How to Report a Change to Social Security
If you are receiving Social Security benefits, you are responsible for reporting any changes in your circumstances , such as a new address, a change in your health or unexpected income, to the Social Security administration. In some cases you can report changes online. In other cases, you
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Instructions
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Determine if you can report the change online through the Social Security Administration's website. If you are receiving Social Security benefits through direct deposit, you can change your information online. If you are receiving Social Security retirement, disability (SSDI), or survivor's benefits, you can change your address or phone number online.
If you are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you cannot change your address online. You must call Social Security to report an address change.
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Visit the Social Security Administration's website. On the left sidebar is a link to "What You Can Do Online." Click on that link, and scroll down to the section that you need. You will find a link for address changes as well as direct deposit on that page.
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Ask family members who are receiving benefits from your account, and who are also in need of an address change, to change their address. Their address will not automatically be changed along with yours.
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Call Social Security via the toll-free number at 800-772-1213 (or if you are deaf/hard of hearing and need TTY services, call 800-325-0778) to report other changes or an address change if you are receiving SSI benefits.
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Tips & Warnings
If the change you are reporting is a major one, such as receiving an inheritance while on SSI benefits you may want to protect yourself by following up any phone or in-person communications with a letter sent via certified mail.
References
- Social Security Administration: Moving? Save Time, Change Your Address Online
- Social Security Administration: What You Need To Know When You Get Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Social Security Administration: What You Can Do Online
- Colorado Social Security Law: SSI, Settlements/Inheritance, and Special Needs Trusts
Resources
- Photo Credit businesswoman talking on phone image by patrimonio designs from Fotolia.com
