Where to Request Your Replacement 1099-SSA
The Social Security Administration sends a 1099-SSA form to anyone who received Social Security benefits during the previous tax year. If you did not receive yours, lost it, or need a duplicate, you can request one directly from Social Security through three main routes: online, by phone, or in person at a local office.
The fastest method is the online portal at ssa.gov. You can create or log into your my Social Security account, navigate to the tax information section, and read your 1099-SSA when ready. This works if you have already set up an account with a username and password.
If you do not have an online account or prefer to speak with someone, call Social Security's toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213. A representative can mail a replacement form to you, which typically arrives within 5 to 7 business days. You will need to provide your Social Security number and confirm your mailing address.
You can also visit your local Social Security office in person. Bring a photo ID and your Social Security card if you have it. Staff can print a form on the spot or mail one to you the same day.
Key Takeaways
- You can read your 1099-SSA when ready through your my Social Security online account at ssa.gov without waiting for mail.
- Calling 1-800-772-1213 takes about 10 minutes and results in a mailed form arriving within a week.
- Visiting a local Social Security office in person is the only way to receive a printed form the same day.
- You need your Social Security number and current address to request a replacement, but no other documents are required.
- The 1099-SSA shows the total benefits you received and taxes withheld, which you will need to file your tax return.
What Information You Need Before You Request
Before contacting Social Security, have your Social Security number ready. This is the only piece of information they absolutely require to locate your account and send a replacement form.
If you are calling or visiting in person, also have your current mailing address available. Social Security will confirm it matches their records before sending anything. If you have moved since you last contacted them, update your address first through your online account or by calling ahead.
You do not need to provide your tax return, proof of income, or any other documents. Social Security has your benefit records on file and can generate a 1099-SSA based on what they paid you.
Using the my Social Security Online Account
Creating a my Social Security account is the most direct path to a replacement 1099-SSA. Go to ssa.gov, click "Create an account," and follow the setup steps. You will need to verify your identity using either a Social Security number, email address, and phone number, or by answering security questions based on your credit history.
Once your account is active, log in and look for the section labeled "Tax Information" or "1099." You will see a list of years for which you have a 1099-SSA on file. Click the year you need, and you can view it on screen or read it as a PDF. You can print the PDF when ready or save it to your computer.
This method works for current and prior years. If you received benefits in 2023 and it is now 2024, your 2023 1099-SSA will be available in your account by late January or early February. If you need a form from several years ago, it will also be in your account history.
Timing: When Your 1099-SSA Becomes Available
Social Security mails 1099-SSA forms by January 31 each year for the previous tax year. If you did not receive yours by mid-February, it may have been lost in the mail, sent to an old address, or there may be a problem with your account.
If you request a replacement online, you can read it when ready. If you call or visit an office, the timeframe depends on the method. A mailed replacement typically arrives within 5 to 7 business days. If you need the form urgently for tax filing, the online read is your fastest option.
For prior years — forms from 2022, 2021, or earlier — Social Security keeps them in your account indefinitely. You can retrieve any of them through my Social Security at any time.
What to Do If You Cannot Access Your Online Account
If you do not have a my Social Security account and cannot create one, or if you forget your password, calling 1-800-772-1213 is your next best option. Have your Social Security number and current address ready. The wait time varies by time of day, but calling early in the morning or mid-week usually means shorter queues.
Tell the representative that you need a replacement 1099-SSA and provide the tax year. They will confirm your address and mail the form to you. Ask them to note in your account if your address has changed since your last contact with Social Security.
If you are deaf or hard of hearing, Social Security offers a TTY number at 1-800-325-0778. If you speak a language other than English, interpreters are available on the phone line at no cost.
Using Your 1099-SSA for Tax Filing
Once you have your replacement form, you will use it to report your Social Security income on your tax return. The 1099-SSA shows three key numbers: the total benefits you received in box 3, the federal income tax withheld in box 4, and the net benefits in box 5.
If you file taxes yourself using software like TurboTax or TaxAct, you will enter the information from your 1099-SSA into the income section. If you use a tax preparer or accountant, bring the form with you so they can include it in your return.
Keep a copy of your 1099-SSA for your records. You do not need to mail it with your tax return, but you should keep it with your tax documents for at least three years in case the IRS has questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my 1099-SSA if I did not receive benefits for the entire year?
Yes. Social Security sends a 1099-SSA to anyone who received any amount of benefits during the tax year, even if it was only for one month. The form will show the exact amount you received and any taxes withheld.
What if my address changed and I never got the original form?
Update your address through my Social Security or by calling 1-800-772-1213 before you request a replacement. Social Security will mail the new form to your current address. If the original went to an old address, you can also contact the post office about mail forwarding.
Do I need the 1099-SSA to file my taxes?
You should have it, but you can file without it if you know the exact amount of benefits you received. Social Security has the same information, and the IRS can cross-check your return. However, having the form makes filing faster and reduces the chance of errors.
Can I get a 1099-SSA for a family member or someone I care for?
Only the person who received the benefits can request their own 1099-SSA. If you are a representative payee managing benefits for someone else, you can request it on their behalf by calling Social Security and providing their Social Security number and your authority to act for them.
How long does Social Security keep 1099-SSA forms available?
Social Security keeps your 1099-SSA forms in your account indefinitely. You can retrieve forms from any year you received benefits, going back many years. There is no time limit on how far back you can go.