Where to Report Your Address Change

You can update your address with Social Security in three ways: online through your personal my Social Security account, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. The online method is fastest if you already have an account set up. If you do not have one, creating it takes about 10 minutes and requires your Social Security number, date of birth, and an email address.

To change your address online, log into my Social Security at ssa.gov, click "My Profile," then select "Contact Information." Enter your new address and confirm the change. The update takes effect when ready in their system, though mail may still arrive at your old address for a few weeks while their records fully sync.

If you prefer to call, dial 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers). Have your Social Security number ready. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are usually shortest early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your address online through my Social Security, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local office.
  • An online address change takes effect when ready, but paper mail may still arrive at your old address for several weeks.
  • If you receive benefits, Social Security will mail your next payment stub to your new address once the change is processed.
  • You do not need to visit an office in person unless you prefer it or do not have internet access.
  • Keep your new address current to avoid missing important notices about your benefits or Medicare coverage.

Changing Your Address in Person

Visit your local Social Security office if you want to update your address face-to-face. Bring a photo ID and your Social Security card, or a document that shows your Social Security number. You do not need an appointment, but offices often have wait times of 30 minutes to an hour, especially on Tuesdays through Thursdays.

To find your nearest office, go to ssa.gov/locator or call 1-800-772-1213. The staff member will update your address on the spot and give you a receipt. This method works well if you are uncomfortable using the phone or online, or if you have questions about how the change affects your specific situation.

What Happens After You Report the Change

Social Security updates your address in their system within one business day of your report. If you receive retirement, disability, or survivor benefits, your next payment stub will show your new address. However, mail already in transit to your old address will still arrive there—this is normal and does not mean the change did not work.

If you are expecting a check or important notice and you have moved, contact Social Security to confirm they have your new address. You can also set up direct deposit through my Social Security if you have not already; this eliminates the need to receive paper checks and ensures your payment goes straight to your bank account.

Updating Your Address for Medicare

If you are on Medicare, updating your Social Security address also updates your Medicare address automatically. Medicare uses the same address on file. Your Medicare card, notices about coverage changes, and bills will all go to your new address once the change processes.

If you need to update your address for Medicare only (separate from Social Security), you can call Medicare directly at 1-800-633-4227. However, most people find it simpler to update through Social Security since the two programs share the same address database.

If You Moved Out of the Country

If you have moved outside the United States, you can still update your address with Social Security. You will need to provide your new address in the country where you now live. Social Security will mail documents to international addresses, though delivery times are longer than within the U.S.

Call 1-410-965-7307 (this is a U.S. number, so use Skype or another international calling service if needed) or visit a U.S. embassy or consulate to report your address change. Some countries have Social Security field offices that can help you update your information in person.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not assume your address has been updated just because you reported it once. If you move again within a few months, report the new address right away—Social Security does not automatically forward your information. Also, do not wait until you stop receiving mail to update your address. Report the change as soon as you move, even if you are still receiving benefits at your old address.

If you have a representative payee (someone who manages your benefits on your behalf), make sure they also know your new address. Social Security may mail notices to the payee instead of to you, so keeping both addresses current prevents missed information. Finally, if you change your address online but do not receive a confirmation email, log back in to verify the change went through.

What to Do If Your Mail Is Going to the Wrong Address

If you reported your address change but mail is still arriving at your old location, do not panic—this is common during the transition period. Mail already sent before your change was processed will continue to your old address. Wait at least two weeks after reporting the change before contacting Social Security again.

If mail is still arriving at your old address after three weeks, call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm the address in their system. Ask the representative to read back your address to you to catch any typos. If there is an error, they can correct it when ready over the phone. You can also ask them to resend any recent notices to your correct address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to update my address if I am not receiving benefits yet?

Yes. Social Security uses your address on file to send you important notices about your account, including when you become old enough to claim benefits. Keeping your address current ensures you do not miss these notices. You can update your address anytime through my Social Security, even if you are not yet receiving payments.

How long does it take for my address change to show up in Social Security's system?

Online changes take effect when ready. Phone and in-person changes process within one business day. However, mail that was already sent before your change will still go to your old address. Allow two to three weeks for all mail to start arriving at your new location.

Can I change my address if I do not have a my Social Security account?

Yes. You can call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office in person. Creating a my Social Security account takes about 10 minutes if you prefer the online method, but it is not required. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and an email address to set up an account.

What if I moved and my mail is being forwarded by the post office?

Post office mail forwarding does not update your address with Social Security. You must report the change directly to Social Security. Mail forwarding typically lasts 12 months, so update your address with Social Security before that period ends to may support you receive notices at your permanent new address.

Will changing my address affect my benefits?

No. Updating your address does not change your benefit amount or your may be able to access. It only tells Social Security where to send your payment stub, notices, and other mail. Your benefits continue without interruption.