Social Security sends SSDI information through mail, online accounts, and phone calls

Social Security communicates with you about your SSDI benefits in three main ways: by mail to your home address, through your online account at ssa.gov, and by phone when something urgent needs attention. The method depends on what information they are sending and whether you have set up online access. Most routine updates arrive by mail, but you can check your account anytime online to see your payment amount, work history, and recent activity.

You do not have to wait for mail to arrive. If you create a my Social Security account, you can log in to see your current benefit amount, payment dates, and any messages from Social Security. This account also shows your earnings record and lets you report changes like a new address or phone number without waiting for a letter.

Key Takeaways

  • Social Security mails official notices to your address on file, including approval letters, payment statements, and changes to your benefits.
  • You can create a free my Social Security account at ssa.gov to view your benefit information and messages without waiting for mail.
  • Social Security calls you directly only when something requires when ready action or when you have asked them to contact you by phone.
  • If your address changes, update it with Social Security right away so you do not miss important notices about your benefits.
  • You can request that Social Security send certain notices by email instead of mail if you set up email notifications in your online account.

Official notices that arrive by mail

Social Security mails you a formal notice whenever something changes with your SSDI. This includes your initial approval letter, annual benefit statements, notices about medical reviews (called continuing disability reviews), changes to your payment amount, and information about work incentives you may be able to use. These notices have your case number on them and explain what Social Security decided and why.

Keep these notices in a safe place. You may need them to prove your benefit status to a landlord, a lender, or another agency. If you do not receive a notice you were expecting, or if you receive one you do not understand, contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to ask about it.

Your online account at ssa.gov

The my Social Security account is the fastest way to see current information about your SSDI without waiting for mail. Once you create an account using your email address and a password, you can log in anytime to view your current monthly benefit amount, the date your next payment arrives, your lifetime earnings record, and any recent messages from Social Security.

You can also use your online account to report a change of address, update your phone number, or request a replacement Social Security card. Some notices now appear in your account inbox before they arrive in the mail, so checking your account regularly can give you information days earlier. To create an account, go to ssa.gov and look for the my Social Security link on the homepage.

Phone calls and direct contact from Social Security

Social Security does not call you without a reason. If they call, it is usually because you have an appointment scheduled, because they need to verify information about your case, or because you asked them to call you. Scammers often pretend to be from Social Security, so if you receive an unexpected call claiming to be from Social Security and asking for personal information, hang up and call Social Security directly at 1-800-772-1213 to confirm whether they actually tried to reach you.

If you prefer to receive messages by phone instead of mail, you can request that when you call Social Security or visit your local office. Some people who are deaf or hard of hearing use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778 to reach Social Security by phone.

What to do if you move or change your contact information

Social Security must have your current mailing address to send you notices and benefit statements. If you move, update your address as soon as possible. You can do this online through your my Social Security account, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local Social Security office in person.

If you do not update your address and Social Security sends a notice to your old address, you may miss important information about your benefits or a medical review. If you realize you missed a notice, contact Social Security right away to explain and ask them to resend it.

Annual benefit statements and year-end information

Once a year, Social Security sends you a benefit statement that shows your current monthly payment amount, how much you have received in total that year, and information about your work record. This statement arrives in the mail, usually in the fall. You can also view this same information in your online account anytime without waiting for the mailed copy.

At the end of each year, Social Security also sends a form called a 1099-SSA if you received benefits during that tax year. This form reports the total amount you received and is used for tax purposes. You will receive this by mail, usually in January.

Messages about medical reviews and work incentives

Social Security periodically reviews whether you still meet the medical requirements for SSDI. When they schedule a review, they mail you a notice explaining what they need from you and when you must respond. This notice will tell you whether they want medical records from your doctor, whether you need to attend an exam, or whether you need to complete a questionnaire about your condition.

Social Security also sends information about work incentives — programs that let you work and still receive some or all of your benefits. These notices explain how much you can earn, what happens to your payment if you work, and how to report your work income. Understanding these programs can help you decide whether working is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I did not receive a notice I was expecting?

First, check your my Social Security account to see if the notice appears there. If it does not, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and tell them what notice you were expecting. They can confirm whether they mailed it and resend it if needed. Make sure your address on file is correct.

Can I get notices by email instead of mail?

Some notices can be sent by email if you set up email notifications in your my Social Security account. Not all notice types are available by email yet, but Social Security is expanding this option. Check your account settings to see which notifications you can receive electronically.

Is it safe to create a my Social Security account online?

Yes. The my Social Security account uses encryption and security measures to protect your information. You create your own password, and Social Security does not store your password — only you know it. This makes your account safer than sharing personal information over the phone.

What if I think a notice from Social Security is a scam?

Real notices from Social Security come in the mail or appear in your my Social Security account. If you receive a notice by email, text, or phone call claiming to be from Social Security and asking for personal information, it is likely a scam. Do not respond. Call Social Security directly at 1-800-772-1213 to verify.

How often does Social Security update my benefit information online?

Social Security updates your online account regularly, usually within a few days of processing a payment or change to your case. Your payment date and amount are updated each month before your payment is sent. If you see something that looks wrong, contact Social Security to ask about it.