You can update your address with Social Security online, by phone, or in person at a local office
The Social Security Administration (SSA) needs your current mailing address to send you important documents, notices about benefit changes, and tax forms. If you move and don't update your address, you may miss critical information about your benefits or payments. You have three ways to change your address: online through your my Social Security account, by calling the SSA, or by visiting a local Social Security office in person.
The online method is fastest if you already have a my Social Security account. The phone route works if you don't have an account or prefer to speak with someone. In-person visits are an option if you need to handle other SSA business at the same time or if you have questions about how the change affects your specific situation.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your address online through my Social Security, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office.
- Online changes through my Social Security are processed immediately, while phone and in-person changes may take a few days to appear in SSA records.
- You will need your Social Security number and proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement, if you change your address in person.
- If you receive benefits, updating your address ensures you continue to receive payment notices and tax documents without delay.
Changing your address online through my Social Security
If you have a my Social Security account, logging in and updating your address takes just a few minutes. Go to ssa.gov, click "Sign In" at the top right, and enter your username, password, and any additional security information. Once you are logged in, look for the "Profile" or "Personal Information" section, where you will find an option to update your mailing address.
Enter your new street address, city, state, and ZIP code. The system will confirm the address and show you what SSA has on file. After you submit the change, it takes effect immediately in the online system, though it may take a few business days to update across all SSA records. You will receive a confirmation message on screen.
If you don't 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 (bank or credit card). Creating an account takes about 10 minutes and gives you access to other services like viewing your earnings record and benefit statements.
Changing your address by phone
Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. The line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Have your Social Security number ready when you call. Tell the representative that you need to update your mailing address and provide your new street address, city, state, and ZIP code.
The representative will confirm the address with you and make the change in the system. Phone changes typically take three to five business days to appear in all SSA records. You don't need to provide proof of your new address over the phone — SSA will update it based on your verbal confirmation.
If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778. If you speak a language other than English, SSA can provide an interpreter on the call at no cost to you.
Changing your address in person at a Social Security office
Visit your local Social Security office and bring your Social Security card (or a document showing your number) and proof of your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government-issued ID with your new address. The office staff will update your address on the spot.
To find your nearest office, go to ssa.gov and use the "Find a Social Security Office" tool, or call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for the address and hours. Many offices now require you to make an appointment in advance rather than walk in. You can schedule an appointment online or by phone.
In-person changes are useful if you also need to discuss other matters — for example, if you have questions about how a move affects your benefits, or if you need to replace a lost Social Security card. The change is recorded immediately, though it may take a few days to update everywhere in the SSA system.
What happens after you update your address
Once your address is updated, all future mail from Social Security will go to your new location. This includes benefit payment notices, tax forms (like the SSA-1099), annual cost-of-living adjustment notices, and any other official correspondence. If you were receiving paper checks, they will be mailed to your new address starting with the next payment cycle.
If you receive benefits by direct deposit, your payment method does not change — the money still goes to your bank account on the same schedule. Only your mailing address changes. If you have any mail in transit to your old address, you can file a mail forwarding request with the U.S. Postal Service to have it sent to your new home.
Updating your address if you move out of the country
If you are moving to another country, you still need to notify Social Security. The process is the same — you can call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office. Tell the representative your new address, including the country name. SSA will mail documents to your international address, though delivery times are longer.
Some countries have restrictions on how Social Security benefits can be paid to residents. If you are moving abroad and receive benefits, ask SSA about payment rules for your destination country before you move. You may need to arrange direct deposit or have payments sent to a U.S. address instead.
Common reasons your address change might not go through
If you try to update your address online and the system rejects it, the address may not match postal records. Try entering it exactly as it appears on your utility bill or lease. If the problem continues, call 1-800-772-1213 or visit an office in person — staff can often override formatting issues and enter the address manually.
If you changed your address but mail is still going to your old location, wait at least five to seven business days for the change to fully process. If mail is still arriving at your old address after that time, call SSA to confirm the change went through. Sometimes a typo in the address entry causes mail to be misdirected.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for my address change to take effect?
Online changes through my Social Security take effect immediately in the online system, but may take a few business days to update everywhere. Phone and in-person changes typically take three to five business days to appear in all SSA records. Mail sent during this transition period may still go to your old address.
Do I need to update my address if I only receive a Social Security statement and no benefits?
Yes. Even if you don't receive benefits yet, SSA uses your address to send you annual statements and important notices about your account. Keeping your address current ensures you receive these documents on time.
What if I don't have proof of my new address for an in-person visit?
If you can't bring a utility bill or lease, call 1-800-772-1213 instead. Phone changes don't require proof of address. Alternatively, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on their letterhead showing your name and new address, which SSA will accept as proof.
Can I update my address for someone else, like a family member?
Generally, only the person whose address it is can make the change, or someone with legal power of attorney. If you are a representative payee managing benefits for someone else, you can update the beneficiary's address by calling 1-800-772-1213 and providing your representative payee number.
Will changing my address affect my benefits or payment amount?
No. Updating your mailing address does not change your benefit amount, payment date, or may be able to access. It only changes where SSA sends your mail. Your benefits continue unchanged.