Keep Your Social Security Benefits Letter — It Matters for Medicaid Applications

I want to share something simple that could save you—and your family—a lot of stress down the road.

If you receive Social Security, please, keep a copy of your annual benefits letter. for Medicaid can be stressful enough without extra paperwork hurdles. One of the most common—and easily preventable—delays we see is when clients can’t locate their Social Security benefits letter.

This letter is critical. It verifies your monthly income from the Social Security Administration (SSA), which Medicaid uses to determine eligibility. Without it, your application can stall for weeks.

“We Can’t Process Your Application Without Proof of Income.”

Many families come to us after already submitting their Medicaid application, thinking they’ve turned in everything needed. Then they receive a notice asking for “proof of Social Security income.”

If you’ve misplaced your benefits letter or never downloaded it, you may discover that getting a new copy isn’t as simple as it sounds. With current SSA administrative procedures, you may have to visit your local office in person if you don’t already have an online mySocialSecurity account. Appointment wait times can stretch out for days or even weeks—especially during peak periods.

That kind of delay can feel devastating when you’re trying to secure coverage for long-term care or nursing home costs.

Why You Need the Social Security Benefits Letter for Medicaid

• Medicaid requires verified proof of income for all applicants.
• The benefits verification letter (also called a proof of income letter or budget letter) from the SSA is the preferred and most reliable document for this purpose.
• Even if you already have direct deposit, bank statements alone are not sufficient—Medicaid needs the official SSA letter showing your current benefit amount.
• It’s also required if you’re applying on behalf of a spouse, parent, or loved one.

Once you’ve submitted your Medicaid application, any delay in getting that letter can delay approval—or even cause temporary denial until the documentation is complete.

How to Access or Replace Your SSA Benefits Letter

1. Create a “mySocialSecurity” account.
   Go to www.ssa.gov/myaccount and follow the steps to create your personal login.
   • Once you’ve verified your identity, you can instantly view and print your current benefits verification letter.
   • You can also download it as a PDF to store on your computer or send to your attorney securely.
2. If you don’t have online access:
   • You’ll likely need to visit your local SSA office in person.
   • Call 1-800-772-1213 before you go to confirm office hours and whether you’ll need an appointment.
   • The SSA can mail a copy, but it often takes 7–10 business days to arrive—and longer during busy times.
3. Keep a copy on file—permanently.
   • Store a printed copy with your estate planning documents, trust papers, or Medicaid application file.
   • Keep a digital copy on a secure cloud drive or USB flash drive.
   • Re-download a new version each year after SSA issues its cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).

Why Vick Law Recommends This Step

As a law firm focused on estate planning, elder law, and Medicaid planning, we help Indiana families protect their homes and savings while qualifying for benefits.

Every Medicaid application requires detailed income verification—and this one letter often makes or breaks the timeline.
Having it ready in advance prevents unnecessary stress, late-stage scrambling, and lost time when you or your loved one need care most.

References

1. Social Security Administration (SSA). “How can I get a benefit verification letter?” ssa.gov/faqs/en/questions/KA-01717.html
2. Social Security Administration. “Create Your mySocialSecurity Account.” ssa.gov/myaccount
3. Elder Needs Law, PLLC. “Why You Need Proof of Social Security Income for Medicaid.” elderneedslaw.com
4. Flammia Elder Law Firm. “What Documents Do I Need to Complete a Medicaid Application?” flammialaw.com
5. Social Security Administration. “Understanding the Benefits Verification Letter.” ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10056.pdf

Client Checklist: How to Get and Keep Your Social Security Benefits Letter

Use this checklist before applying for Medicaid:

 Step 1 – Create your “mySocialSecurity” account

• Go to ssa.gov/myaccount
• Verify your identity and sign in.
• Download or print your “Benefits Verification Letter.”

Step 2 – If you can’t access your account online

• Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator.
• Request a mailed copy or make an in-person appointment.

Step 3 – Verify the details

• Check that your name, address, and benefit amount are correct.
• Make sure it reflects the current year’s COLA adjustment.

Step 4 – Store it safely

• Keep one printed copy in your estate planning binder or Medicaid file.
• Save a digital copy (PDF) on your computer or in secure cloud storage.
• Consider giving a copy to your attorney or trusted family member who assists with your planning.

Step 5 – Replace annually

• Download a new letter each January when Social Security updates benefit amounts.

Step 6 – Bring it to your Medicaid appointment

• Include it with your other verification documents (bank statements, ID, insurance cards, etc.).

Need help preparing your Medicaid application or gathering required documents?
Vick Law helps Indiana families protect what matters most. Call (317) 884-3133 or visit vicklaw.org to schedule a consultation.

Vick Law, P.C. – Estate Planning | Elder Law | Medicaid Planning in Greenwood, Indiana.