Disability, General, Retirement, SSI, Survivors

Reporting Changes is Your Responsibility

December 10, 2015 • By

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Last Updated: November 6, 2023

a picture of a hand on a laptop keyboard.If you receive benefits from Social Security, you have a legal obligation to report changes, which could affect your eligibility for disability, retirement, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. You must report any changes that may affect your benefits immediately, and no later than 10 days after the end of the month in which the change occurred.

Changes you need to report range from a change of address to traveling outside the United States for 30 consecutive days. To get a list of reporting responsibilities under disability, please read our publication, What You Need to Know When You get Social Security Disability Benefits, and for SSI, read What You Need to Know When You Get Supplemental Security Income. If you’re receiving retirement benefits, What You Need to Know When You Get Retirement or Survivors Benefits is also helpful.

Life changes can affect your benefits. You may be due additional payments, or you may be overpaid and have to pay us back because you didn’t report the overpayment in a timely manner. The SSI program may apply a penalty that will reduce your benefits if you fail to report a change, or if you reported the change later than 10 days after the end of the month in which the change occurred. If you fail to report changes in a timely way, or if you intentionally make a false statement, we may stop your SSI, disability, and retirement benefits. We may also impose a sanction against your payments. The first sanction is a loss of payments for six months. Subsequent sanctions are for 12 and 24 months.

You can report your change online, or by calling toll free at 1-800-772-1213. If you’re deaf or hearing-impaired call TTY 1-800-325-0778. Mail the information to your local Social Security office or in person if you prefer. If you receive SSI, you should ask about our options to use the automated toll-free SSI Telephone Wage Reporting Service or the free SSA Mobile Wage Reporting app.

If you receive benefits and need to change your address or direct deposit, you can conveniently do so by creating a personal my Social Security account.

Get the right check, in the right amount, at the right time, by reporting changes right away!

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About the Author

Doug Walker, Deputy Commissioner, Communications

Deputy Commissioner, Office of Communications

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Comments

  1. ron k.

    i want to add po box 255 to my address, thank you

  2. Ritha J.

    Can I change bank account and routing number online, or do I have to go to the Social Security office to do this?

  3. joannalynn f.

    I need to speak to a SS person

    • R.F.

      Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog.
      One of our representatives should be able to assist you. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Or contact your local Social Security office.
      Remember, many services, including applying for retirement, disability and Medicare benefits, requesting a replacement Medicare card, or reporting a change of address, and creating a my Social Security account, are conveniently available anytime at our website. Thanks!

  4. OMARANTHONY B.

    I need to get somebody from taking my money out of my ssi check

    • R.F.

      Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog. One of our representatives should be able to assist you.
      Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
      Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later in the week. Thanks!

  5. Loreto G.

    This dose not concern me I have been on1995 SS since 1995 all I am trying to do is log in to my online banking account.

  6. Peggy A.

    I need to change my direct deposit information.

  7. Stephen D.

    I have been trying for over TWO HOURS to find someway to talk to someone about changing my SS direct deposit from BoA in America to Santander Bank here in Mexico. Can’t anyone help me?

  8. Yvonne d.

    My name is YvonneDumontIlivein Canada and receive security benefit social security no126,84 4392

    Because I was very sick I now have to live in a home for old people ,myappartment has been close and Iwill not receive mail anymore there , my new address is ,,,.Les 4 saisons ,25 Maheu street , chateauguay ,Quebec J6K 5G8

    My husband name is Elvin Quinones his social security no is *** – ** – *** he is now living with is son in NorthCarolina but we are not separated, we had no choice ,he couldn’t live by himself ,but his health is better than mine
    Hope you understand you can write to me at the address I gave you and will be happy to answer any question thank you

  9. Diane K.

    I already receive social security, my check is direct deposit, I need to change the account number so I can receive my checks.

  10. Rebecca r.

    Change address to: 10406 Indiana Ave., Apt. 260, Riverside, Ca. 92503

    • R.F.

      Just a reminder – We do not have access to personal information, therefore, we cannot update your records through this blog. If you get Social Security benefits (retirement, survivors, or disability) or are enrolled in Medicare, you can change your address online by using a my Social Security account.
      Please be cautious about posting personal information on any social media channels. Thanks!

Comments are closed.