Michael J. Astrue, commissioner of Social Security, announced the agency is expanding the services available with a My Social Security account, a personalized online account that people can use beginning in their working years and continuing throughout the time they receive Social Security benefits. More than 60 million Social Security beneficiaries and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients can now access their benefit verification letter, payment history and earnings record instantly using their online account. Social Security beneficiaries also can change their address and start or change direct deposit information online.

“We are making it even easier for people to do their business with us from the comfort of their home, office or library,” Commissioner Astrue said.  “I encourage people of all ages to take advantage of our award-winning online services and check out the new features available through an online My Social Security account.”

Social Security beneficiaries and SSI recipients with a My Social Security account can go online and get an official benefit verification letter instantly. The benefit verification letter serves as proof of income to secure loans, mortgages and other housing, and state or local benefits. Additionally, people use the letter to prove current Medicare health insurance coverage, retirement or disability status and age. People can print or save a customized letter.