Government benefits can be confusing. Applying is hard, but sometimes it’s even challenging to understand what benefits have been awarded to you. The Social Security Administration (“Social Security”) provides a Social Security Benefit Verification letter to people who receive Social Security, disability (Social Security Disability Insurance or SSDI), Medicare, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. It’s important to know what benefits you have and how to use your benefit verification letter.
What is a Social Security Benefit Verification Letter?
It’s a letter that Social Security sends out to beneficiaries. The benefit verification letter can also be called the:
- Budget letter,
- Benefits letter,
- Proof of income letter, or
- Proof of award letter.
You might get your benefit verification letter in the mail. However, most people can get a copy of their letter by logging into their mySocialSecurity account.
What Information Is Included?
We have mentioned that the letter contains details about the benefits Social Security has awarded to you.
Your letter at least the following information:
- Your name,
- Date of birth, and, of course,
- The benefit you receive from Social Security.
But your benefit verification letter also proves that you applied for benefits. This can come in handy if you need to prove you are trying to get benefits.
Why Is it Important to Understand the Benefit Verification Letter?
For one thing, it tells you exactly what benefits Social Security awarded to you. But there’s more.
You can use your benefit verification letter as income verification. For example, you might show it to lenders if you apply for a loan. Other government agencies might want to see it if you apply for benefits like housing assistance or Medicare.
Also, some Social Security beneficiaries have people to handle their benefits, who are called representative payees. Your individual representative payee can use your verification letter for the same purposes mentioned above.
Is Your Social Security Benefit Verification Letter Hard to Understand?
Then you are not alone. Talk to your disability lawyer to get an explanation of your benefits.
It’s even more important to talk to an attorney if you are at the application stage. The whole process is challenging, from completing the application to appeal an adverse decision. It helps to have someone by your side who understands Social Security benefits.
The attorneys at The Law Offices of Martin Taller have the experience and ability to take on your case. For a free consultation, call us at 714-385-8100. We assist clients throughout Southern California from our home office in Anaheim.
