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Moving means you’ll need to update your address with the Social Security Administration (SSA) to help ensure your benefits continue and that you receive important communications. Whether you receive retirement benefits, disability payments, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Medicare, each program has specific requirements and timelines.
Many beneficiaries wrongly assume direct deposit eliminates the need for address updates. The SSA sends critical documents through regular mail regardless of payment method, including tax forms, benefit adjustment notices, and eligibility reviews. Missing these communications can result in suspended benefits, tax filing complications, and financial penalties.
Why Updating Your SSA Address Matters
Protecting Your Benefits and Communications
The Social Security Administration must maintain your correct mailing address even when monthly payments arrive via direct deposit. The agency sends essential non-payment documents through the U.S. Postal Service that directly affect your financial well-being and legal obligations.
Critical documents sent by mail include:
- Annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment notices detailing monthly benefit changes
- Social Security Statements (Form SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S) required for federal income tax filing
- Continuing eligibility notices
- Benefit amount changes due to work, pension income, or other factors
- Program and policy updates affecting your benefits
Without your current address, the SSA cannot inform you of vital changes impacting your finances and legal responsibilities.
Consequences of Not Updating Your Address
Not updating your address with the SSA can lead to more than just inconvenience.
Delayed benefit payments: When direct deposit issues occur, the SSA mails paper checks to your address on file. Incorrect addresses cause significant payment delays.
Missed tax documents: Not receiving your SSA-1099 complicates tax filing, potentially causing delays or errors on your tax return.
Suspended benefits: The most severe consequence occurs when the SSA sends important correspondence to your listed address and it returns as undeliverable. The agency may conclude it has lost contact with you and suspend benefits until you reestablish contact and verify information. For individuals relying on these payments for daily expenses, sudden benefit suspension can prove catastrophic.
Who Must Report Address Changes
You must report your new address if you receive:
- Social Security retirement, survivor, or disability benefits
- SSI payments
- Medicare benefits, even without Social Security payments
You do NOT need to report your new address if:
- You are not currently receiving any listed benefits above
In these cases, the SSA does not maintain an address on file. If you file federal tax returns, the Internal Revenue Service may provide updated address information to the SSA automatically.
Important clarification: You do not need to report address changes to get a new Social Security card. Physical cards do not display addresses, and updates serve internal record-keeping to ensure proper communication and benefit delivery.
Online Address Updates Through My Social Security
Eligibility for Online Changes
The my Social Security portal offers a convenient way to update your address for most benefit types. This secure system is available 24/7 and can be accessed from home.
Online address changes are available for individuals receiving:
- Social Security retirement benefits
- Social Security survivors benefits
- Social Security disability benefits
- Medicare enrollment
Online changes are NOT available for:
- SSI)
- SSI recipients, who must use phone or in-person methods
Creating Your My Social Security Account
To use the online portal, first-time users must create a secure account through one of the SSA’s credential partners.
Prerequisites:
- At least 18 years of age
- Valid Social Security number
- Valid email address
- U.S. mailing address (including military APO/FPO/DPO addresses)
Account creation process:
Navigate to the official SSA account creation page. Only use official websites that end in .gov, such as ssa.gov. Third-party services often represent scams designed to steal personal information or charge unnecessary fees.
Choose a secure login partner:
The SSA partners with two trusted credential providers for enhanced security:
Login.gov: A secure sign-in service used by multiple U.S. government agencies, allowing one account for multiple government sites.
ID.me: A certified identity verification provider meeting federal government’s highest standards for online identity proofing and authentication.
If you have existing accounts with either Login.gov or ID.me from other government services, select that option to sign in directly without creating new credentials.
Complete identity verification:
Creating new accounts with Login.gov or ID.me requires personal information verification. You may receive an activation code by mail at your current SSA address on file. Enter this code online to finalize account creation.
Security requirement: My Social Security accounts are for personal use only. The SSA does not allow others to create or manage accounts on your behalf. Doing so may be considered misrepresentation and could result in penalties.
Updating Your Address Online
Once logged into your account, address changes take only minutes through the user-friendly interface.
Step-by-step process:
Sign in: Go to my Social Security and use your Login.gov or ID.me credentials.
Navigate to your profile: Select the “My Profile” tab, typically located at the top of the screen.
Select contact information: Click “Contact” or “Update Contact Information” within the My Profile section.
Enter new information: The system displays fields for mailing address and phone number. Carefully enter your new information.
Set effective date: Specify the date when changes should take effect. This allows reporting new addresses before actually moving, ensuring no communication gaps.
Review and submit: The system shows a summary of changes. Review all information carefully for typos or errors before clicking “Submit.”
Confirmation: A confirmation screen verifies your request completion and record updates.
Troubleshooting Account Issues
Use official support channels when encountering difficulties:
Login.gov issues: Visit the Login.gov Help Center or call 844-875-6446 for password, email, or authentication problems.
ID.me issues: Visit the ID.me Help Center for account support.
Social Security-specific issues: Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or contact your local Social Security office for help with account creation or other SSA-related concerns.
Phone and In-Person Address Updates
Updating by Phone
Phone updates serve as the recommended method for certain beneficiary groups and a reliable alternative for others unable to use online services.
Who should use phone updates:
- SSI recipients
- Individuals without U.S. mailing addresses (foreign addresses)
- Anyone unable to create or use my Social Security accounts
Contact information:
National toll-free number: 1-800-772-1213 TTY (deaf or hard of hearing): 1-800-325-0778 Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time Automated services: Available 24/7
Minimizing wait times:
SSA call centers experience heavy volume. Wait times are typically shorter during:
- Early morning (8 a.m. to 10 a.m. local time)
- Late afternoon (4 p.m. to 7 p.m. local time)
- Later in the week (Wednesday through Friday)
- Later in the month
What to expect during calls:
Automated phone systems direct you to live representatives. Prepare to provide personal information for identity verification before representatives can access records and make changes. This includes your full name, Social Security number, date of birth, and old address.
In-Person Office Visits
In some cases, visiting a local Social Security office may be necessary or helpful.
When in-person visits are necessary:
SSI recipients: Can report address changes in person instead of by phone.
Complex cases: Record discrepancies preventing online or phone identification require office visits. Examples include mismatches between the place of birth on your birth certificate and SSA records or a different mother’s maiden names on file.
Finding local offices:
The SSA operates over 1,400 field offices nationwide. Use the official Social Security Office Locator by entering your ZIP code to find the nearest office’s address, phone number, fax number, and hours of operation.
Scheduling appointments:
The SSA strongly recommends scheduling appointments to avoid long wait times. Many offices require appointments for service. Busiest times occur first thing in the morning, early in the week, and during the first part of the month.
Call the SSA’s national toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 or your specific local office to schedule appointments.
What to bring:
While the SSA does not publish specific document requirements for address changes, bring the following for successful visits:
- Social Security card
- Valid, unexpired photo ID (driver’s license, state-issued ID card, or U.S. passport)
- Proof of new address (utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement showing new address)
Special Requirements for SSI Recipients
No Online Address Changes
SSI recipients cannot change addresses online. While you can create and use my Social Security accounts to check addresses on file, the system prevents address changes. SSI recipients must use phone or in-person methods.
Reporting methods for SSI recipients:
- Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213
- Visit or contact your local Social Security office
Strict 10-Day Reporting Deadline
SSI recipients must report address changes within 10 days after the end of the month in which the move occurred. For example, if you move on June 20, you must report the change by July 10.
Why SSI Rules Are Stricter
SSI is a needs-based program for individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled and have limited income and resources. Unlike Social Security benefits, which are based on work history, SSI eligibility and payment amounts can change based on your living situation and location.
Impact of living arrangements: SSI payments may be reduced if you move into someone else’s home and do not contribute fairly to food and shelter costs. Factors such as rent, household size, and shared expenses affect payment calculations.
Impact of state supplements: While the federal government sets base SSI rates, many states offer additional payments. These vary widely, so moving to a different state may change your total monthly benefit.
Consequences of Late SSI Reporting
If you report a move after the 10-day deadline, the SSA may apply financial penalties. The SSA may impose penalties reducing SSI payments by $25 for first failures, $50 for second failures, and $100 for subsequent failures.
Late reporting that results in overpayments may require repayment to the SSA.
Medicare Coverage Implications
SSA-Medicare Connection
The SSA manages Medicare enrollment and maintains beneficiary records, including addresses. Updating your address with the SSA also updates your Medicare records – no separate contact is needed.
However, moving can affect your health coverage, especially if you’re enrolled in a private Medicare plan. A move qualifies as a “life event” that may change your plan options, costs, and provider access..
Impact by Plan Type
| Plan Type | Impact of Moving Out of Service Area | Your Required Action | Official Resource |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original Medicare (Part A & Part B) | Coverage remains valid nationwide; any doctor or hospital accepting Medicare provides care | Inform SSA of new address to receive quarterly Medicare Summary Notices and important mail. | my Social Security |
| Medicare Advantage (Part C) | Almost certain loss of current plan due to geographic restrictions; move qualifies you for Special Enrollment Period to choose new plans available in new location | Contact plan provider immediately. Use SEP to enroll in new plan to avoid coverage gaps. | Medicare Plan Compare |
| Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Plan) | Almost certain loss of current plan due to specific service areas; move qualifies you for SEP to choose new Part D plan | Contact plan provider immediately. Use SEP to enroll in new plan to avoid losing prescription coverage. | Medicare Plan Compare |
| Medigap (Supplemental Insurance) | Policy generally portable nationwide with Original Medicare; monthly premium may change based on insurance rates in new ZIP code | Contact Medigap insurance company to notify of move and inquire about potential premium changes. | Your private insurer’s website/phone number |
U.S. Citizens Living Abroad
International Address Reporting Process
If you live outside the U.S. or plan to move internationally, follow these steps:
Before departing the U.S.: Report your new international address before leaving the country.
Already living abroad: Report address changes promptly to the Federal Benefits Unit at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Send signed, written requests including your name, Social Security Claim Number, old address, and new address to the FBU serving your country of residence.
Required Forms and Online Access
Moving from the U.S. to foreign countries may require completing and submitting Form SSA-21, “Supplement To Claim Of Person Outside The United States.”
Many SSA services are now accessible online from overseas using ID.me credentials to log into your my Social Security account.
Key Resources for International Recipients:
Find contact information for FBUs serving your area through the SSA’s international service page.
Review the official publication “Your Payments While You Are Outside the United States” explaining how living abroad affects benefits, payment restrictions in certain countries, and other critical rules.
Our articles make government information more accessible. Please consult a qualified professional for financial, legal, or health advice specific to your circumstances.
