US Trends

when will i get my 1099 from social security

You should normally receive your Social Security 1099 (SSA‑1099) in January for the prior tax year, with all forms expected to arrive by the end of January.

When it’s usually sent

  • The Social Security Administration (SSA) mails Form SSA‑1099 each January to everyone who received Social Security benefits the prior year.
  • Recent guidance indicates physical SSA‑1099 forms are mailed in late December, with delivery expected to be completed by the end of January.
  • If your mail is slow or you live in a remote area, it can take a bit longer, but most people still get it before or right around January 31.

In practical terms: if you got benefits last year, you should plan on having your 1099 in hand by the last week of January most years.

If it’s late or never shows up

If you don’t see your SSA‑1099 by early February, you don’t have to panic or delay your taxes indefinitely. You can:

  1. Get it online through your SSA account
    • SSA allows beneficiaries to instantly download a printable SSA‑1099/SSA‑1042S once it’s available, if you have or create an online “my Social Security” account.
 * Replacement SSA‑1099 forms are available through SSA systems after January 31.
  1. Use the automated phone system
    • If you cannot use the internet, you can call SSA’s main number and request a replacement SSA‑1099 via their automated service by saying “1099” when prompted.
  1. Visit or contact your local office
    • Local Social Security offices can generate a replacement SSA‑1099 for you if needed.

Can you file taxes without the paper form?

  • The IRS mainly cares that the numbers are accurate , not that you physically hold the paper form.
  • Some tax pros note that if you are absolutely sure of the benefit amounts reported to the IRS, you can technically file using those figures.
  • However, the safest and simplest approach is to use the actual SSA‑1099 (or a downloaded copy) so your entries match what SSA sent the IRS.

Quick checklist for you

  • If it’s still January :
    • It may still be in the mail; watch your mailbox through the end of the month.
  • If it’s after January 31 and you don’t have it:
    1. Log into or create a my Social Security account and look for the SSA‑1099 to download.
2. If that doesn’t work, call SSA’s automated line and request the form by saying “1099.”

3. As a last resort, contact or visit your local SSA office for a replacement printout.

TL;DR: Social Security mails your SSA‑1099 in January, and you should expect it by the end of January ; if it hasn’t arrived by early February, you can quickly get a replacement online, by phone, or from a local office.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.