What is a Social Security Benefit Verification Letter?

The Benefit Verification letter, sometimes called a "budget letter," a "benefits letter," a "proof of income letter," or a "proof of award letter," serves as proof of your retirement, disability, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Medicare benefits. You may use your letter for loans, housing assistance, mortgage, and for other income verification purposes. You can also use it to prove that you don't receive benefits, have applied for benefits, or that you have never received Social Security benefits or SSI.

In addition to name, date of birth, and the benefits received, the Benefit Verification letter includes other identifiers to prevent misuse and fraud.