The letter is the boss. AI explains it. You check every number.
New to this? Try the practice first.
Step 1: Cover your private details
- Cover your name, address and Social Security number.
- Never share your full Social Security number.
- Pasting? Delete those details first. Photo? Cover them with paper.
Step 2: Ask AI to explain old vs. new
- Paste the prompt below. Add your letter after it, as text or a photo. Send.
Explain my Social Security benefit letter below in plain words. For each amount, show the old amount, the new amount and the change. Include the benefit before deductions, each deduction, and the amount paid. Next to each number, quote the exact line from the letter. Show the math. Say which month each amount is for and when it is paid, if shown. If something is not in the letter, write "NOT IN LETTER." Do not add facts from outside the letter. If you are unsure, write "NOT SURE." Do not give advice about benefits, Medicare, taxes or the law. Do not give me phone numbers or links.
Step 3: Check every number on the paper
- Find each quoted line on your letter yourself. No quote? Don't trust it.
- Check every amount and date, digit by digit.
- Check what each month means. The December amount is paid in January.
Step 4: Check the math
- New benefit, minus each deduction, should match the amount paid.
- Social Security rounds the payment down to a whole dollar. So it can be less than $1 under your math.
- Did the payment go up less than the benefit? Look for a bigger deduction, like Medicare Part B.
Step 5: Call a number you look up yourself
- Social Security: 1-800-772-1213. TTY: 1-800-325-0778. Weekdays, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time.
- Check that number yourself on ssa.gov before you call.
- Never use a number from a text, email or surprise call.
When your letter comes
- For 2027, Social Security benefits go up 3.6%. The raise starts with January 2027 payments.
- SSI payments go up starting December 31, 2026.
- The new Social Security amount is for December. You get it in January.
- Online notices: late November or early December, in your my Social Security account on ssa.gov.
- By mail: during December. No letter? Social Security asks you to wait until January to call.
- For most people with Part B, the premium comes out of their Social Security payment.
- Asked to pay or share details to "activate" your raise? That's a scam sign.
Checked: ssa.gov (2027 COLA news release; COLA information; COLA FAQ; Contact by phone; Scams; Handbook sec. 738; 20 CFR 404.304); medicare.gov (How to pay Part A & Part B premiums), Oct 17, 2026.
Practice letter
PRACTICE - NOT REAL. Made up for this guide. Do not call the number.
This made-up letter has 3 things to ask about. Can you find them?
==================== PRACTICE - NOT REAL ====================
PRACTICE BENEFITS OFFICE - NOT A REAL AGENCY
Benefit Change Notice
All names, numbers and amounts are made up.
Notice date: December 3, 2026
To: Pat Sample
Address: 123 Practice Lane, Sampletown, ZZ 00000
Number: XXX-XX-0000
Questions: (555) 010-5287
Your benefit is going up.
Before the Starting
change December 2026
Monthly benefit before deductions $1,850.00 $1,916.60
Medicare Part B premium -$198.00 -$211.40
Amount we will pay $1,652.00 $1,705.00
You will get your first new payment on January 13, 2027.
The Part B amounts above are made up for practice.
They are not the real 2026 or 2027 premiums.
==================== PRACTICE - NOT REAL ====================To practice with AI: paste the prompt, then this letter. Send. Check its answer with Steps 3 and 4.
How did you do? A good AI answer:
- Shows old and new for each line, with quotes, like "$1,916.60."
- Says the benefit went up $66.60 before deductions.
- Says Part B went up $13.40. So the payment went up only $53.00.
- Notes $1,916.60 minus $211.40 is $1,705.20, but the letter pays $1,705.00. It says rounding, or "NOT SURE."
- Says the new amount is for December 2026, paid January 13, 2027.
- Gives no advice, phone number or link.