Social Security Fees for Records: 2026 Non-Program Purpose Fee Schedule
SSA charges set fees when you request records for reasons not related to Social Security benefits — like an SS-5 copy for family research or a certified earnings record. Here's the official schedule for requests received on or after October 1, 2026, a calculator for your total, and the free alternatives.
Written and fact-checked by the CheckPayDate.com Editorial TeamPublished October 28, 2026Last reviewed October 28, 2026How we review
Quick Answer
- A non-program purpose fee applies when you want SSA information for something other than getting or managing Social Security benefits.
- Common fees: SS-5 copy $23, Numident $22, detailed earnings $49 (+$30 to certify), W-2 copy $54.
- Effective October 1, 2026 for requests SSA receives on or after that date. Payment is due in advance and is nonrefundable.
- Most everyday services are free, including card replacements and benefit letters.
SSA Records Fee Calculator
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Estimated total
- Copy of original Form SS-5 (Social Security card application)$23
Payment is required in advance and is nonrefundable. Requests needing redactions or special services may cost more.
SSA Fee Schedule for Requests Received On or After October 1, 2026
| Record or service | Fee | Charged |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of original Form SS-5 (Social Security card application) | $23 | Per request |
| Copy of Numident record (computer extract of the SS-5) | $22 | Per request |
| Detailed earnings record (Form SSA-7050) | $49 | Per request or copy |
| Certification of detailed earnings (add-on to SSA-7050) | $30 | Per request or copy |
| Copy of W-2 or W-3 | $54 | Per request or copy |
| Third-party manual SSN verification | $74 | Per request or copy |
| Record extract (processed in a field office) | $46 | Per request or copy |
| Copy of an electronic claim folder | $75 | Per request or copy |
| Copy of a paper claim folder | $151 | Per request or copy |
| Certification (field office, regional office, or headquarters) | $65 | Per request or copy |
| Certification (Central Processing) | $30 | Per request or copy |
What Counts as a "Non-Program Purpose"?
Section 1106 of the Social Security Act lets SSA charge the full cost of providing information when a request isn't directly related to administering its programs. In practice, that usually means records you want for your own purposes rather than to apply for, receive, or fix your benefits — for example, a deceased relative's SS-5 for family history, or a certified earnings record for a private pension or court case.
If you need information to apply for or manage your own Social Security or SSI benefits, it's a program purpose and these fees generally don't apply. SSA last updated the schedule on August 23, 2024, and reviews it at least every two years.
Social Security Services That Are Always Free
Replace your Social Security card
Always free, online or at an office
Proof of your benefits (benefit verification letter)
Free download in my Social Security
Your yearly earnings and benefit estimates
Free in your Social Security Statement
Applying for or managing your own benefits
No fee — these are program purposes
SSA never asks you to pay a fee by gift card, wire, or crypto, or to pay for a card or a benefit increase. Learn to spot scams.
How to Request a Record From SSA
- Check whether a free option works — your Statement, a benefit letter, or an IRS transcript.
- Use the right form, such as Form SSA-7050 for detailed earnings, or SSA's FOIA request process for SS-5 copies.
- Include payment for the exact fee in advance. SSA's fees are nonrefundable, so confirm you're requesting the right record first.
- Keep a copy of your request and proof of payment.
Frequently asked questions
Related guides & tools
Official Primary Data Sources
Fees from SSA's Federal Register notice of September 21, 2026, checked October 28, 2026. SSA may charge differently when a request needs redactions or special services.
The complete fee schedule, applicable to requests received on or after October 1, 2026.
How SSA decides between program-purpose and non-program-purpose fee rules.
Form for detailed, optionally certified, earnings records.
Free SSN verification for employers' wage reporting.
Free wage and income transcripts showing W-2 information.