You can change your Social Security address online, by phone, or in person at a local office

The Social Security Administration (SSA) lets you update your mailing address through three routes: the online my Social Security account, a phone call to SSA's national number, or a visit to your nearest Social Security office. Online is fastest if you already have an account set up. By phone, you'll reach a representative who can process the change while you wait. In person, you bring identification and speak to someone face-to-face. All three methods reach the same system, so the address gets updated no matter which you choose.

You'll need your Social Security number and proof of your current address. Proof can be a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government-issued ID with your new address already on it. If you're changing address because you moved, have that documentation ready before you start.

Key Takeaways

  • The fastest way to change your address is through your my Social Security online account, which updates when ready.
  • By phone, call the SSA's main number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and speak to a representative who can process it the same day.
  • You can also visit your local Social Security office in person with your Social Security number and proof of your current address.
  • Address changes typically take effect within one to two weeks, though online changes show when ready in your account.
  • Updating your address with SSA does not automatically update it with other agencies — you may need to notify Medicare, your bank, or your employer separately.

Changing your address online through my Social Security

If you have a my Social Security account, you can log in and update your address yourself without waiting for a representative. Go to ssa.gov, click "Sign In" at the top right, and enter your username, password, and any two-factor authentication code. Once logged in, look for "Profile" or "Personal Information" in the menu — the exact wording varies slightly depending on when your account was created.

Click the option to edit your address, enter your new street address, city, state, and ZIP code, and save the change. The system will confirm the update when ready. You'll see your new address reflected in your account right away, though it may take a few days to show up in SSA's internal systems and on any documents they mail to you.

If you don't have a my Social Security account yet, you can create one at ssa.gov. You'll need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity — usually a U.S. mobile phone number or a financial account (bank or credit card). The verification process takes a few minutes, and then you can log in and update your address when ready.

Changing your address by phone

Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday. If you're deaf or hard of hearing, use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778. Have your Social Security number ready when you call.

A representative will ask you to confirm your identity by answering security questions based on your Social Security record. Once verified, tell them your new address and they'll update it in the system. The change is processed when ready, though it may take a few days to appear on documents SSA mails to you. Ask the representative for confirmation of the change before you hang up.

Wait times can be long during peak hours, especially early in the week. If you reach a busy signal, the SSA recommends calling back later or using the online method instead. You can also request a callback — when you call, ask if the option is available in your area, and SSA will call you back at a time you choose rather than making you wait on hold.

Changing your address in person at a Social Security office

Visit your local Social Security office with your Social Security number and proof of your current address. Find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Bring a photo ID as well — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card.

Walk in during business hours, take a number, and wait to speak with a representative. Tell them you need to update your address. They'll verify your identity, confirm your new address, and process the change on the spot. The update takes effect when ready in the office system, though it may take a few days to reach all SSA databases.

In-person visits can mean a wait, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. If you want to avoid a long wait, call ahead to ask about the least busy times at your office, or check whether your office offers appointments. Some offices now let you schedule a time slot online through ssa.gov.

What happens after you change your address

Once SSA processes your address change, any future mail from Social Security will go to your new address. This includes your Social Security statement (if you receive one by mail), notices about benefits, tax documents, and any other correspondence. The change typically takes effect within one to two weeks, so you may receive one or two pieces of mail at your old address before everything switches over.

If you're receiving Social Security benefits, the address change does not affect your payments — they continue on the same schedule to the same bank account or payment method. If you receive a paper check, future checks will be mailed to your new address once the change takes effect.

Changing your address with SSA does not automatically update it with other agencies or organizations. If you receive Medicare, you'll need to update your address with Medicare separately. If you have a bank account, employer, or insurance company, notify them directly. Each organization maintains its own records.

If you need to change your address urgently

If you're moving and need your address updated quickly — for example, because you're expecting an important document — the online method is fastest. Changes made through my Social Security show up in your account when ready, and you can confirm the update was successful right away.

If you don't have an online account and can't create one in time, call 1-800-772-1213 and ask a representative to process the change over the phone. This also happens when ready. In-person visits work too, but you'll have to account for travel time and wait time at the office.

If you're moving internationally, call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to discuss your situation. International addresses require special handling, and a representative can walk you through what information SSA needs and how they'll mail documents to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for my address change to show up on documents SSA mails to me?

The address change takes effect in SSA's system when ready or within a day or two, depending on which method you use. However, documents that were already printed and queued for mailing may still go to your old address. Plan for one to two weeks before all mail switches to your new address.

Do I need to change my address with SSA if I'm only moving temporarily?

If you're moving for a short time and plan to return to your old address, you can update your address with SSA now and change it back later. There's no penalty for updating your address multiple times. If you're unsure how long you'll be away, update it to your current residence so mail reaches you.

What if I don't have proof of my new address yet?

SSA requires proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government ID with your new address. If you just moved and don't have a utility bill in your name yet, a lease or rental agreement works. If you're staying with someone temporarily, ask them for a utility bill or other document showing their address, and explain the situation to the SSA representative.

Will changing my address with SSA affect my benefits or payments?

No. Updating your address does not change your benefit amount, payment schedule, or payment method. If you receive benefits by direct deposit, they continue to the same bank account. If you receive a paper check, future checks will be mailed to your new address once the change takes effect.

Can I change someone else's address if I have power of attorney?

If you have legal power of attorney or are an authorized representative, you can update the address on their behalf. Call 1-800-772-1213 and explain your relationship to the person. SSA will verify your authority and may ask you to provide documentation. You can also visit an office in person with the power of attorney document.