You can change your Social Security address in person, by mail, or online through your my Social Security account

Social Security keeps your address on file to send you notices, tax documents, and benefit statements. If you move, you need to update it so mail reaches you. The fastest route is online through your my Social Security account if you already have one set up. If not, you can go to your local Social Security office in person or mail a form to the address Social Security provides.

The address change itself takes no time — the form or online update is instant. But mail from Social Security can take one to two weeks to reach you after the change is processed, so update your address before you move if possible.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your address online through my Social Security, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, in person at your local office, or by mailing Form SSA-561-U2.
  • You will need proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • If you receive benefits, Social Security will mail your benefit statement and any notices to your new address once the change is processed.
  • The online method is fastest if you have a my Social Security account; in-person or mail updates typically take five to seven business days to show in the system.

Changing your address online through my Social Security

If you have a my Social Security account, you can change your address without leaving home. Go to ssa.gov, sign in to your account, and look for the "Profile" or "Settings" section. Click on the address field, enter your new address, and confirm the change. The system will update immediately.

You do not need to upload documents or call anyone to confirm. However, Social Security may mail you a verification letter to your new address asking you to confirm the change. If you receive this letter, sign and return it within the timeframe shown. If you do not respond, Social Security may revert your address to the old one.

If you do not have a my Social Security account yet, you can create one at ssa.gov. You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity — usually a U.S. mobile phone number or a financial account linked to your name.

Changing your address by phone

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Have your Social Security number and new address ready. A representative will update your address over the phone and may ask you to confirm it by repeating it back.

You do not need to mail anything in or visit an office. The change typically shows in Social Security's system within five to seven business days. Like the online method, Social Security may send you a verification letter to your new address asking you to confirm the change.

Changing your address in person at a Social Security office

Visit your local Social Security office with proof of your new address. Bring a document dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and new address. You will also need to bring your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number.

The office staff will update your address on the spot. You do not need to fill out a form in advance — staff can do it for you. Wait times vary by location and time of day; calling ahead to ask about current wait times can save you a trip. The address change is usually processed the same day.

To find your nearest office, go to ssa.gov/locator or call 1-800-772-1213 for the address and hours.

Changing your address by mail

If you prefer to mail your address change, download Form SSA-561-U2 from ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 to request it. Fill in your Social Security number, current address, and new address. Sign and date the form.

Mail the form to the address shown on the form itself — this varies by region. Include a copy of proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days. Do not send original documents; Social Security will not return them.

Mail typically takes five to seven business days to reach Social Security, and processing takes another five to seven business days. Your address change should show in the system within two to three weeks of mailing. Keep a copy of the form and proof of mailing for your records in case you need to follow up.

What counts as proof of your new address

Social Security accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, or a government-issued document like a driver's license or state ID.

The document must be in your name or, if you are married or in a civil partnership, in both names. A document in only your spouse's name will not work. If you recently moved and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, ask your landlord, utility company, or bank for a letter on their letterhead confirming your new address and move-in date.

What happens after you change your address

Once your address change is processed, Social Security will mail all future correspondence to your new address. This includes your annual benefit statement (if you receive benefits), tax documents like the SSA-1099 form, and any notices about your account.

If you receive Social Security benefits, your benefit payment itself is not affected by an address change — payments go to your bank account or prepaid card, not by mail. But any paper notices or documents Social Security sends will go to your new address.

Social Security may send you a verification letter to your new address asking you to confirm the change. This is normal. Sign the letter, write your Social Security number on it, and mail it back within the timeframe shown. If you do not respond, Social Security may revert your address to the old one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address if I do not have proof dated within the last 60 days?

If you just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, contact your landlord, utility company, or bank and ask for a letter on their letterhead confirming your new address and move-in date. Social Security will accept this. You can also visit a Social Security office in person and explain the situation; staff may be able to work with you on alternative proof.

What if I move again before Social Security processes my first address change?

Call 1-800-772-1213 or update your address again online through my Social Security. Let the representative know you have already submitted one change and are now moving again. They can update your address to the new one and may be able to cancel the verification letter going to the old address.

Do I need to change my address if I only receive a Social Security statement once a year?

Yes. Even if you receive statements infrequently, you should update your address so Social Security can reach you if there is a problem with your account, a change in your benefits, or a tax document you need. Keeping your address current also ensures you receive important notices about your account.

Can someone else change my address for me?

If you are unable to change your address yourself, a representative payee, legal guardian, or attorney-in-fact can do it on your behalf. They will need to bring proof of their authority (such as a court order or power of attorney) along with proof of your new address. Call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm what documents are needed.