Reporting Changes is Your Responsibility
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: November 6, 2023
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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Tags: retirement benefits, SSI, supplemental security income, survivors benefits
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Doug Walker, Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Deputy Commissioner, Office of Communications
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Edra H.
I am the Executor for my brother Dewey S. Adams Jr. who passed away July 14, 2018. S S # 453-844-5688
I need to verify that you have my address on file for his 2018 benefits statement.
Edra A. Hall
1050 Celum Rd
Clint, Texas 79836
915-497-0600
arjun_ullas
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Neil E.
I had to close my bank account and open a new one. I need to change the routing number for direct deposit. Where can I do this?
Ann M.
Hi, I wanted to know how I can change the amount in my SS to get more money. Can I change it back in a few months. Have a great need for this.
Thank You so much
Ann M Walsh
A.C.
Hi, Ann Marie. If a person begins to receive benefits at age 62 or prior to their full retirement age, their benefits are reduced. The reduction factors are permanently applied to all of the benefits the person may qualify for. On the other hand, if you continue to work while receiving retirement benefits, your monthly benefit amount may increase. Each year, we review the records for all working Social Security recipients to see if additional earnings may increase monthly benefits. To learn more read our publication, How Work Affects Your Benefits. We hope this information helps.
Cindy J.
Trying to find out how to change an address via power of attorney. On hold for, so far, 1:29:57. No information on website. I understand the volume of calls, but I’m sure this is going to drag on until you are closed and then the call will be cut off.
V.V.
Hi Cindy. Because of privacy and security concerns, you will not be able to conduct Social Security business on behalf of someone else unless you are their representative payee. Having a power of attorney, being an authorized representative, or having a joint bank account with someone does not authorize you to access information on their Social Security record. If the individual you are power of attorney for does not have a representative payee and they are not capable of managing and directing their Social Security benefits, you should consider applying to be their payee. To learn more about becoming a representative payee, you can read our publication, “A Guide for Representative Payees” or visit our Representative Payee webpage. You can also call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to request an appointment.
Jeanne G.
I am POA for my 83 year old Aunt. How do I go about making the address and telephone change for her. Would it be best to stop in the local office with the advanced directives?
V.V.
Hi Jeanne, thank you for using our blog. Because of privacy and security concerns, you will not be able to conduct Social Security business on behalf of your aunt unless you are her representative payee. Having a power of attorney, being an authorized representative, or having a joint bank account with your aunt does not authorize you to access information on her Social Security record. If your aunt does not have a representative payee and she is not capable of managing and directing her Social Security benefits, you should consider applying to be her payee. To learn more about becoming a representative payee, you can read our publication, “A Guide for Representative Payees” or visit our Representative Payee webpage.
To apply to be your aunt’s representative payee, you will need to visit your local Social Security.
James C.
Dear Social Security Rep…I tried to call you today but there was a 2 hour estimated hold time, so I will try to write you here. My Name is James C Sketo Jr
my SS # is *** – ** – *** my DOB is 3/2/51. I have been drawing SS since I was 62…but now almost 68 I still WORK and have SS taken out of my check. My Question, I got my Direct Deposit yesterday and it was $200 + SHORT….I was supposed to get a raise plus I wanted to ask what happens to all the $$$ I still pay into SS, shouldn’t that increase my check ? My email address is jimsketo@aol.com…you have my mailing address. Will you please review why my SS check went down $200 + and advise ?? The only change I know about …I switched my part D from Humana ( that used to come out of my SS check ) to WellCare for a much cheaper rate. Sorry to write you here if the wrong place but you have so many people to serve…I know it is hard for you but I paid SS in all my life and really need it back….so thank you for your help. Please contact me. Jim
A.C.
Hi, James. We are sorry For your security, we do not have access to our private information in this venue. If you still need assistance, click “Get Help” in your personal my Social Security account to “Ask a Question”. Click “Talk to an Expert” for a call back. Thanks.
Theresa S.
I’m trying to get ahold of my worker…
I’m an evacuee from Magalia and last night I went on the FEMA app on my phone and it is stating that I “FAILED” to do a change of address” when I’m not changing my address.
I’m still able to receive mail at the address and wanted to make sure that my worker was aware of this.
Thank you!
A.C.
Hi, Theresa. If you are receiving Social Security retirement or disability, you can create a personal my Social Security account to change your address online.
If you are receiving Supplemental Security Income, you should contact your local office immediately. We hope this helps.
Patricia J.
How to change address and payee for ssdi
Please I need to know
V.V.
Hi there. If you need to update your address, you can use your personal my Social Security account.
If you are unable to change your address online, you can:
•Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; or
•Contact your local Social Security office.
To make a representative payee change, you and your new payee will need to visit your local Social Security office to apply.
Genevieve E.
My Medicare Part B has been cancelled evidently because I forgot to pay it. How can I get reinstated?
R.F.
Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot assist you at this time.
Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 as soon as possible. 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.