Form 1724 is a notice Social Security mails when your benefit amount changes
Form 1724 is the official notice Social Security sends to tell you that your monthly benefit payment will increase or decrease. You do not request this form — Social Security generates it automatically when something in your case changes. The form shows your old benefit amount, your new amount, the reason for the change, and the month the new amount starts.
The most common reasons for a Form 1724 are a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), a change in your work record, a change in your family situation, or a correction to your earnings history. You may also receive one if you report income while receiving benefits, if you reach full retirement age, or if you become may be able to access for a different type of benefit.
Form 1724 is not a request for information and does not require you to sign and return it. It is a one-way notice. If the amount shown is wrong or you do not understand why it changed, you will need to contact Social Security directly by phone, mail, or in person at a local office.
Key Takeaways
- Form 1724 notifies you of a change to your monthly Social Security payment, not a request for action on your part.
- The form lists your previous benefit amount, new amount, effective date, and the reason for the change.
- You receive Form 1724 automatically when Social Security recalculates your benefit — you do not need to do anything to trigger it.
- If you disagree with the change or have questions, contact Social Security by phone at 1-800-772-1213, by mail, or at your local office.
- Keep Form 1724 with your other Social Security records; you may need it to verify your benefit history or for tax purposes.
Common reasons you receive Form 1724
Social Security sends Form 1724 whenever your benefit recalculation is complete and the result differs from what you were receiving. A cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is the most predictable reason — this happens once per year, usually in December, and affects nearly all beneficiaries. The new COLA percentage is announced in October, and your Form 1724 arrives before the increase takes effect in January.
You may also receive Form 1724 if you report work income to Social Security. If you are under full retirement age and earning above the annual earnings limit, Social Security withholds part of your benefit. The form shows the new reduced amount and when the withholding begins. Once you reach full retirement age, the withholding stops and your benefit increases — you will receive another Form 1724 showing the higher amount.
Other changes that trigger Form 1724 include a correction to your earnings record (if Social Security discovers a wage report was missing or wrong), a change in your family situation (such as a spouse or child becoming may have access to to benefits on your record), or a change in your medical condition if you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in addition to retirement or disability benefits.
What information appears on Form 1724
Form 1724 is a one-page notice with clear sections. At the top, it shows your name, Social Security number, and the type of benefit you receive (retirement, disability, survivor, or SSI). The main section displays three key numbers: your current benefit amount (the one you have been receiving), your new benefit amount (effective after the change), and the difference between them.
Below that, Social Security states the reason for the change in plain language — for example, "Cost-of-living adjustment," "Earnings reduction," "Correction to your earnings record," or "Change in family composition." The form also shows the effective date, which is the first month your new amount will appear in your bank account or check.
At the bottom, the form includes a brief explanation of what happened and reminds you to contact Social Security if you have questions or believe the change is incorrect. It also notes whether the change affects your Medicare premiums or other benefits tied to your Social Security amount.
What to do when you receive Form 1724
In most cases, you do not need to take any action. Form 1724 is informational — it tells you what changed and when. You should review it to make sure the numbers are correct and the reason makes sense. Check that your name and Social Security number are accurate, and verify that the new amount matches what you expected.
If the form shows a COLA increase, your new payment should appear in your account or arrive by check in the month shown on the form. If the form shows a reduction due to work earnings, the lower amount will begin the following month. Keep the form with your tax records and other Social Security documents — you may need it later to verify your benefit history or for tax reporting purposes.
If you do not receive Form 1724 when you expect one, or if you notice an error on the form, contact Social Security. You can call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can also visit your local Social Security office or create an account at ssa.gov to view your benefit information online.
Form 1724 and your tax return
Form 1724 itself is not a tax document, but the changes it describes may affect your taxes. If your benefit amount increases, your annual Social Security income increases, which could change whether your benefits are taxable. Social Security sends Form SSA-1099 each January, which reports your total benefits for the previous year and is the form you use for tax reporting.
If you received a benefit reduction due to work earnings, that reduction may lower your taxable income for the year. Keep Form 1724 with your tax file so you can reference it if the IRS or a tax preparer asks about changes to your benefit amount during the year.
If Form 1724 shows a correction to your earnings record, that correction may affect your taxes for the year it is made, depending on when Social Security processes it. Again, keep the form and contact a tax professional if you are unsure how the change affects your return.
What to do if you disagree with the change on Form 1724
If you believe Form 1724 shows an incorrect amount or an incorrect reason for the change, you have the right to request that Social Security review the decision. You do not appeal Form 1724 itself — instead, you request reconsideration of the underlying decision that led to the change.
Contact Social Security within 60 days of receiving the form. Explain what you believe is wrong and provide any documents that support your position — for example, pay stubs if you believe your earnings were reported incorrectly, or a marriage certificate if you believe a family status change was handled incorrectly. You can request reconsideration by phone, mail, or in person at a local office.
Social Security will review your case and send you a new notice explaining the result. If you still disagree after reconsideration, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This process takes longer but gives you the chance to present evidence and testimony. Social Security will explain your appeal rights in the reconsideration notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to sign and return Form 1724?
No. Form 1724 is a notice only. You do not sign it or return it to Social Security. Keep it for your records, but you do not need to take any action in response to receiving it.
Why did my benefit decrease on Form 1724?
The most common reason is work earnings. If you are under full retirement age and earn above the annual limit, Social Security withholds $1 in benefits for every $2 you earn above the limit. Other reasons include a correction to your record or a change in your family situation. The form states the reason — if it is unclear, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.
When will the new amount on Form 1724 appear in my account?
The form shows an effective date, which is the first month your new amount takes effect. If you receive direct deposit, the new amount appears in your bank account on your regular payment date in that month. If you receive a check, it arrives by mail in that month.
Can I use Form 1724 to prove my income for a loan or housing application?
Form 1724 shows your current benefit amount, but it is not an official income verification document. For income verification, request a benefit verification letter from Social Security. You can order one online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local office. The letter is designed for landlords, lenders, and other organizations that need proof of your benefit amount.
What if I lost my Form 1724?
You can request a replacement by contacting Social Security. Call 1-800-772-1213, visit your local office, or log into your account at ssa.gov to view your benefit history and past notices. Social Security can mail you a copy or you can view it online.