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

Comments

  1. Patricia A.

    I am trying to furnish you with a new mailing address. I have been on hold on the phone for 30 mins. and still holding. I tried to use your online change of address but that is impossible. I do not even understand it and was unable to get the form to do so. It is a terrible lengthy useless site. Please, we are just talking about a change of address.

    • R.F.

      We apologize for the long wait, Patricia. We may have been experiencing higher than normal call volume.
      Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal information in this blog and cannot update your address on your record.
      Generally, when calling our toll free number (1-800-772-1213) you will experience a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. We hope you try again.

  2. Gloria M.

    Claim # XXX-XX-XXXXT
    I received a letter from SS Administration saying UAPS has a different mailing address for me. I moved in August to Rio Rancho, the USPS was the first one I contacted on my change of address.
    I have given you my new address when last there
    Thank You
    Gloria D. Montoya

    New Address Previous Address
    XXX Waterfall XXX La Barranca Ne
    Rio Rancho, NM Albuquerque, NM

    • R.F.

      Hello Gloria. Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog. If you get Social Security benefits or are enrolled in Medicare, you can change your address online by using your personal my Social Security account.
      Just a reminder – Please be cautious about posting personal information on social media channels. Thanks!

  3. Robert W.

    I already sent in a change of address. It did not get changed. I have not received my new SScard. I tried to call, it is an hour wait. On line they want me to sign in.
    It should not be that difficult to change my address!!

  4. Michael D.

    I want to verify my new address. Where do I go ?
    I moved from Richmond, Va. to Phoenix, Arizona

  5. Diane T.

    I am in failing health and am payee representative for my vulnerable adult sister. How do I go about changing her payee rep?
    Diane

  6. Nicholas B.

    Why didn’t anyone investigate my disability payee when i told them she hadn’t given any of it to me? Now after being homeless you take half my check because i didn’t receive mail you sent to my last residence. I have never been in a worse situation in my life and i owe major props to social security administration for making that possible.

  7. Victoria M.

    I need to change my bank account that my direct deposit comes into.
    Can I do this online and where do I find this app?

  8. Robert E.

    Change my address

  9. Sherry G.

    I received my letter from SSI for my retirement benefits, but they are wrong it looks like they have given me my ex husband SSI instead of mine which mine it the larger amount. I am not sure how to correct this should I go to SSI Office here in town speak with them?

  10. micheal D.

    I’m trying to find out why my , the amount of deposit is less then should get ?

    • R.F.

      Hello Micheal. Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot answer your question at this time. One of our representatives should be able to provide you with an explanation. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. 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. Thanks!

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