security income during the previous year. If you did not receive yours by early February, check your mail carefully—it may have arrived but been overlooked. If you are certain it did not arrive, request a duplicate using one of the three methods above.

When you request a duplicate, tell Social Security whether you moved after the form was originally mailed. If you did move and did not update your address with them, the original form may have gone to your old address. In that case, updating your address now will help make sure you receive future forms at the right place.

Using Your Duplicate 1099-SSA for Taxes

Your duplicate 1099-SSA shows the same information as the original: the total Social Security benefits you received in that tax year, how much was withheld for federal income tax, and how much was withheld for Medicare. The IRS accepts a duplicate form for tax filing purposes. You do not need to explain to the IRS that it is a duplicate—just include it with your tax return like you would the original.

If you are filing your taxes electronically, you may not need to mail the physical form at all. Many tax software programs let you enter the amounts from your 1099-SSA directly into the return. Check your tax software's instructions or ask your tax preparer whether they need the physical form or just the numbers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a duplicate 1099-SSA?

Online requests through my Social Security usually arrive in 3 to 5 business days. Phone requests take about 5 to 7 business days. Mail requests take 10 to 14 business days from when Social Security receives your form. Times may be longer during January and February when Social Security is busiest.

Can I view my 1099-SSA online without requesting a printed copy?

Yes. If you have a my Social Security account, you can log in and view your 1099-SSA on screen anytime. You can take a screenshot or print it from your browser. Some tax software will also let you import the information directly from your Social Security account if you give it permission.

What if I need the form before I can get it mailed to me?

If you need the information right away, log into my Social Security and view the form on screen. You can see the exact amounts and use those numbers to file your taxes electronically. You do not have to wait for the printed form to arrive to start your tax return.

Do I need to contact the IRS to get a duplicate 1099-SSA?

No. The IRS does not issue 1099-SSA forms—Social Security does. Always contact Social Security directly. The IRS only gets involved if you have questions about how to report the income on your tax return.

Can someone else request my duplicate 1099-SSA for me?

Generally, no. Social Security requires you to request it yourself for privacy reasons. If you are unable to make the request due to a disability or language barrier, you can bring a trusted person with you to a local Social Security office, or call and ask about options for getting help with your request.