Can I file form SSA-1099 in the free edition or will I have to purchase turbotax?

Yes, you can file the SSA-1099 with TurboTax Free online edition. 

Can I file form SSA-1099 in the free edition 

@Tommyt7071 Yes you can enter a SSA1099 in the Free Edition.  

Go to Federal> Wages & Income>>Retirement Plans and Social Security  (SSA1099 and 1099RRB) to enter your SSA1099.

Can I send a picture of my ssa-1099 form

No, you can't fill in the Social Security income section by taking a picture of the form, but it is a very easy section to complete. 

To enter Social Security income in TurboTax:

1. Select Federal on the left side menu.
2. Select Wages & Income.
3. Scroll down to Retirement Plans and Social Security, expand the section.
4. Click Start or Revisit to the right of Social Security (SSA-1099, RRB-1099).
5. You can enter your information here. 
6. If you are filing a joint tax return, you will see two columns, one for you and one for your spouse.