How to Get a Replacement SSA 1099 Form

Request a replacement 1099-SSA directly from Social Security

Social Security sends a 1099-SSA form to every beneficiary who received benefits during the previous tax year. If you did not receive yours, lost it, or need an extra copy, you can request one from Social Security without charge. The fastest way is to create a my Social Security account online and read it yourself — you can print it when ready. If you do not use online accounts, you can call Social Security or visit a local office to request a mailed copy.

You will need your Social Security number and proof of identity to access your account or speak with a representative. The form shows the total benefits you received and any Medicare premiums that were deducted, which you will need to file your taxes accurately.

Key Takeaways

• You can read your 1099-SSA when ready through my Social Security at ssa.gov without waiting for mail delivery.
• If you do not have an online account, call Social Security's main number at 1-800-772-1213 to request a replacement by mail.
• The form arrives in the mail by early February each year, but you can request it anytime if you need it sooner.
• You will need your Social Security number and a way to prove your identity to access the form.
• The 1099-SSA shows your total benefits and any Medicare deductions, which your tax preparer or software will need.

Create a my Social Security account to read when ready

The my Social Security website at ssa.gov lets you read your 1099-SSA in minutes without calling or visiting an office. Go to ssa.gov, select "Create an account," and follow the steps to verify your identity. Social Security will ask for your Social Security number, date of birth, and answers to security questions based on your credit history.

Once your account is active, log in and look for the "Benefit Verification" or "Tax Information" section. Your 1099-SSA will be there as a downloadable PDF. You can print it right away or save it to your computer. This is the fastest option if you need the form before the mail arrives.

Call Social Security to request a mailed copy

If you prefer not to use an online account, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. The line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Tell the representative you need a replacement 1099-SSA, and they will mail one to the address on file with your account.

Mailed copies usually arrive within 5 to 10 business days. Have your Social Security number ready when you call. If your address has changed recently, update it before you request the form so it goes to the right place.

Visit a local Social Security office in person

You can also walk into your nearest Social Security office and request a replacement 1099-SSA at the front desk. Find your local office at ssa.gov/locator or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Bring your Social Security card or another form of photo identification.

Office staff can print the form on the spot or mail it to you, depending on what they have available. Wait times vary by location and time of day, so calling ahead to ask about current wait times can save you a trip.

What to do if you need the form before it arrives in the mail

Social Security mails 1099-SSA forms in January and early February each year. If you file your taxes before the form arrives, you have options. You can use the benefit amount shown in your my Social Security account or on your last benefit statement to estimate your income on your tax return, then file an amended return once you receive the actual form.

Many tax software programs and tax preparers are familiar with this situation. Tell them you are waiting for your 1099-SSA and ask whether they can file with an estimated amount and amend later, or whether they prefer to wait for the actual form. Some preparers will hold your return until the form arrives rather than amend it later.

Understand what information is on your 1099-SSA

The 1099-SSA shows three key pieces of information: the total benefits you received in the previous year (box 5), any federal income tax withheld (box 4), and any Medicare premiums deducted from your benefits (box 1). Your tax preparer or tax software will use these numbers to calculate whether you owe taxes on your benefits.

Not all Social Security benefits are taxable. The amount you owe depends on your total income from all sources. The 1099-SSA is the starting point, but your preparer will combine it with income from other sources — pensions, investments, part-time work — to determine your final tax liability.

Troubleshoot if you cannot access your online account

If you created a my Social Security account but forgot your password, use the "Forgot username or password?" link on the login page. Social Security will send you a reset link by email. If you no longer have access to the email address you used to create the account, call 1-800-772-1213 and a representative can help you regain access or request the form by phone instead.

If you have never created an account and the identity verification step is not working, it usually means Social Security's system cannot match your information to their records. This sometimes happens if you have recently moved, changed your name, or had an error in your file. Call 1-800-772-1213 to verify your information and request the form by mail while the account issue is resolved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a 1099-SSA for a year I did not receive benefits?

No. Social Security only issues a 1099-SSA for years in which you actually received benefits. If you did not receive any benefits that year, you will not have a form for it. If you think you should have received benefits, contact Social Security to check your account status.

Do I need the original 1099-SSA or will a copy work for taxes?

A printed copy from your my Social Security account or a replacement mailed by Social Security works for filing taxes. The IRS does not require the original form. Keep a copy for your records.

What if my 1099-SSA shows the wrong amount?

Contact Social Security when ready at 1-800-772-1213 to report the error. Do not file your taxes with an incorrect amount. A representative can review your account and issue a corrected form if needed. This usually takes a few weeks.

Can I request multiple copies of my 1099-SSA?

Yes. You can read and print as many copies as you need from my Social Security, or call Social Security to request additional mailed copies. There is no limit on how many you can request.

When should I request my 1099-SSA if I file early?

Request it as soon as you know you will need it, even in December of the previous year. Social Security may not have the form ready until January, but you can call ahead to ask when it will be available. If you file before it arrives, use an estimated amount and plan to amend your return once the actual form comes.