You can change your address with Social Security by phone, mail, 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. The fastest way is a phone call to Social Security's main line — you can do it in about five minutes without leaving home. Mail and in-person visits work too, but take longer.

You do not need to visit an office unless you want to. Social Security processes address changes over the phone just as readily, and you will get a confirmation notice in the mail within two weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) with your Social Security number and new address ready, and the change takes effect immediately.
  • If you receive benefits, the address change applies to your payment account automatically — you do not need to contact your bank.
  • Mailing a change-of-address form takes two to four weeks, so use the phone or visit an office if you need the change made quickly.
  • You can update your address online through my Social Security if you have created an account, though the phone remains the most direct route.
  • Social Security will mail you a confirmation notice showing your new address within two weeks of any change.

Changing your address by phone

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. Have your Social Security number and new address ready. The representative will ask you to confirm your identity by answering questions about your Social Security record — usually your date of birth, mother's maiden name, or past addresses you have lived at. This takes a few minutes.

Once verified, tell the representative your new address. They will read it back to you to confirm it is correct. The change takes effect immediately in Social Security's system. You will receive a confirmation notice by mail within two weeks showing your updated address.

Call hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Lines 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.

Changing your address online through my Social Security

If you have created a my Social Security account, you can update your address without calling. Go to ssa.gov, sign in to your account, and look for the "Profile" or "Personal Information" section. Click on your address and enter your new one. Save the change.

This method works only if you have already set up an account and verified your identity with Social Security. If you have not created one yet, you can do so at ssa.gov — you will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity (usually a phone number or state ID). Creating the account takes about 10 minutes.

Online changes process within a few days, and you will see a confirmation message on your account. A mailed confirmation notice will arrive within two weeks.

Changing your address by mail

Print or request Form SSA-561-U2 (Statement Regarding Your Address). You can download it from ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for it to be mailed to you. Fill in your Social Security number, current address, and new address. Sign and date the form.

Mail it to the Social Security office that serves your area. You can find the correct address on ssa.gov by entering your zip code, or call 1-800-772-1213 and ask which office to send it to. Use regular mail — certified mail is not required but can give you proof of sending.

Processing by mail takes two to four weeks. You will receive a confirmation notice showing your new address. If you need the change made faster, use the phone or visit an office in person.

Changing your address in person at a Social Security office

Walk into any Social Security office with your Social Security card or a document showing your number (like a tax return or benefits statement) and proof of your new address. Proof of address can be a lease, utility bill, bank statement, or government mail showing your name and new address.

Tell the representative you need to update your address. They will verify your identity, confirm your new address, and process the change on the spot. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You will receive a confirmation notice by mail within two weeks.

Find your nearest office at ssa.gov by entering your zip code, or call 1-800-772-1213. Some offices require you to take a number and wait; others let you schedule an appointment online. Visiting in person is fastest if you are already in the area, but the phone is usually quicker overall.

What happens after you change your address

Social Security will mail you a confirmation notice within two weeks. This notice shows your new address and confirms the change was made. Keep it for your records.

If you receive Social Security benefits, your payment address does not change automatically — your bank account information stays the same. Social Security will continue to deposit your payment to the same account. The address change only affects where Social Security mails you notices and documents.

If you receive a check by mail instead of direct deposit, Social Security will mail your next check to your new address. There is usually a one-month delay while the system updates, so your first check to the new address may arrive a few weeks after you move.

What to do if you do not receive a confirmation notice

If two weeks have passed and you have not received a confirmation notice, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and ask them to verify your address in their system. They can tell you immediately whether the change went through and what address they have on file.

If the address is still wrong, ask the representative to update it again over the phone. If the address is correct but you did not receive the notice, it may have been lost in the mail. Ask Social Security to mail a second copy or to confirm the change verbally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address with Medicare if I change my address with Social Security?

No. Social Security and Medicare are separate systems. Changing your address with Social Security does not automatically update Medicare. You need to contact Medicare separately at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or online at Medicare.gov to update your address there.

What if I move and do not update my address?

Social Security will continue to mail notices and documents to your old address. If you receive benefits by check, the checks will go to the old address and may be lost or stolen. If you receive direct deposit, your payments will still arrive in your bank account — only the mailed documents will go to the wrong place. Update your address as soon as you move to avoid missing important notices.

Can someone else change my address for me?

Only if you have given them power of attorney or they are your representative payee. Otherwise, Social Security requires you to verify your identity yourself. If you cannot call or visit an office, you can mail the form or ask a trusted person to call on your behalf — Social Security will verify your identity by asking questions only you would know the answer to.

How long does it take for my address to change if I use the online my Social Security account?

The change appears in your account within a few minutes, but Social Security's mailed confirmation notice takes two weeks to arrive. If you need proof the change was made before the notice arrives, you can log into your account and take a screenshot of your updated address.

Will changing my address affect my benefits?

No. Your benefit amount and payment schedule do not change. The address change only affects where Social Security sends you mail. If you receive direct deposit, your payments continue to the same bank account.