How to Mail Social Security Documents (2025)
Mail SSA Documents with Proof of Delivery
Protect your Social Security documents with certified mail tracking—essential for appeals and deadline-sensitive documents.
Send SSA Documents SecurelySocial Security documents often involve critical deadlines and sensitive personal information. Missing an appeal deadline or losing documents in the mail can result in denied benefits or months of delays. This guide covers how to mail documents to Social Security with proof of delivery—including finding the right SSA mailing address, what to include, how to use certified mail to mail Social Security appeal forms safely, and getting tracking for your records.
Important: Appeal Deadlines Are Strict
If you're filing an appeal:
- • Most appeals must be filed within 60 days of the decision
- • The postmark date counts as your filing date
- • Use certified mail to prove when you mailed
- • Late appeals may be denied
Table of Contents
Common SSA Mail Transactions
Many Social Security transactions can be completed by mail, though some require in-person visits.
Can Be Mailed
- • Appeals and reconsideration requests
- • Supporting medical documentation
- • Work history and earnings records
- • Representative authorization forms
- • Change of address notifications
- • Disability report updates
- • Benefit verification requests
May Require In-Person
- • Original Social Security card applications
- • Name change on Social Security card
- • New Medicare card requests
- • Identity verification (in some cases)
- • Disability interviews (initial)
Online Options
Many SSA services are now available at ssa.gov/myaccount. Before mailing, check if you can complete your transaction online—it's often faster. However, complex cases and appeals still frequently require mail or in-person visits.
Mailing Social Security Appeals
Appeals are the most time-sensitive SSA documents. Missing a deadline can mean losing benefits you're entitled to.
Levels of SSA Appeals
- Reconsideration - First appeal, reviewed by different examiner
- Hearing - Before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
- Appeals Council Review - Reviews ALJ decision
- Federal Court Review - Final level of appeal
Each level has its own form and mailing address.
Appeal Deadlines
- • 60 days from the date you receive the decision (in most cases—check your letter)
- • SSA assumes you received it 5 days after the date on the letter
- • The postmark counts as your filing date (not delivery)
- • Certified mail proves your postmark date
Common Appeal Forms
- • SSA-561 - Request for Reconsideration
- • HA-501 - Request for Hearing by Administrative Law Judge
- • HA-520 - Request for Review of Hearing Decision
- • SSA-795 - Statement of Claimant or Other Person
Download forms at ssa.gov/forms
Finding the Right SSA Address
Social Security has many different addresses depending on what you're mailing. Using the wrong address can delay processing.
How to Find Your Address
- Check the SSA letter you received - it usually includes the correct reply address
- Look at the form instructions - most forms specify where to mail
- Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to verify
- Use the office locator at ssa.gov office locator
Common Mailing Destinations
- • Local SSA Office - for initial applications and some appeals
- • Disability Determination Services - for disability-related documents
- • Office of Hearings Operations - for hearing requests
- • Appeals Council - for Appeals Council reviews
- • Program Service Center - for benefit-related changes
Important: Never Guess at an SSA Address
SSA has many different addresses, and they change. Do not use a generic SSA address you found online—mailing to the wrong location can delay your case by weeks.
Always rely on: (1) the address printed on your SSA letter, (2) the form instructions, or (3) confirmation from SSA by calling 1-800-772-1213.
What to Include in Your Package
For Appeals
- • Completed appeal form (SSA-561, HA-501, etc.)
- • Copy of the decision you're appealing
- • Statement explaining why you disagree
- • New evidence (medical records, work history, etc.)
- • Your Social Security number on every page
- • Cover letter listing all enclosed documents
For Disability Claims
- • Medical records from all treating providers
- • Doctors' statements about your limitations
- • Lab results and test reports
- • Prescription history
- • Work history forms
- • Function report (daily activities)
General Requirements
- • Write your SSN on every page
- • Number the pages and include total (e.g., "Page 1 of 15")
- • Use paper clips, not staples
- • Include a cover letter listing all documents
- • Keep copies of everything
How to Mail Social Security Documents Safely (Certified Mail & Proof of Delivery)
Use Certified Mail For:
- • All appeals (deadline-sensitive)
- • Original documents you want returned
- • Any document with a deadline
- • Large document packages
Certified Mail Provides:
- • Proof of mailing date (postmark)
- • Tracking number for delivery
- • Return receipt showing who signed
- • Legal proof if SSA claims non-receipt
Step-by-Step Mailing Process
- Make copies of all documents before mailing
- Write your SSN on every page
- Create a cover letter listing all documents
- Organize documents with cover letter on top
- Use a large envelope (don't fold important documents)
- Get Certified Mail with Return Receipt
- Keep your receipt as proof of mailing
- Save tracking number to monitor delivery
Protect Original Documents
SSA often prefers originals or certified copies for identity verification. Before mailing original documents (birth certificates, Social Security cards, etc.):
- • Check your SSA letter or form instructions to confirm if originals are required
- • Call 1-800-772-1213 if you're unsure—certified copies may be acceptable
- • Always use certified mail with return receipt for any original documents
SSA should return originals after review, but processing can take weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I mail Social Security documents by certified mail?
Yes, using certified mail with return receipt is strongly recommended for Social Security documents, especially for appeals with deadlines. Certified mail provides proof of mailing date and delivery, which is essential if SSA claims they didn't receive your documents.
Where do I mail Social Security documents?
The mailing address depends on the type of document and where you live. Appeals typically go to your local SSA office or the Office of Hearings Operations. Check the SSA letter you received or call 1-800-772-1213 for the correct address.
Can I mail original documents to Social Security?
SSA generally prefers to see original documents for identity verification but will often accept certified copies. If you must mail originals (like birth certificates), use certified mail with return receipt. SSA should return originals after review, but processing can take weeks.
What is the deadline for Social Security appeals?
In most cases, Social Security appeals must be filed within 60 days of receiving the decision. The mailing date (postmark) counts, so use certified mail to prove you filed on time. Always check your specific SSA decision letter for the exact deadline and instructions. Late appeals may be accepted with good cause, but it's risky.
Can I upload documents online instead of mailing them?
Some documents can be uploaded through your my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount instead of mailing documents to Social Security. However, appeals, complex cases, and certain identity documents often still require mail or in-person delivery. Check your SSA letter or call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm the best submission method for your situation.
How long does SSA take to process mailed documents?
Processing times vary widely—from 2-4 weeks for simple requests to 6+ months for disability appeals. Call 1-800-772-1213 after a few weeks to confirm receipt and check status.
What if SSA says they didn't receive my documents?
This is why certified mail is essential. Your certified mail receipt proves the postmark date, and the return receipt proves delivery. Without this proof, you may need to resubmit and could miss deadlines.
Mail Your SSA Documents with Proof of Delivery
Send your Social Security documents via Certified Mail with Return Receipt—next-business-day mailing for orders by 8 PM ET.
Send SSA Documents NowRelated Government Mailing Guides
Last updated: • Social Security mailing guide
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