You can change your Social Security address online, by phone, or in person at a local office
The fastest way to update your address is through your my Social Security account at ssa.gov. You create a free account, sign in, and change your address yourself in minutes — no phone call or office visit needed. If you do not have an online account or prefer to call, Social Security's main number is 1-800-772-1213. You can also walk into any Social Security office with proof of your current address and a photo ID.
Social Security sends notices about your benefits to the address they have on file. If you move and do not update it, you may miss important letters about changes to your payment amount, Medicare information, or tax documents like your SSA-1099. The address change takes effect within a few days once Social Security receives it.
Key Takeaways
- Creating a my Social Security account at ssa.gov lets you change your address online without calling or visiting an office.
- You can also call 1-800-772-1213 during business hours (7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday) to update your address over the phone.
- In-person changes at a local Social Security office require a photo ID and proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease.
- Address changes typically take effect within a few days, so update yours as soon as you move to avoid missing important mail.
Creating and using a my Social Security account
Go to ssa.gov and look for the "my Social Security" link on the homepage. Click it and select "Create an account." You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a password. Social Security will ask you security questions based on your credit history to verify your identity — questions like which car you owned or which address you lived at during a certain year.
Once your account is set up and you are signed in, look for "Profile" or "Personal Information" in the menu. Select the option to change your address, enter your new address, and save. You will see a confirmation message on screen. Social Security will also send you an email confirming the change.
If you cannot answer the security questions because you do not have a credit history or the questions do not match your records, Social Security will offer you the option to verify your identity by mail instead. This takes longer — usually one to two weeks — but it works if the online path is blocked.
Changing your address by phone
Call 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. A representative will ask for your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address to verify who you are. Then they will ask for your new address and confirm it back to you before ending the call.
Phone lines are busiest early in the week and early in the month, so calling on a Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday afternoon usually means a shorter wait. If you reach an automated system first, you can press the button to speak to a representative rather than using the automated options.
Changing your address in person at a Social Security office
Find your nearest Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Bring a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works.
You do not need an appointment at most offices, but you can call ahead to ask about wait times. Bring the documents with you — do not mail them. The representative will update your address on the spot, and you will receive a written confirmation before you leave.
What happens if you move and do not update your address
Social Security will continue sending mail to your old address. If you receive benefits, your monthly payment goes to your bank account (direct deposit) regardless of your address, so your money is not affected. However, you will miss notices about changes to your benefit amount, Medicare updates, or requests for information.
If Social Security needs to reach you and mail bounces back, they may try to contact you by phone if they have a number on file. If they cannot reach you for a long time, they may suspend your benefits until they confirm you are still alive and may be able to access. Updating your address prevents this problem.
Changing your address if you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
If you receive SSI rather than regular Social Security retirement or disability benefits, address changes are more time-sensitive. SSI is a needs-based program, and your living situation affects your payment amount. You must report an address change within 10 days of moving.
Use the same methods — my Social Security account, phone, or in-person office visit — but do it sooner rather than later. If you are late reporting a move, Social Security may overpay you and ask you to return the extra money later.
Changing your address for a representative payee or beneficiary
If someone else manages your Social Security benefits as your representative payee, they can change the address on your account by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting a local office with proof of their authority (the court order or Social Security letter naming them as payee). They cannot use my Social Security online unless they have their own account set up as a payee account.
If you are a representative payee for someone else, you can change their address using the same methods. Social Security will ask you to verify your relationship to the beneficiary and may ask for documentation of your authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for my address change to go into effect?
Online changes through my Social Security usually take effect within a few days. Phone and in-person changes also take a few days to process. If you are moving soon, update your address before you leave your current place so mail does not pile up.
Can I change my address if I do not have a photo ID?
Online through my Social Security is your best option if you lack a photo ID, since you only need your Social Security number and answers to security questions. If you visit an office without a photo ID, bring two other documents that prove your identity, such as a birth certificate and a bank statement with your name on it.
What if I am homeless or do not have a permanent address?
You can use a shelter address, a friend's address, a mailing service address, or a post office box. Social Security just needs a place to send mail. Tell the representative that the address is temporary so they know your situation. You can update it again once you have a permanent address.
Do I need to change my address with Medicare separately?
No. Social Security shares your address with Medicare automatically, so changing it with Social Security updates both. You will receive Medicare mail at your new address once the change takes effect.
What if I changed my address but Social Security is still sending mail to my old place?
Wait at least one week after you make the change, then call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm the new address is in their system. If it is there but mail is still going to the old address, ask the representative to flag your account for a manual address review. This sometimes happens if the address was entered with a typo.