Social Security Award Letters are Going Paperless

In a recent letter from Kenny P. Oguejiofor, Public Affairs Specialist, Social Security Administration, Social Security has made some important upcoming changes to the services that will be provided across the country.

“As of February 2014, the Social Security Administration will no longer offer Social Security number (SSN) printouts and benefit verification information in our field offices. However, to ensure a smooth transition, we will continue providing these services if requested until April 2014. We are making these changes to meet the increasing demands for our services at the same time that our agency budget has been significantly cut by over $1B in each of the last three years. During this same time period we have invested in technology that offers more convenient, cost-effective, and secure options for our customers to obtain certain services without visiting a local office.”

Because the SSN printout is not an official document with security features, and is easily duplicated, misused, shared illegally, or counterfeited, eliminating it helps prevent fraud. Employers, departments of motor vehicles, and other entities requiring SSN verification can obtain this information in real time or overnight using online government services such as E-verify and Social Security’s Business Services Online. Beneficiaries and recipients needing a benefit verification letter can obtain one immediately by registering at: mySocial Security, or through the mail within 5-7 days by calling our national toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213.