You can change your address with Social Security by phone, mail, or in person at a local office — and you should do it as soon as you move

Social Security keeps your address on file to send you important documents, tax forms, and notices about your benefits. If you move and don't update it, you may miss critical mail. The fastest way is to call Social Security directly at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). You can also visit your local Social Security office in person or mail in a change-of-address form. You'll need to provide your Social Security number and proof of your new address.

The process takes just a few minutes by phone, and there's no fee. If you have a my Social Security account online, you can also explore whether address changes are available through that portal, though phone and in-person remain the most reliable routes.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-772-1213 to change your address over the phone — this is the fastest method and takes about five minutes.
  • You'll need your Social Security number and proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement.
  • If you prefer not to call, you can visit your local Social Security office in person or mail in Form SSA-561-U2 (Statement Regarding Your Address).
  • Update your address as soon as you move to avoid missing benefit statements, tax forms, and other important mail.
  • If you receive benefits, Social Security may also update your address with Medicare automatically, but confirm this happened.

Changing your address by phone

Calling Social Security is the quickest way to update your address. Dial 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Have your Social Security number ready. The representative will ask you to confirm your identity by answering a few security questions, then will ask for your new address.

The call usually takes five to ten minutes. After you hang up, Social Security will mail you a confirmation letter to your new address within one to two weeks. Keep this letter in case you need proof that you updated your address. If you're deaf or hard of hearing, use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778.

Changing your address in person at a Social Security office

You can walk into your local Social Security office and update your address without an appointment, though wait times vary. Bring your Social Security card (or a document with your number on it) and proof of your new address. Proof can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government-issued ID showing your new address.

The office staff will update your address on the spot. You'll receive a receipt showing the change was made. This method works well if you prefer to handle it face-to-face or if you need to address other Social Security matters at the same time. Find your local office at ssa.gov/locator.

Mailing in your address change

If you prefer to mail your change, use Form SSA-561-U2 (Statement Regarding Your Address). You can read it from ssa.gov or request it by calling 1-800-772-1213. Fill in your name, Social Security number, and new address, then sign and date the form.

Mail the form to the Social Security office that serves your area. You can find the correct address on the form itself or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Include a copy of proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement works. Mail processing takes two to four weeks, so use this method only if you're not in a hurry.

What counts as proof of your new address

Social Security accepts several types of documents as proof of your new address. These include a current utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a government-issued ID such as a driver's license or state ID card. The document should show your name and new address and be dated within the last 60 days.

If you don't have any of these documents yet — for example, if you just moved and haven't received a utility bill — you can use a signed letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead stating your new address and move-in date. Social Security is flexible about this, especially if you've just relocated.

Updating your address if you receive benefits

If you receive Social Security retirement, disability, or survivor benefits, updating your address is especially important. Social Security mails your annual benefit statement and any tax forms you need to file. If your mail goes to the wrong address, you may not know about changes to your benefits or miss important date for reporting changes in your circumstances.

When you update your address with Social Security, the agency may also update it with Medicare automatically — but don't assume this happened. Call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 to confirm your address is correct there too. If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), updating your address is required, and you should do it within ten days of moving.

What to do if you're moving out of the country

If you're moving outside the United States, you still need to notify Social Security. The process is the same — call 1-800-772-1213, visit an office, or mail in your change. However, Social Security has restrictions on mailing benefits to some countries. When you call, ask the representative whether your new country is on the list of places where benefits can be sent.

If your country is not on the approved list, you may need to arrange for benefits to be sent to a U.S. address or set up direct deposit to a U.S. bank account. This is something to sort out before you move, so call ahead rather than waiting until after you've relocated.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for Social Security to update my address?

By phone or in person, the change happens when ready in Social Security's system. You'll receive a confirmation letter in the mail within one to two weeks. If you mail in a form, allow two to four weeks for processing. During this time, mail may still arrive at your old address, so consider filing a change-of-address form with the U.S. Postal Service as well.

Can I change my address online through my Social Security account?

You can create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov to view your earnings record and benefit statement, but address changes are not currently available through the online portal. You must call, visit an office, or mail in a form. This may change in the future, so check the website if you prefer the online route.

What if I don't have proof of my new address yet?

A signed letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead stating your new address and move-in date is acceptable. You can also use a lease agreement or rental contract. If you own your home and haven't received a mortgage statement yet, a closing document or deed works. Call 1-800-772-1213 to ask what documents they'll accept in your specific situation.

Do I need to update my address with Medicare separately?

Social Security may share your updated address with Medicare automatically, but you should confirm this happened. Call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 to verify your address is correct. It's better to confirm than to assume, especially if you receive benefits from both programs.

What happens if I don't update my address?

Social Security will continue mailing documents to your old address. You may miss important notices about your benefits, tax forms you need for filing, or updates about changes to your account. If you receive SSI, failing to report a move can affect your benefits. Update your address as soon as you move to avoid problems.