You need to tell Social Security about your address change in person, by mail, or through their online account
Social Security does not automatically know when you move. You have to report your new address yourself, and the method you choose depends on whether you have an online account and how quickly you need the change recorded. The fastest route is the Social Security website if you have a my Social Security account set up. If you do not have an account or prefer to handle it in person, you can visit your local Social Security office or mail in a form.
The address on file affects where Social Security sends your benefit checks (if you receive them), tax documents like your SSA-1099, and official mail about your account. If you do not update it, important documents may go to your old address and you might miss notices about changes to your benefits.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your address online through my Social Security, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, by mail using Form SSA-7084, or in person at your local Social Security office.
- The online method is fastest if you already have a my Social Security account; the change usually shows up within one to two weeks.
- If you mail in the change, include your Social Security number, current address, new address, and sign the form — processing takes two to four weeks.
- You do not need to bring original documents to change your address, only proof that you live at the new location if you visit an office in person.
- If you receive benefits by direct deposit, your payments continue uninterrupted; the address change only affects mail and documents.
Changing your address online through my Social Security
If you have a my Social Security account, you can update your address without leaving home. Go to ssa.gov, click "Sign in to my Social Security," and log in with your username and password. If you have not created an account yet, you can set one up on the same page — you will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity (usually a phone number or address on file).
Once you are logged in, look for "Profile" or "Personal Information" in the menu. Select the option to change your address, enter your new street address, city, state, and ZIP code, and submit. Social Security will send you a confirmation email. The change typically appears in their system within one to two weeks, though you may see it sooner.
This method works for anyone who receives benefits, anyone with a Social Security number who wants to update their file, and people who have not yet applied for benefits but want their address current. You do not need to visit an office or mail anything.
Changing your address by phone
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and tell the representative you need to update your address. Have your Social Security number ready. The representative will ask for your current address, new address, and may ask a few security questions to confirm your identity. The call usually takes five to ten minutes.
Phone changes are processed within one to two weeks. This method works well if you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, but you cannot change your address for someone else by phone — only the person whose number it is can make the change, or an authorized representative with power of attorney.
Changing your address by mail using Form SSA-7084
read or request Form SSA-7084 (Statement Regarding Your Address) from ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Fill in your Social Security number, current address, new address, and sign and date the form. Mail it to the Social Security office that serves your area — you can find the address on the form itself or on the Social Security website.
Include only the form; you do not need to send documents or proof of your new address by mail. Processing takes two to four weeks from the date Social Security receives it. Keep a copy for your records. If you are concerned about the mail, you can ask for a receipt when you mail it, or use certified mail with return receipt requested.
Changing your address in person at a Social Security office
Visit your local Social Security office and tell the staff member you need to update your address. Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your number (like a tax return or benefit statement), and bring one piece of mail or a utility bill showing your new address. You do not need to bring your original birth certificate or other identity documents — just proof of your new residence.
The office will update your address on the spot, and you will receive a receipt. The change is recorded when ready in their system, though it may take a few days to appear in all of Social Security's databases. Wait times at offices vary; calling ahead to ask about current wait times can help you plan your visit.
Find your local office at ssa.gov/locator or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others require an appointment. Check the office's page before you go.
What happens after you report your address change
If you receive Social Security benefits by direct deposit, your payments continue without interruption — the address change does not affect your bank account. If you receive a paper check, future checks will be mailed to your new address once the change is processed.
Social Security will mail you a confirmation letter at your new address within two to four weeks. Tax documents (Form SSA-1099) and any other official mail will go to your new address going forward. If you moved out of state, your benefits do not change, but let Social Security know so they have the correct information on file.
If you are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in addition to regular Social Security benefits, report your address change to both programs. You can do this in one step through my Social Security or by phone, and it updates both accounts.
What to do if you moved and did not report it
If you have already moved but have not yet reported your address change, do it as soon as you can. Social Security may send mail to your old address, and if you do not receive important notices, you might miss a important date or not know about a change to your benefits. If you know mail was sent to your old address, contact the person living there or the new owner and ask them to forward it to you, or contact Social Security and ask them to resend the document.
There is no penalty for reporting your address change late, as long as you report it before you miss a required action (like reporting a change in your work or living situation). If you receive benefits and your address is wrong, Social Security may try to contact you about changes to your case, so updating it protects you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change someone else's address on their Social Security account?
No, only the person whose Social Security number it is can change the address, unless you have legal power of attorney or are an authorized representative. If you are managing someone's affairs, you will need to provide Social Security with documentation of your authority before they will make changes on their behalf.
Do I need to change my address with Social Security if I moved out of state?
Yes. Your benefits do not change if you move to a different state, but Social Security needs your correct address on file so they can send you mail and documents. The process is the same whether you moved across town or across the country.
How long does it take for my address change to show up?
Online changes through my Social Security usually appear within one to two weeks. Phone and in-person changes are recorded when ready but may take a few days to show in all of Social Security's systems. Mail changes take two to four weeks from the date they receive the form.
What if I do not have a my Social Security account and do not want to create one?
You can change your address by phone at 1-800-772-1213, by mail using Form SSA-7084, or in person at your local Social Security office. All three methods work without an online account.
Will changing my address affect my benefits?
No. Changing your address does not change the amount you receive or your may be able to access. It only updates where Social Security sends your mail and documents. If you receive benefits by direct deposit, your payments continue to your bank account without any interruption.