Social Security Announces Service Changes

To meet increasing service demands despite shrinking budgets, Social Security has invested in technological innovations offering more convenient, cost-effective and secure options for the public. Considering these factors, Social Security is making some service changes in our field offices across the country.

On August 1, 2014, Social Security will stop offering Social Security number printouts. Also, on October 1, 2014, our offices no longer will issue benefit verification letters. As a result of these changes, we ask agencies and organizations that routinely need access to these materials to use the data exchanges specifically developed for this purpose.

Social Security has collaborated with other federal, state and local agencies to build hundreds of robust data exchanges during the past few years. Today, Social Security provides more than 1.6 billion electronic verifications of Social Security numbers or benefit information to employers, state and local agencies, and other authorized third parties. Agencies and organizations should use available data exchanges to get the necessary verifications.

People needing proof of their Social Security or Supplemental Security Income benefits can get verification letters online instantly through a my Social Security account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. They also can get one mailed to them by calling our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

PLEASE REFER TO THE ATTACHMENTS FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE CHANGES.