You report a new address to Social Security by contacting them directly — you cannot change it online, and the form itself is not a standalone document you fill out and mail.

Social Security does not have a single "change of address form" that you complete and submit. Instead, you report your new address through one of three channels: by phone, in person at a local Social Security office, or by mail. The fastest method is a phone call to Social Security's main number. If you mail in a change, you will include your new address in a letter with your name, Social Security number, and current address — Social Security staff will process it as part of their intake procedure.

You need to report a move if you receive any Social Security benefit (retirement, disability, survivor benefits, or Supplemental Security Income). If you do not report a change and Social Security sends mail to your old address, you may miss important notices about your benefits, medical reviews, or required reporting. For people receiving SSI, an address change can affect your benefit amount if you move to a different state, since SSI rules vary by location.

Key Takeaways

  • Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to report your move — this is faster than mailing or visiting an office.
  • Have your Social Security number, new address, and the date you moved ready before you call.
  • If you receive SSI, report your move before you relocate, because your benefit amount may change based on your new state's rules.
  • You can also report in person at your local Social Security office or by mail, but both take longer than a phone call.
  • Social Security will not update your address based on a change with the post office — you must tell them directly.

Reporting by Phone (Fastest Option)

Call Social Security's main customer service line at 1-800-772-1213. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778. You will reach an automated system first; select the option for reporting a change of address or other life event. During business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time), you can speak to a representative. Outside those hours, you can leave a message with your information, and someone will call you back within one business day.

When you call, have ready: your Social Security number, your new full address (including apartment or unit number if applicable), the date you moved, and a phone number where Social Security can reach you. The call usually takes fewer than five minutes. The representative will confirm your information and update your record on the spot. You will receive written confirmation in the mail within two weeks.

Reporting in Person at a Local Office

You can walk into any Social Security office and report your address change without an appointment. Find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator or call 1-800-772-1213 to ask for the address. Bring your Social Security card (or a document showing your number, such as a tax return or benefit statement) and proof of your new address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government-issued ID with your new address on it.

In-person visits are useful if you also need to handle other business with Social Security — for example, requesting a replacement card or discussing your benefits. However, offices can have long wait times, especially early in the week. If you go in person, arrive early in the morning for shorter lines. You will receive written confirmation of your address change in the mail.

Reporting by Mail

Write a letter to Social Security that includes your name, Social Security number, old address, new address, and the date you moved. Keep the letter brief and clear. Mail it to the Social Security office that serves your area. You can find the mailing address for your regional office at ssa.gov/locator, or call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for the address of the office nearest you.

Mail takes the longest — allow two to four weeks for your change to be processed. Include a phone number in your letter so Social Security can contact you if they have questions. Do not mail your Social Security card unless Social Security specifically asks you to. Keep a copy of your letter for your records.

Special Rules for SSI Recipients

If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), report your move before you relocate if possible. SSI benefit amounts and rules differ by state. When you move to a new state, your benefit may increase, decrease, or stay the same depending on that state's income and resource limits. Social Security will recalculate your benefit based on your new state's rules, and the change takes effect the month after you move.

Some states have higher SSI payments than others. If you are moving to a state with lower SSI benefits, your payment will drop. If you are moving to a state with higher benefits, your payment will increase. Report your move as soon as you know the date so Social Security can prepare the correct benefit amount for your first month in the new state. If you do not report before you move, Social Security may overpay you, and you will owe the money back.

What Happens After You Report Your Address

Social Security will send you a written confirmation letter to your new address within two to three weeks. This letter confirms that your address has been updated in their system. Keep this letter with your important documents. If you do not receive confirmation within a month, call 1-800-772-1213 to verify that your change went through.

Once your address is updated, all future mail from Social Security — benefit statements, notices, tax documents, and medical review letters — will go to your new address. If you move again, repeat the process. There is no limit to how many times you can change your address with Social Security.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not assume that changing your address with the post office (through a mail forwarding request) will update Social Security's records. The post office and Social Security are separate systems. A forwarding order will redirect mail sent to your old address, but Social Security's internal records will still show the old address. You must contact Social Security directly.

Do not delay reporting if you receive SSI. The longer you wait after moving, the greater the risk that Social Security will overpay you based on your old state's rules. Do not mail your Social Security card unless Social Security asks you to — it is not necessary to report an address change, and mailing it creates a security risk. If you are moving internationally, call Social Security before you go; they have different procedures for people living outside the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address on Social Security's website?

No. Social Security does not offer online address changes through their website or my Social Security account. You must call, visit an office in person, or mail a letter. Phone is the fastest option.

What if I moved but did not report it right away?

Report it as soon as you remember. If you receive SSI, the delay may have caused an overpayment, and Social Security will contact you about repaying it. If you receive retirement or disability benefits, the delay is less critical, but report it to may support you receive future notices.

Do I need to bring any documents to report my address by phone?

No documents are required for a phone call. Have your Social Security number and new address ready, but you do not need to mail or show anything. If you report in person, bring your Social Security card or a document with your number and proof of your new address.

How long does it take for my address to be updated?

If you call or visit in person, your address is updated when ready in Social Security's system. You will receive written confirmation in the mail within two to three weeks. If you mail a letter, allow two to four weeks for processing.

Will my benefits stop if I do not report my address change?

Your benefits will not stop, but you may miss important mail from Social Security, including notices about medical reviews, required reporting, or changes to your benefit amount. For SSI recipients, delaying the report can result in overpayment.