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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Lela H.
If a spouse passes away, when does that social security check stop on date of death? The wife died in this case and she makes less than her husband, so he needs to be prepared if you send her payment after her death are you taking the money back out of their account.
Lelahughes49@gmail.com
L.A.
Hi Lela. Social Security benefits are paid the month after they are due. Depending on the date of the month when the death occurred, it is possible that the benefits may have to be returned. In cases where the benefits were received via direct deposit, often times the financial institution will automatically return payments upon notification of the beneficiary’s death. For specific questions, the person to whom you are referring should call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Generally, we can assist the person faster if the person calls us later in the day or later in the week. The person may also contact his local Social Security office. For more information, check out our publication, How Social Security Can Help You When a Family Member Dies. We hope this helps.
CLAUDIA G.
what changes do I need to report ?
L.A.
Hi Claudia. For more information on what you need to report, please visit read our blog on this topic. We hope this helps.
Linda H.
How do you check to make sure a deceased relatives’ benefits are not being used?
L.A.
Hi Linda. We’re sorry to hear about your loss. Typically, the funeral director notifies us of an individual’s passing by sending the deceased person’s death certificate to their local Social Security office. However, you may also report a death yourself by submitting the deceased individual’s death certificate to your local Social Security office. This will ensure the benefits have stopped. If you suspect fraud, visit here to learn what information you need to submit a fraud report. We hope this helps.
Bobbie S.
My social security is direct deposited to my checking account. The account number you have on file was closed because of fraud and a new account opened. I need to update your records with my new checking account. What do I need to do to accomplish this. Please advise as soon as possible. Thank you.
A.C.
Hi, Bobbie. We are sorry to hear about your situation. If you are receiving Social Security retirement or disability, you can create a personal my Social Security account to change your direct deposit online. If you are receiving Supplemental Security Income, you should contact your local office immediately. We hope this helps.
Marla J.
I have a friend who is drawing social security. She just lost her arm to cancer. She would like to know if she can receive more benefits or monetary since it was her right arm. She was right handed.
Howard S.
How does one correct the DOB. The SS statement of benefits i get had the correct one many years ago, somehow it was erroneously changed. I need to know how to fix it.
A.C.
Hi, Howard. Thank you for your question. To correct your date of birth, you will need to complete an Application for a Social Security Card along with supporting documentation including your birth certificate. Visit here to learn what documents you need. You can take or mail the required information to your local office. We hope this information is helpful.
Mandy (.
Cant fiuger out how to send off paycheck stubs for husbands renewal for applaction for ssi I am sure it’s late but cant help it I cant fiuger out how to do this mobile sending over my paycheck stubs I am.only going as fare back as I can..
Mandy(amanda) myers
A.C.
Hi, Mandy. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. Generally, you will have a shorter wait if you call later in the day. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Corinne H.
I need you all to make a correction on myy SSA for FAFSA so it can match my FAFSA I’d I need you to change last two digit of my SSI number it says shows that the two last number on my SSA I’d *** – ** – *** and the *** – ** – *** shows it is in correct I need you last two digit of my SSI number from *** – ** – *** to *** – ** – *** my correct SSI number is *** – ** – *** the reason why last two numbers that is written wrong on my SSA I’d that do not match my FAFSA I’d.has to be changed from *** – ** – *** to *** – ** – *** so it match FAFSA I’d so if you all can make that change can you email me back to let me know you all made last two digit number in my SSI number from 53 to 52 because I it done before the school I am going to be doing online schooling can finish my FAFSA application for there school please email to let me know you all made that that I am you all to do for me
A.C.
Hi, Corrine. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. Generally, you will have a shorter wait if you call later in the day. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Irene C.
A recorded voice stated he was from the dept. of social security. Said he was calling to inform me of legal enforcement action filed against my social security account for criminal activity. Said to call 210-944-4242 before they begin with legal proceedings against me.
William B.
I would like to change my banking information. I have moved recently.
My current bank listing is: 111900594. 1882247495
I would like to change it to: 324079555 011011698497
This is a branch of Mountain America Credit Union on State St. In Salt Lake City, Utah 84901
Thank you for your time and effort.
William Brothers