SSI recipients: report your address change promptly
If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you are legally required to report changes that affect your eligibility or payment amount — including a change of address. A new address can affect your state supplement (some states add payments on top of federal SSI). Report within 10 days of moving.
Which method should you use?
The SSA offers three ways to update your address, but not all methods work for all benefit types. Here's the breakdown:
| Your Situation | Recommended Method | Time Required |
|---|---|---|
| Receiving retirement or disability benefits (SSDI) | Online via my Social Security, or phone | 5–10 minutes |
| Receiving SSI benefits | Phone (1-800-772-1213) or in-person | 15–30 minutes |
| Not currently receiving benefits (just maintaining SSA record) | Online via my Social Security | 5 minutes |
| Medicare beneficiary | SSA update covers Part A & B; Medicare Advantage/Part D requires separate update | See below |
Option 1: Update online via my Social Security (fastest)
If you receive Social Security retirement or SSDI benefits — or if you have a my Social Security account and are not currently receiving SSI — you can update your address online in about 5 minutes.
-
1Go to ssa.gov and sign in to your my Social Security account
Create one at ssa.gov/myaccount if you don't have one. You'll need your SSN, email address, and a phone number for two-factor authentication.
-
2Navigate to "Update Contact Information"
From your dashboard, select "Update my information" or find the contact section under your profile settings.
-
3Enter your new address and confirm
Changes take effect immediately in the SSA system. You will receive a confirmation letter at your new address within 2–3 weeks.
SSI recipients cannot always use the online method
The SSA's online portal does not always allow address changes for SSI recipients because SSI eligibility is needs-based and tied to assets and living situation — not just an address. SSI recipients should call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local SSA office to ensure the change is fully processed with any relevant eligibility review.
Option 2: Call the SSA
Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 7 PM local time. Wait times are typically shortest early in the week and early in the morning.
Have ready:
- Your Social Security number
- Your date of birth
- Your current (old) address
- Your new address
- If you receive direct deposit, you do not need to re-confirm banking information — only the address is changing
After the call, a confirmation letter will be mailed to your new address within 2–3 weeks. If you don't receive it, call again to verify the update.
Option 3: Visit a local SSA office
For SSI recipients, those with complex situations, or anyone who prefers in-person confirmation, visiting a local SSA office is the most thorough option. Find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator. Appointments are recommended but walk-ins are accepted at most offices.
Does updating SSA also update Medicare?
Partially — but not completely.
Medicare Part A and Part B (Original Medicare): These are administered by the SSA. Updating your address with the SSA will update your address for Original Medicare correspondence, Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs), and your Medicare card replacement requests.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Part D prescription plans: These are administered by private insurance companies, not SSA. You must update your address separately with your specific plan. Log in to your plan's member portal or call the member services number on the back of your insurance card.
See our full guide: How to Update Your Address with Medicare After Moving.
Medicaid — separate from Medicare and SSA
Medicaid is administered by your state, not the federal SSA. Moving to a new state terminates your Medicaid coverage in the old state — you must re-apply in the new state. Moving within the same state requires updating your address with your state's Medicaid agency, typically through the state's benefits portal or health department.
VA benefits — also separate
If you receive VA benefits, the VA maintains its own address records separate from the SSA. See: How to Update Your VA Benefits Address.
Direct deposit is not affected by an address change
Your Social Security or SSI direct deposit goes to your bank account — not your address. An address change does not affect your payment schedule or amount. If you also need to change your direct deposit bank account, that is a separate update.
SSA & Benefits Address Change Checklist
7 items❓ Frequently Asked Questions
If you're not receiving benefits, there's no urgent requirement to update your SSA address. However, it's good practice to keep your my Social Security account current — especially as you approach retirement age. Future benefit award letters, earnings record notices, and Social Security statements all go to the address on file.
For retirement and SSDI, no — federal Social Security benefits are the same regardless of which state you live in. For SSI, your total benefit amount may change if your new state has a different state supplement amount. Some states (like California) add significant state-funded supplements to federal SSI; others add nothing. Your SSA caseworker can calculate your new benefit amount when you report the move.
Update your address with the SSA immediately. USPS forwarding generally does not apply to Treasury checks — they may be returned rather than forwarded. The SSA strongly recommends switching to direct deposit; call 1-800-772-1213 to set this up at the same time as your address change. It is the most reliable way to ensure uninterrupted payment delivery.
The SSA mails a confirmation letter to your new address within 2–3 weeks after the update. If you don't receive it after a month, log into your my Social Security account and verify the address displayed, or call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm. Do not assume silence means success — verify explicitly.