Update Your Social Security Address: A Comprehensive Guide

If you move to a different address, changing your information with the Social Security Administration is vital to receiving your benefit payments and any additional correspondence. You only need to change your address with Social Security if you are receiving monthly benefits. If you are not receiving payments each month, they will use the new address you supply the Internal Revenue Service when they need to mail something to you. When you move, it is important to notify everyone in order to update contact information.

Step 1

Call the toll-free number for the Social Security Administration (SSA). The number is 1-800-772-1213.

Step 2

Call between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. or 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. in order to avoid being on hold for long periods of time. The SSA suggests calling during these times, as they are usually less busy.

Step 3

Visit the local Social Security office to change your address in person. You must change your address within the first 10 days of the month that you make the address change. Making the change online is unavailable because the Social Security office must determine if your living arrangements have changed.

Step 4

Report any change in living arrangements. Not reporting a change may result in a fine or imprisonment, since the new conditions or accommodations may result in your receiving a different payment amount.

Step 5

Inform the Social Security office of your new address, in addition to the department that issues your SSI.