How to Obtain Social Security Disability Records

You are currently receiving Social Security disability payments from the government, but you need a copy of your records. Obtaining your disability records isn't difficult to do. In fact, the process is rather simple, and upon request, you can receive your disability records in the mail in just a short amount of time. However, there are a few important things that you must do in order to obtain your Social Security disability records.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Contact the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) to obtain a copy of your Social Security disability records. You can either contact the SSA office online at their website (see Resources) or over the telephone by calling 1-800-772-1213. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, then you should call the TTY number at 1-800-325-0778.

2. Find an SSA office in your area. If you prefer to speak to someone face to face, then perhaps you should locate a SSA office in the area where you reside. You can find an appropriate office by visiting the SSA's website and clicking on the "Contact Us" tab on the left side of the page. Simply type in your zip code to find the nearest SSA office in your area.

3. Submit a request for your records. Whether you request your Social Security disability records online, over the telephone or in person at a SSA office, you will need to provide some basic information in order to complete the request, such as your complete name, mailing address, telephone number, Social Security number and date of birth. You may also need to provide information about the benefits you receive, such as the amount of your monthly benefits and how long you have received them.

4. Wait for your documents to arrive in the mail. It may take a week or even longer for you to receive all of your Social Security disability records in the mail. Be patient and give the SSA office time to prepare your documents and send them to you. If it has been longer than 2 weeks and you still haven't received your documents, you may want to contact the SSA and follow up with them.

5. Receive your documents in the mail. Once you receive your Social Security disability records in the mail, open the package and make sure everything is there. If you are missing any documents, contact the SSA as soon as possible for further assistance.

Tips & Warnings

• Please note that there are only two types of Social Security disability records that you can request online: a Proof of Income Letter (verifies your Social Security benefit information) and a Form 1099/1042S (Social Security Benefit Statement). If you need other types of records, you will need to call the SSA and speak with a representative over the phone or visit a local office in your area.

References

• U.S. Social Security Administration