How to Update Your Address With Social Security and Medicare

You need to notify both Social Security and Medicare separately when you move

Social Security and Medicare are two different systems, so changing your address with one does not automatically update the other. You will need to contact each agency directly. Social Security handles your benefits record and tax information. Medicare handles your health insurance coverage and sends you cards, notices, and bills. If you do not update both, you may miss important mail, your benefits could be delayed, and your coverage might lapse without you knowing.

The good news: both agencies offer multiple ways to report a move — online, by phone, by mail, or in person. You can do this from home, and you do not need to visit an office unless you choose to. Most changes take effect within a few days to a week.

Key Takeaways

Social Security and Medicare require separate address changes; updating one does not change the other.
You can update Social Security online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office.
You can update Medicare online at Medicare.gov, by phone at 1-800-MEDICARE, or by mail using Form CMS-40B.
Have your Social Security number, Medicare number, and new address ready before you contact either agency.
If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), notify Social Security within 10 days of moving to avoid payment delays.

How to change your address with Social Security

Online is the fastest option if you have a my Social Security account. Go to ssa.gov, sign in with your username and password, and select "Change Your Address" from the menu. You can update your mailing address and phone number in minutes. If you do not have an account, you can create one on the same website using your Social Security number, email address, and a few pieces of personal information.

By phone, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. Have your Social Security number ready. A representative will ask for your current address, new address, and phone number. The call usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. You can call Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call the TTY number at 1-800-325-0778.

In person at your local Social Security office. Find the office nearest you at ssa.gov/locator. Bring your Social Security card, a photo ID, and proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). Walk-ins are welcome, but wait times vary. You can also call ahead to schedule an appointment.

By mail, send a letter to your local Social Security office with your name, Social Security number, current address, and new address. Include a phone number where they can reach you. Mail takes longer — usually 2 to 3 weeks — so use this method only if you cannot use the other options.

How to change your address with Medicare

Online through your Medicare.gov account is the quickest route. Go to Medicare.gov, sign in with your username and password, and click "Personal Information." Select "Edit" next to your address and enter your new one. The change usually takes effect within a few days. If you do not have a Medicare.gov account, you can create one using your Medicare number and email address.

By phone, call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Have your Medicare number (on your Medicare card) and new address ready. A representative will update your address in the system. The call takes about 10 minutes. You can call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call the TTY number at 1-877-486-2048.

By mail, complete Form CMS-40B (process to Enroll or Change Enrollment in a Medicare Health Plan). You can read it from Medicare.gov or request it by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. Fill in your Medicare number, current address, and new address, then mail it to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 1 to 2 weeks.

In person at a Social Security office, a Medicare office, or a State Health Insurance information Program (SHIP) office. SHIP offices offer free help with Medicare questions. Find your local SHIP at shiptalk.org or by calling 1-877-839-2675.

What documents and information you will need

Before you contact Social Security or Medicare, gather these items so the process moves faster:

Your Social Security number (for Social Security changes)
Your Medicare number (for Medicare changes; it is on your Medicare card)
Your new address, including city, state, and ZIP code
Your phone number (optional but helpful)
Proof of your new address if updating in person — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days

You do not need to provide proof of address when you update online or by phone. Social Security and Medicare will verify your identity using information already in their systems.

Special situations: SSI, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid

If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in addition to regular Social Security benefits, notify Social Security within 10 days of moving. SSI payments are tied to your address, and a delayed report could affect your next payment. Use any of the methods listed above, but mention that you receive SSI so the representative prioritizes your change.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) or a prescription drug plan (Part D), you must also notify your insurance company directly. Medicare will update your address in their main system, but your plan may have a separate record. Call the customer service number on your insurance card or visit the plan's website. Some plans allow you to update online; others require a phone call.

If you receive Medicaid through your state, contact your state Medicaid office separately. Medicaid is run by states, not by the federal government, so Social Security and Medicare do not manage your Medicaid address. Your state Medicaid office will have its own process and timeline.

What happens after you report your address change

Social Security typically updates your address within a few days. You should see the change reflected in your my Social Security account within a week. Medicare usually processes address changes within 5 to 10 business days. If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plan, that plan may take an additional 1 to 2 weeks to update their records.

You will receive confirmation in the mail at your new address. Social Security may send a letter confirming the change. Medicare will send your next statements and notices to your new address. If you do not receive confirmation within 2 to 3 weeks, call the agency to verify the change went through.

If you are moving to a different state, your Medicare coverage does not change — Medicare is national. However, if you have a Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plan, check whether your plan is available in your new state. Some plans do not cover all areas. If your plan does not serve your new location, you will have a 60-day window to switch to a different plan without penalty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to update my address with both Social Security and Medicare?

Yes. They are separate systems. Updating one does not update the other. If you only update Social Security, Medicare will still send mail to your old address. If you only update Medicare, Social Security will send your statements to your old address. Update both to make sure you receive all your mail.

Can I update my address online if I do not have an account?

You can create a free account at ssa.gov or Medicare.gov in a few minutes using your Social Security number and email address. Once your account is set up, you can update your address online when ready. Creating an account is the fastest way to make changes without waiting on hold.

What if I move and do not update my address right away?

Update your address as soon as you can. If you receive SSI, do it within 10 days to avoid payment delays. For regular Social Security or Medicare, there is no strict important date, but delaying means you may miss important notices about changes to your benefits or coverage. Mail sent to your old address may not reach you.

Will my Medicare coverage change if I move to a different state?

Your Original Medicare coverage (Part A and Part B) works in all 50 states, so moving does not affect it. However, if you have a Medicare Advantage plan or prescription drug plan, check whether that plan operates in your new state. If it does not, you have 60 days to switch to a plan that does without paying a penalty.

How do I update my address if I move to a nursing home or assisted living facility?

Use the facility's address as your new address. Include the facility name, room or unit number, street address, city, state, and ZIP code. If the facility has a mailing address different from its street address, use the mailing address. You can update this the same way you would update a home address — online, by phone, or in person.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.