Why It’s Important to Report Life Changes to Us
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: November 2, 2023
Did you know that certain life changes can affect your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments? Sometimes your circumstances may change after you apply for or begin to receive SSI. When that happens, it’s important for you to tell us about these changes. This will ensure that you receive the benefits to which you’re eligible.
Types of Changes to Report if You Have Applied for or Receive SSI
When you apply for or get SSI, you must tell us about certain changes. You must also tell us about changes for your spouse if you are married and living together, and parents if applying for a child. Common changes you must report to us include:
- Change in income.
- Change in resources (including bank accounts, vehicles, or property).
- Change in employment (i.e., starting, stopping, or changing jobs).
- Change in your address or persons moving in or out of the household.
- Entering or exiting a nursing home.
- Entering or exiting a correctional institution (i.e., jail or prison).
- Change in U.S. citizenship or lawful non-citizen status.
- Change in marital status.
For a complete list of SSI reporting responsibilities, please read the following publication:
How to Report Changes in Wages
You can conveniently report your wages using our:
- Free SSA Mobile Wage Reporting app for smartphones.
- my Social Security Online Wage Reporting Tool. A personal my Social Security account is an easy way to report changes. You can also access your Benefit Verification letter, which serves as proof that you’re receiving SSI. If you don’t have a personal my Social Security account, create one today.
Be sure to sign up for monthly SSI wage reporting emails or text reminders. If you prefer, you may also report changes by:
- Calling toll free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
- Visiting or writing your local Social Security Office.
Report Changes in a Timely Manner
If you do not report changes to us in a timely manner, you may be underpaid and not receive the amount due as quickly or be overpaid and have to pay us back.
The SSI program may apply a penalty that will reduce your benefits if you fail to report a change. You may also be penalized if you report the change later than 10 days after the end of the month in which the change occurred or lose SSI for not reporting the information we use to determine eligibility for payments.
Securing today and tomorrow starts with being informed. Please share this information with your friends and family—and post it on social media.
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Tags: Disability, my Social Security, my Social Security account, social security disability benefits, SSI, supplemental security income
See CommentsAbout the Author
Dawn Bystry, Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
Deputy Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
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Michael S.
I am on disability and turn 65 in February ’23. What happens and what do I need to do? (If you can just direct me to that information – I am sure it is here, I just can’t find it.) Thanks.
A.C.
Hi, Michael. Thanks for visiting our blog and thanks for your question. When you reach full retirement age, we will automatically convert your disability benefits to retirement benefits, but the amount remains the same. We hope this helps.
sarah
HELLO there, an online site stating all ssi receipt will be getting 2 checks for the month of sept. first of the month and the ending of sept is this true cause they also mention to check the eligible induvial to see if there eligible for the payment on your ssi site as well.
Ruby a.
How long the process of retirement survivors disability insurance, past due Pension can recieved by direct deposit,
Thank you
A.C.
Hi, Ruby Ann. The time it takes to process an application can vary. To follow up on a pending application, please contact your local Social Security office for assistance. We hope this helps.
Chase P.
I have special needs, tourretes syndrome and learning disabilities, ADHD and you denied my claim. I have lost everything and now I am homeless living in my girlfriends car. I am on the brink of death and nobody will help me. I was removed from my family and removed from the will. I haven’t been able to take a shower in over a month. I’m in desperate need of HELP. Why is everyone turning their back on me??? Why can’t I succeed in life too!? Why am I always finishing last?? I am so alone, I’m scared and I’m ready to just give up now. I don’t know what to do. I have nothing. I have nobody and I don’t want to be alive anymore if this is what my future holds. I’m not suicidal but I have run out of options as far as I can see. HELP!!!
A.C.
Hi, Chase. We are sorry to hear about your situation. 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 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. You can also contact your local Social Security office. You may be eligible to receive social services from the state in which you live. These services include free meals, housekeeping help, transportation, or help with other problems. To get information about services in your area and find out if you qualify, you will need to contact your state or local social services or welfare office. We hope this helps.
Lisa S.
I am getting married at 19 years old to a foreigner, will that effect my benefits??
A.C.
Hi, Lisa. Thanks for your question. If you receive retirement or Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits, your marriage will not affect your benefit. If you are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), widow or widower’s benefits, your marriage may affect your benefit. To learn more about how marriage affects benefits, visit our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.
Mark C.
Good Morning
I have just become a US Citizen and would like to know how to go about updating the SSA about this change.
A.C.
Hi, Mark. Thanks for visting our blog. Most local offices have resumed in-person service for people without an appointment. Customers who walk in without appointments may encounter delays. Visit How to Get Help from Social Security to learn more, including what to know if you need to visit an office. To see what documents to submit to update your citizenship status, please visit here. We hope this helps.
Autumn B.
I have called the Batavia SS Office and three times and waited on the phone for up to 20 mins. each time and no one answered. A couple times the music stopped playing and I was disconnected. I need to schedule an appt. for my daughter Hannah Sullivan to discuss some changes in circumstances.
A.C.
Hi, Autumn. Thanks for visiting our blog. We are sorry to hear about your experience. Most local offices have resumed in-person service for people without an appointment. Customers who walk in without appointments may encounter delays. Visit How to Get Help from Social Security to learn more, including what to know if you need to visit an office. We hope this helps.
Jerrica
I was homeless when I started receiving my benefits. Now I am renting a place. Does that affect my benefits at all? How do I report that?
A.C.
Hi, Jerrica. Thanks for your questions. 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 receiving retirement benefits, What You Need to Know When You Get Retirement or Survivors Benefits is also helpful. Thanks!
Amanda T.
My benefit check was just automatically cut $500. The reason was a “wage increase.” I didn’t work. Im A single mom, and now I can’t pay for anything for my daughter.
A.C.
Hi, Amanda. We are sorry to hear about your situation. 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 concerns. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this is resolved soon.
Dwight
My wife turned 70 two months ago and was hospitalized for kidney troubles then the flue .She was sent to a nursing home for rehab and contracted Covid .She is doing better now and I expect she will be home within 2 to 4 weeks .Do I need to report this ?
A.C.
Hi, Dwight. We are sorry to hear about your wife’s condition but glad to hear she is improving. 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 receiving retirement benefits, What You Need to Know When You Get Retirement or Survivors Benefits is also helpful. Thanks!