Call the Social Security Administration to update your phone number on file

The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not change your phone number through an online portal or by mail. You must call them directly. The main number is 1-800-772-1213. Have your Social Security number ready when you call, and be prepared to verify your identity by answering questions about your personal history.

Call during business hours, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Wait times are shortest early in the morning or late in the afternoon. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778.

The representative will update your phone number in the SSA system. This change does not affect your direct deposit itself — it only updates the contact information SSA uses to reach you about your account. The change takes effect immediately, though it may take a few business days to appear in all SSA systems.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-772-1213 during business hours Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time, to change your phone number with the SSA.
  • Have your Social Security number ready and be prepared to answer identity verification questions.
  • Changing your phone number does not change your direct deposit account or payment schedule.
  • The SSA uses your phone number to contact you about account changes, fraud alerts, or other important notices.
  • If you cannot reach SSA by phone, you can visit a local Social Security office in person to update your information.

Why the SSA needs your current phone number

The SSA keeps your phone number on file so they can contact you quickly if there is a problem with your account. This includes fraud alerts, changes to your benefits, requests for missing documents, or notices about overpayments. If your phone number is outdated, you may miss important messages about your direct deposit or benefits.

The SSA will not use your number to sell information or contact you for marketing purposes. They contact you only about your Social Security account or benefits.

What information you need before calling

Have these items ready before you dial:

  • Your Social Security number
  • Your new phone number
  • Your date of birth
  • Your mother's maiden name or other personal details SSA may ask to verify your identity

If you are calling on behalf of someone else, you will need to be listed as an authorized representative on their account. The SSA will not accept changes from a family member or caregiver unless that person has power of attorney or is a court-appointed representative.

Updating your phone number in person at a Social Security office

If you prefer not to call, you can visit your local Social Security office to update your phone number. Bring your Social Security card and a photo ID. You do not need an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day.

Find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator. The office locator shows hours, phone numbers, and whether the office is currently accepting walk-ins. Some offices have reduced hours or require appointments due to staffing, so check before you go.

If you do not have a phone number to provide

You can leave your phone number field blank or tell the SSA representative you do not have a phone. This will not stop your direct deposit or affect your benefits. However, if SSA needs to contact you about your account, they will have to reach you by mail, which takes longer.

If you share a phone with someone else or use a temporary number, provide the number you check most often. You can update it again later if your situation changes.

Changing your phone number does not change your bank account

Updating your phone number with SSA is separate from updating your bank account information for direct deposit. If you need to change the bank account where your benefits are deposited, you must do that through a different process. You can change your direct deposit account through my Social Security (the SSA's online portal), by phone, or in person at an SSA office.

Your phone number and your bank account are two different pieces of information in the SSA system. Changing one does not affect the other.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for my phone number change to go through?

The change is immediate in most cases, though it may take a few business days to update across all SSA systems. If you call on a Friday afternoon, the change may not appear until Monday. You do not need to do anything else — the representative handles it during the call.

Can I change my phone number online through my Social Security account?

No. You must call SSA, visit an office in person, or use a representative with power of attorney. The online my Social Security portal does not have a phone number update feature. You can change your mailing address online, but not your phone number.

What if I give SSA the wrong phone number by mistake?

Call back and correct it. There is no limit to how many times you can update your phone number. The SSA will verify your identity again, but the process is the same.

Will changing my phone number affect when I get paid?

No. Your direct deposit payment date and amount do not change. Only the contact information SSA uses to reach you is updated.

What if I am on a representative payee's account?

If someone else is your representative payee (meaning they manage your benefits on your behalf), they may need to make the phone number change instead of you. Ask the SSA representative when you call whether you or your payee should update the number.