You can change your address with Social Security online, by phone, or in person at a local office
Social Security keeps your address on file to send you notices, tax documents, and payment information. If you move, you need to update it so mail reaches you and your records stay current. You have three ways to do this: the online my Social Security account, a phone call to Social Security, or a visit to your local Social Security office. The online method is fastest if you already have an account set up.
The address you provide becomes the official address on your Social Security record. Social Security uses this address to contact you about your benefits, send your Social Security Statement if you request one, and deliver notices about changes to your account. If you receive benefits, they will continue to your current payment method, but your mailing address will change when ready.
Key Takeaways
- You can update your address online through my Social Security, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local Social Security office in person.
- Online changes take effect right away, while phone and in-person updates may take a few days to appear in Social Security's system.
- You will need your Social Security number and a way to verify your identity, which varies by method.
- If you receive Social Security benefits, your payment method does not change when you update your address — only the mailing address for notices and documents.
Updating your address online through my Social Security
The fastest way to change your address is through the my Social Security website. Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and sign in with your username and password. If you do not have an account, you can create one by providing your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity (usually a mobile phone number or email code).
Once you are signed in, look for the "Profile" or "Personal Information" section. Select the option to edit your address. Enter your new street address, city, state, and ZIP code. Review the information for accuracy, then submit the change. The system will confirm the update when ready, and your new address takes effect right away in Social Security's records.
You do not need to upload documents or call to confirm. The online method works best if you have reliable internet access and already have a my Social Security account. If you do not have an account and do not want to create one, use the phone or in-person methods instead.
Changing your address by phone
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers). Have your Social Security number ready. A representative will ask you to confirm your identity by answering questions about your personal history or verifying information on file.
Tell the representative your new address and spell out any street names or unusual words to avoid errors. They will read the address back to you to confirm it is correct. The change will be recorded in their system, though it may take a few business days to appear in all of Social Security's databases.
Phone lines are busiest early in the week and early in the month. If you call later in the week or later in the month, you may reach a representative faster. Social Security's phone lines are open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time.
Updating your address in person at a Social Security office
You can visit your local Social Security office to change your address. Find the office nearest you at ssa.gov/locator or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Bring a photo ID (such as a driver's license or passport) and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.
Tell the staff member at the office that you need to update your address. They will ask you to provide your new address and may ask a few questions to verify your identity. Once confirmed, they will update your record. The change takes effect when ready in that office's system, though it may take a few days to sync across all Social Security offices and online systems.
Visiting in person works well if you prefer face-to-face interaction or if you need to handle other Social Security business at the same time. Offices can be busy, so consider calling ahead to ask about wait times or whether an appointment is available.
What happens after you change your address
Once your address is updated, Social Security will send all future mail to your new location. This includes your annual Social Security Statement (if you request one), notices about changes to your benefits, tax documents like your SSA-1099 form, and any other official correspondence.
If you receive Social Security benefits by direct deposit or check, your payment method does not change. Direct deposit continues to your bank account, and checks continue to arrive on the same schedule. Only the mailing address for notices and documents changes.
If you moved out of the country, you may need to take additional steps depending on which country you moved to. Contact Social Security directly to discuss your situation, as some countries have different rules for benefit payments and address changes.
If you need to change your address for Medicare or other programs
Updating your address with Social Security does not automatically update it with Medicare, the Veterans Administration, or other federal programs. If you receive benefits from any of these programs, you will need to contact them separately to change your address.
For Medicare, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). For Veterans benefits, go to VA.gov or call 1-800-827-1000. Each program maintains its own records, so updating one does not affect the others.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for my address change to show up?
Online changes take effect when ready. Phone and in-person changes may take a few business days to appear across all Social Security systems. If you need confirmation right away, ask for a receipt or reference number when you make the change.
What if I made a mistake when I entered my new address?
You can change it again using any of the three methods. If you made the mistake online, sign back into my Social Security and edit your profile. If you made it by phone or in person, call or visit again to correct it. There is no limit to how many times you can update your address.
Do I need to change my address if I only moved temporarily?
If you are moving back within a few months, you can wait and update once you return to your permanent address. If you will be away for several months or longer, update your address so Social Security can reach you. You can always change it again when you move back.
What if I do not have a permanent address right now?
Contact Social Security directly at 1-800-772-1213 to discuss your situation. You may be able to use a temporary address, a mailing address at a friend's or family member's home, or a community organization's address. Social Security can help you find a solution that works for your circumstances.
Will changing my address affect my Social Security benefits?
No. Your benefits amount and payment schedule do not change when you update your address. Only the mailing address for notices and documents changes. Your benefits continue to arrive on the same schedule by the same method.