Where to Report Your Address Change to Social Security

You can report an address change to Social Security in three ways: online through your my Social Security account, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. The online method is fastest — you can update your address in minutes without waiting on hold or traveling. If you do not have a my Social Security account yet, you can create one at ssa.gov using your email, Social Security number, and a phone number where Social Security can reach you.

By phone, call Social Security's main number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers). You will need your Social Security number and proof of your new address ready when you call. If you prefer to report the change in person, find your local office at ssa.gov/locator or call the main number to get the address and hours.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your address online through my Social Security, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office.
  • Online changes take effect when ready, while phone and in-person changes may take one to two weeks to appear in Social Security's records.
  • You will need proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • If you receive benefits, Social Security will mail your next payment stub to your new address automatically once the change is processed.
  • Reporting your address change prevents mail delays and ensures you receive important notices about your benefits or work record.

What Proof of Address You Need

Social Security accepts several documents as proof of your new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, or a property tax bill all work if they are dated within the last 60 days and show your name and new address. If you are reporting the change online through my Social Security, you do not need to submit proof — the system will accept your address without documentation.

If you are calling or visiting in person, have one of these documents ready before you contact Social Security. If your name does not appear on the document (for example, if you are a spouse on a shared utility bill), bring a second document that shows your name, such as a driver's license or state ID card.

Changing Your Address Online Through My Social Security

Go to ssa.gov and select "Create my Social Security account" if you do not already have one. You will need your email address, a password, and a way to verify your identity — Social Security will ask you questions based on your credit history or send a verification code to your phone. Once your account is set up and you are logged in, look for "Personal Information" or "Profile Settings" in the menu.

Select the option to change your address, type in your new street address, city, state, and ZIP code, and click save or submit. The change takes effect when ready in Social Security's system. You will see a confirmation message on the screen, and Social Security may send you an email confirming the update. If you receive benefits, your next payment stub will be mailed to your new address.

Reporting Your Address Change by Phone

Call 1-800-772-1213 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Have your Social Security number ready, and if possible, have your proof of address document nearby so you can read the information to the representative. Tell them you need to report an address change and provide your new street address, city, state, and ZIP code.

The representative will confirm your identity by asking you questions about your Social Security record, such as your date of birth or the names of family members. Once they have verified your information, they will update your address in the system. The change usually appears in Social Security's records within one to two weeks. Ask the representative for a confirmation number before you hang up.

Visiting Your Local Social Security Office in Person

Find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator by entering your ZIP code, or call 1-800-772-1213 to get the address and hours. Bring your proof of address document and a photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport. You do not need to make an appointment at most offices, but you can call ahead to ask about wait times.

When you arrive, tell the receptionist you need to report an address change. A representative will take your information, verify your identity, and update your address on the spot. The change is processed when ready, though it may take a few days to appear in all of Social Security's systems. Ask for a receipt or confirmation before you leave.

How Long the Address Change Takes to Process

If you report your address change online through my Social Security, it takes effect right away. You will see the updated address in your account when ready, and any mail Social Security sends after that will go to your new address. If you report the change by phone or in person, Social Security usually processes it within one to two weeks. During that time, mail may still arrive at your old address if it was already in the mail when you reported the change.

If you are expecting an important document — such as a replacement Social Security card, a benefit letter, or a notice about your work record — and you have just moved, call Social Security to confirm they have your new address before requesting the document. This prevents delays in receiving it.

What Happens After You Change Your Address

Once Social Security has your new address, all future mail will be sent there. If you receive benefits, your payment stubs and any notices about your benefits will arrive at your new address. If you have a my Social Security account, you can also view your payment history and benefit information online instead of waiting for mail.

If you are still receiving mail at your old address after two weeks, contact Social Security to confirm the change went through. Sometimes mail takes longer to reroute if it was already in the postal system. You can also file a mail forwarding request with the U.S. Postal Service to have mail from your old address sent to your new one for up to one year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address with Social Security if I already changed it with the post office?

No. The post office forwards mail, but Social Security's records are separate. You must report your address change directly to Social Security so they send future mail to the correct address and so your records are accurate. The post office cannot update government agency databases.

What if I do not have proof of my new address yet?

If you just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease in your name yet, you can still report your address change online through my Social Security without submitting proof. If you prefer to call or visit in person, ask the representative what documents they can accept — some offices may accept a signed lease, a moving company receipt, or a letter from your landlord.

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

No. Social Security only allows the person whose number it is to change their own address, unless you have legal power of attorney or guardianship. If you are managing benefits for a minor child or an adult who cannot manage their own affairs, you will need to bring legal documentation to your local office to update their address.

Will changing my address affect my benefits?

No. Changing your address does not change your benefits, your payment amount, or your may be able to access. It only updates where Social Security sends your mail and payment stubs. Your benefits continue without interruption.

What if I move again soon after reporting a change?

You can report a new address change right away using any of the three methods. There is no limit to how many times you can update your address. If you know you will be moving multiple times, consider setting up a my Social Security account so you can update your address online whenever you need to.