Where to report your address change

You report an address change to Social Security and Medicare through different channels, and you may need to contact both separately. Social Security handles your Social Security number and benefits record. Medicare is a separate program run by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), even though many people receive both.

For Social Security, you can report the change online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. For Medicare, you can update your address through Medicare.gov, by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), or by mailing a form to your regional Medicare contractor.

The fastest route is usually online: Social Security's website lets you change your address when ready if you have a my Social Security account, and Medicare's website does the same if you have a Medicare.gov login. Both processes take a few minutes and do not require you to visit an office.

Key Takeaways

  • Social Security and Medicare are separate programs, so you must update your address with each one independently.
  • The online method through ssa.gov or Medicare.gov is fastest and requires only a few minutes if you have an account set up.
  • If you do not have an online account, calling the toll-free numbers (1-800-772-1213 for Social Security, 1-800-MEDICARE for Medicare) will complete the change over the phone.
  • You should update your address as soon as you move to make sure you receive important mail, including benefit statements and tax documents.
  • If you receive both Social Security and Medicare, updating one does not automatically update the other, so confirm both have your new address.

Setting up a my Social Security account to change your address online

If you do not already have a my Social Security account, creating one takes about 10 minutes and lets you change your address without calling or visiting an office. Go to ssa.gov, click "Create an account" under the my Social Security section, and follow the steps. You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity — usually a driver's license or state ID number.

Once your account is active, sign in and look for "Change your address" in the account menu. Enter your new address, confirm it, and the change takes effect when ready. Social Security will send a confirmation letter to your old address and your new address within a few days, so you will have proof the change went through.

If you have trouble creating an account or verifying your identity online, you can still call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local Social Security office. A representative can change your address over the phone or in person without an online account.

Updating your address on Medicare.gov

Medicare.gov works similarly to my Social Security. If you have a Medicare.gov account, sign in, go to "Personal Information," and select "Change Address." Enter your new address and confirm. The change takes effect within a few days, and Medicare will mail a confirmation to both your old and new addresses.

You need a Medicare.gov account to change your address online. If you do not have one, you can create it at Medicare.gov by clicking "Create an account" and providing your Medicare number (found on your Medicare card), date of birth, and email address. The account setup takes about 5 minutes.

If you prefer not to use the website, calling 1-800-MEDICARE lets you report your new address to a representative. Have your Medicare number ready — it is the 11-digit number on your Medicare card. The representative will update your address on the spot, and you will receive a confirmation letter in the mail.

Changing your address by phone or mail

If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, calling is straightforward. For Social Security, call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Have your Social Security number ready. The representative will ask for your old address and new address, confirm the change, and tell you when to expect a confirmation letter.

For Medicare, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) any day of the week, 24 hours a day. Have your Medicare number and new address ready. The call usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. Medicare will mail a confirmation letter to your new address within a few days.

You can also mail a change-of-address form to Social Security. Visit ssa.gov, read Form SSA-561 (Statement Regarding Your Residence), fill it out, sign it, and mail it to your local Social Security office. The address for your office is listed on ssa.gov. This method takes longer — usually 2 to 3 weeks — so use it only if you cannot call or go online.

What happens after you report your address change

Once you report your new address, both Social Security and Medicare will update their records within a few days. You will receive confirmation letters at both your old and new addresses. Keep these letters in case you need proof that you reported the change.

Your benefit payments will continue to arrive on schedule. If you receive Social Security benefits by direct deposit, the change of address does not affect your bank account — the money goes to the same account. If you receive a paper check, future checks will be mailed to your new address.

Medicare will send future documents, statements, and notices to your new address. If you have Medicare Advantage or a prescription drug plan through a private insurer, contact that company separately to update your address with them as well. The address change with Medicare does not automatically update your private plan's records.

Updating your address with other agencies if you receive benefits

If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) — a needs-based program separate from regular Social Security — you must report your address change to Social Security within 10 days of moving. The same phone numbers and online account work for SSI, but the important date is stricter than for regular Social Security retirement or disability benefits.

If you receive Medicaid (a state-run health insurance program different from Medicare), contact your state's Medicaid office to report your address change. Each state runs Medicaid differently, so search "[your state] Medicaid change address" to find the right office and method for your area.

If you receive Veterans benefits, food information, housing support, or other government benefits, each program has its own address-change process. Updating your address with Social Security and Medicare does not automatically update these other programs, so contact each one separately if you receive their benefits.

What to do if your mail stops arriving or you miss important documents

If you move and do not receive expected mail from Social Security or Medicare within 2 weeks, call the program to confirm your address was updated correctly. Social Security's number is 1-800-772-1213; Medicare's is 1-800-MEDICARE. A representative can verify the address on file and resend any documents you missed.

If you miss a notice about a change to your benefits or a important date to take action, contact the program as soon as you realize it. Social Security and Medicare often allow you to explain that you did not receive the notice and may extend important date or reopen decisions if you act quickly. Do not ignore a notice even if it arrives late.

You can also file a change-of-address form with the U.S. Postal Service to have mail forwarded from your old address to your new one for up to 12 months. This is a backup in case Social Security or Medicare sends mail to your old address by mistake. Visit usps.com or go to your local post office to set up mail forwarding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to update my address with both Social Security and Medicare, or does one update the other?

You must update both separately. Social Security and Medicare are independent programs with separate records. Changing your address with one does not change it with the other. If you receive both benefits, confirm that both programs have your new address before you move.

How long does it take for my address change to go into effect?

Online changes through ssa.gov or Medicare.gov take effect when ready, though confirmation letters arrive in the mail within a few days. Phone and in-person changes also take effect right away. Mailed forms take 2 to 3 weeks. If you are moving soon, use the online or phone method to avoid delays.

What if I move and do not report my address change right away?

Report the change as soon as you can. If you receive SSI (Supplemental Security Income), you have a 10-day important date. For regular Social Security and Medicare, there is no strict important date, but delaying means you may miss important notices or benefit statements. Update your address the day you move or the next business day.

Will my benefit payments stop if I change my address?

No. If you receive benefits by direct deposit, the money goes to your bank account regardless of your address. If you receive a paper check, future checks will be mailed to your new address. Your benefits continue without interruption.

Can I change my address for someone else, like a family member?

Generally, no. Social Security and Medicare require the person whose address is changing to report it themselves, either online, by phone, or in person. If someone is unable to do this due to illness or disability, a representative payee or legal guardian may be able to report the change on their behalf. Call the program to ask about your specific situation.