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 my Social Security, the Social Security Administration's online account portal. You log in with your username and password, go to your profile settings, and change your mailing address in about two minutes. The change takes effect when ready for mail sent after that point.

If you do not have an online account or prefer not to use one, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and speak to a representative who will update your address over the phone. You will need to provide your Social Security number and answer a few security questions. This also takes effect right away.

A third option is to visit your local Social Security office in person with a photo ID and proof of your new address. You can find your nearest office by entering your zip code at ssa.gov/locator. Walk-ins are accepted, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Key Takeaways

  • The my Social Security online portal is the fastest method and requires only your login credentials and a few clicks.
  • You can call 1-800-772-1213 to update your address by phone without creating an online account.
  • Visiting a local Social Security office in person works if you prefer face-to-face service or do not have internet access.
  • Address changes take effect when ready and do not require any documents or forms to be mailed in.
  • You should update your address as soon as you move to may support you receive important notices and benefit payments without delay.

Setting up my Social Security if you do not have an account yet

If you have never logged into my Social Security before, you will need to create an account first. Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Create an account." You will provide your email address, create a password, and answer security questions. Social Security will then verify your identity by asking questions about your credit history or by sending a verification code to your email.

The identity verification step usually takes a few minutes. Once you are verified, you can log in when ready and update your address. If you have trouble with the online verification, you can call 1-800-772-1213 and a representative can help you set up your account over the phone instead.

What address information Social Security needs

Social Security asks for your street address, city, state, and zip code. If you live in an apartment or have a unit number, include that on the street address line. Do not include your apartment number in a separate field unless the online form specifically asks for it.

If you are moving to a rural area without a traditional street address, you can use a rural route number or a P.O. box as your mailing address. Social Security will accept either one. If you are moving out of the country, you can update to an international address through the phone line or in person, but the online portal may not accept non-U.S. addresses, so call 1-800-772-1213 instead.

How long the change takes to show up in Social Security's system

When you update your address online or by phone, the change is recorded in Social Security's system right away. However, mail that was already in the system before you made the change may still go to your old address. This is because Social Security processes mail in batches, and some pieces may have already been sorted and sent out.

If you are expecting an important notice or document, wait a few days after changing your address before contacting Social Security. If you do not receive something within two weeks of the expected date, call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm the address was updated and ask them to resend the document to your new address.

Updating your address if you receive benefits

If you receive Social Security retirement, disability, or survivor benefits, changing your address through my Social Security or by phone will update it for both your Social Security record and your benefit payments. You do not need to contact a separate office or fill out additional forms.

If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in addition to regular Social Security benefits, the address change covers both programs. However, if you receive SSI only and do not have a my Social Security account, you must call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office, because the online portal is not available for SSI-only recipients.

Changing your address if you moved recently and missed the important date

Social Security does not have a important date for updating your address. You can change it at any time, whether you moved last week or several months ago. If mail has been going to your old address, contact the new resident or your local post office and ask them to forward any Social Security mail to your new address.

If you missed receiving an important notice because mail went to your old address, call 1-800-772-1213 and explain the situation. A representative can resend the notice to your new address or read the information to you over the phone. This is especially important if the notice was about a change to your benefits or a required action you need to take.

What to do if you share a mailing address with someone else

If you live with a family member or roommate and want to keep your Social Security mail separate, you can use a different mailing address than your residential address. For example, you could use a P.O. box, a mail forwarding service, or a relative's address. Social Security will send all your mail to whichever address you provide.

When you update your address online or by phone, make sure you enter the address where you want your mail to go, not necessarily where you physically live. If you change your mind later, you can update it again at any time using the same method.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to bring any documents to change my address online?

No. The my Social Security online portal requires only your login credentials. You do not need to upload or provide any documents. If you are changing your address by phone or in person, you also do not need documents — just your Social Security number and answers to security questions.

Will changing my address affect my Social Security benefits?

No. Updating your address does not change the amount you receive or your benefit status. It only changes where Social Security sends your mail and statements. Your benefits continue without interruption.

Can I change my address if I do not have internet access?

Yes. Call 1-800-772-1213 and a representative will update your address over the phone. You can also visit your local Social Security office in person. Both methods work just as well as the online portal.

What if I change my address and then move again a few weeks later?

You can update your address as many times as you need to. Each time you make a change, it takes effect when ready in Social Security's system. There is no limit to how often you can update it.

How do I know if my address change went through?

If you changed your address online, you will see a confirmation message on the screen. If you changed it by phone, the representative will confirm the new address before ending the call. If you changed it in person, ask for a receipt. You can also log into my Social Security anytime to check what address is on file.