If you receive benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA), you need to keep your address current with them. Sometimes, the SSA sends correspondence about your Social Security benefits to your home address. Similarly, if you request a replacement Social Security card or Medicare card, it will be sent to your home address. So, what happens when you move and need to change your address on file with Social Security? Thankfully, the process is pretty easy, and there are a few different ways you can do it. Keep reading to learn exactly how to change your address with Social Security.
How To Change Your Address With Social Security
Whenever you move, you should notify the Social Security Administration of your new address. They give you a few different methods to choose from to accomplish this task. Whether you prefer the ease of using the Internet or would rather change your address in person, they have a method that will work for you. Here are your options for changing your address.
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Online With A My Social Security Account
The easiest way to change your address with the Social Security Administration is online, through your my Social Security account. If you don’t have an online account already, you can sign up for one in about ten minutes. You will need your social security number and a few other pieces of information for identity verification purposes. Once you have registered for an account, follow these steps to change your address:
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- Step 1: Sign into your my Social Security account
- Step 2: Click on the “My Profile” tab
- Step 3: Select “Contact Link” to view your current contact information
- Step 4: Enter your new address and you can also update your phone number if necessary
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- Note: This same screen will allow you to update your email address or direct deposit information as well.
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Once you have entered your updated information, you will need to select an effective date. Tell the Social Security Administration whether the change should take effect immediately or at a later date. After you have picked the correct date, click Continue. Review and verify the updated information, and then click “Submit.” You have now changed your address using the SSA’s online service! As an added bonus, you can also use your online account to request a replacement Social Security card if you need one.
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Over The Phone With The Social Security Administration
What if you need to update contact information but don’t feel comfortable submitting your personal details over the Internet? There are other ways you can do so, and one of those ways is by calling the Social Security Administration.
Simply give the SSA a call at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Make sure that you call between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Otherwise, you’ll only get the automated phone system. You will need to speak to a representative to change your address, and you might need to verify a few pieces of personal information to confirm your identity.
You should know that you might experience long wait times when you call Social Security on the phone. In some cases, you might wait on the phone for over an hour before speaking with a representative. Social Security recommends calling early in the day or late in the evening, as those are typically the least busy times. Additionally, you can try to call your local office instead of the main Social Security phone number. This can also help cut down on wait times.
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In Person At Your Local Social Security Office
Some people prefer to do things in person, and you can certainly change your address with Social Security in person if you like. Be aware that you might be sitting in a waiting room for hours, so at a minimum, you should call to make an appointment at your local office before arriving.
Once you speak to a representative, you may need to confirm your old address and then provide them with your new address. Be prepared to show your photo ID, like a driver’s license, to confirm your identity. You can let the representative know when the address change will take effect, and they will provide you with a printout that shows your updated U.S. mailing address.
How To Change Your Address For SSI Benefits
If you receive Supplemental Security Income benefits, you won’t have as many options for changing your address. Unfortunately, you cannot use your my Social Security account to change your address online. You can use your online account to view your contact information; however, you will need to contact the Social Security Administration to make changes.
For SSI recipients, you should either call Social Security or visit your local office. You can call the main telephone number at 1-800-772-1213 or call your local office. Provide the representative with your SSN to verify your identity. Next, give them your updated street address and the date you want the change to take effect. If you visit the office in person, you can get a printed receipt that shows your new address.
For those on disability benefits who are wondering how to change their address with Social Security, the process is the same as that for retirement benefits. You can change your address online, over the phone, or in person. The same goes for spousal benefits or survivor benefits. While you might not be able to use a PO box with some government agencies, the Social Security Administration does typically allow the use of a PO box.
When To Notify The Social Security Administration Of An Address Change
So, how quickly do you need to notify the Social Security Administration of a change to your address? Ideally, you should inform them of your new address before you move. You can go ahead and notify them of your new address and provide the date on which it will be effective. For instance, if you plan to move on December 1, you can notify the Social Security Administration of your new address in November. Simply tell them that you want the new address to be effective on December 1, and the change will automatically be applied on that date.
There is no hard requirement for a notification timeframe. You will not be penalized for failure to notify Social Security of your new address within a certain timeframe, although you might miss important notices. The Social Security Administration will often mail correspondence related to your current or future benefits, and you might miss this communication if you fail to update your address. This could lead to a delay in receiving future benefits. For this reason, you need to update your address as soon as possible.
The Bottom Line
Changing your address with Social Security is not a difficult process, and there are a few different ways you can do it. The easiest and quickest way to change your address is online through a My Social Security account. You can easily update your address and provide an effective date for the change. If you do not have online access, you can call the Social Security Administration or visit your local office to change your address. Visiting your local Social Security office in person will allow you to get a printed receipt showing the change. Those receiving SSI benefits will not be able to change their address online at this time, so they will need to either call or visit an office in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my address with Social Security when I move?
Yes, you need to keep your address with Social Security current. Failure to provide an updated address to Social Security could result in a failure to receive some communication from Social Security. This could prevent you from receiving important information about your benefits. In some cases, this could even lead to a delay in your future benefits. While there is no strict timeframe for when you must perform a Social Security address change, you should always change your address with them promptly.
What are the consequences of not informing Social Security of a change of address?
One of the biggest consequences of not informing Social Security of a change of address is a failure to receive communication from the Social Security Administration. The SSA will occasionally send a communication through the mail, and you might not receive it if you have an old address on file. This could lead to you missing important information about your benefits. In rare cases, this could cause a delay in future benefits.
How long does it take for Social Security to update my address?
Updating your address with Social Security is usually effective immediately. As soon as you notify the Social Security Administration of the change, it will take effect on your account. However, you can also notify them of a change with an effective date in the future. If you already know your new address, you can let them know when the change will take effect. Your address will automatically get updated on the day that you move.
Can I change my SSN address online?
Yes, you can change your address with Social Security online. Unlike a Social Security name change, making a change to your address online is the quickest and easiest way to perform the change. Simply log into your my Social Security account and view your profile. From there, you can update your address, phone number, email address, direct deposit information, and other details. Review the changes you made and click “Submit.” Unfortunately, SSI beneficiaries are unable to change their address online at this time. They will need to call the Social Security Administration or visit their local office to change their address.
