Updating Your Phone Number, Address, and Email With Social Security

How to Change Your Contact Information for SSDI

You can change your phone number, mailing address, or email address on file with Social Security through three methods: online at your my Social Security account, by phone to the Social Security representative line, or in person at your local Social Security office. The online method is fastest and requires no waiting. Phone and in-person changes take longer but work if you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone directly. Changes made through any method update your file within one to three business days.

Social Security uses your contact information to send notices about your benefits, changes to your case, and requests for medical evidence. If your address or phone number is wrong, you may miss important important date or not receive notices about overpayments or work reporting requirements. Updating your information promptly protects your benefits and prevents delays.

Key Takeaways

• You can update your address, phone number, or email through your my Social Security account online, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local Social Security office in person.
• Online changes through my Social Security are processed fastest and do not require you to speak with anyone or wait on hold.
• If you do not have a my Social Security account, you can create one free using your email address and Social Security number.
• Phone and office visits require you to verify your identity by answering security questions or showing a photo ID.
• Changes take one to three business days to appear in Social Security's system, so update your information as soon as your contact details change.

Changing Your Information Online Through My Social Security

Log in to your my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount. If you do not have an account, you can create one free by clicking "Create an account" and entering your email address, Social Security number, and date of birth. Social Security will send you a verification link to your email. Click the link and follow the prompts to set up your password.

Once you are logged in, look for "Contact Information" or "Personal Information" in the menu on the left side of the page. Click on the section for the type of information you want to change — address, phone number, or email. Type in your new information and click "Save." Social Security will show you a confirmation message on screen. You do not need to call or visit an office. Your changes are recorded when ready, though they may take one to three business days to update across all Social Security systems.

If you forget your password or cannot log in, click "Forgot Password" on the login page. Social Security will send a reset link to your email address. If you no longer have access to the email address you used to create your account, you will need to call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office to update your contact information instead.

Changing Your Information by Phone

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Have your Social Security number ready. Tell the representative that you want to update your contact information and which piece you want to change — your address, phone number, or email.

The representative will ask you security questions to verify your identity. These questions are based on information in your Social Security file, such as previous addresses you have lived at, names of family members, or past employers. Answer as accurately as you can. If you cannot answer enough questions correctly, the representative may ask you to come to your local office in person with a photo ID instead.

Once your identity is verified, give the representative your new information. They will read it back to you to confirm it is correct. Ask them to repeat any part you are unsure about. The call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes, though wait times can be longer during busy periods. Your changes will be recorded in Social Security's system within one to three business days.

Changing Your Information in Person at Your Local Office

Find your local Social Security office by visiting ssa.gov/locator or calling 1-800-772-1213. You can visit without an appointment, though wait times are often shorter if you call ahead to schedule one. Bring a photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you do not have a photo ID, bring two other documents that show your name and date of birth, such as a birth certificate and a utility bill.

Tell the office staff that you want to update your contact information. They will ask you which piece you want to change and will record your new address, phone number, or email in their system. The staff member will give you a receipt showing what was changed. Your updated information will appear in Social Security's records within one to three business days.

In-person visits are useful if you prefer to speak face-to-face, if you have had trouble verifying your identity over the phone, or if you do not have internet access to use my Social Security. Office hours vary by location, so call ahead to confirm when your office is open.

What Information You Can and Cannot Change Online

You can change your mailing address, phone number, and email address through my Social Security, by phone, or in person. These are the contact details Social Security uses to reach you about your case.

You cannot change your name, date of birth, or Social Security number through these methods. If you need to change your name because of marriage, divorce, or a legal name change, you must visit your local Social Security office in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change — such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you believe your date of birth or Social Security number is wrong in Social Security's records, you must also visit your local office with documents that prove the correct information, such as a birth certificate or passport.

How Long Changes Take to Process

Changes made online through my Social Security are recorded when ready and usually appear across all Social Security systems within one to three business days. Changes made by phone or in person are also recorded within one to three business days. During this time, Social Security may still send notices to your old address or call your old phone number if they have not yet updated their records.

If you are expecting an important notice from Social Security and you have just changed your address, call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm that your new address is in their system. This is especially important if you are waiting for a notice about a work report, a medical review, or a change to your benefit amount.

Updating Your Address if You Move Frequently or Live at a Shelter

If you move often or do not have a permanent address, you can list a shelter address, a trusted friend's or family member's address, or a mail forwarding service address on file with Social Security. Use the same process — online, by phone, or in person — to update your address each time you move.

If you are homeless and do not have a mailing address, call your local Social Security office to discuss your options. Some offices can arrange for notices to be held at the office for you to pick up, or they can work with local agencies to help you receive mail. Do not skip updating your address because you think Social Security will not be able to reach you — missing notices can result in overpayments you will have to repay or suspension of your benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to update my address if I move?

Yes. Social Security uses your address to send notices about your benefits, requests for work reports, and information about changes to your case. If your address is wrong, you may miss important important date. Update your address within 10 days of moving to avoid delays or missed notices.

What if I change my phone number but do not update Social Security?

Social Security may not be able to reach you if they need to contact you quickly about your case. You will still receive written notices at your mailing address, but if Social Security tries to call you about a work report or a medical review and cannot reach you, it could delay your benefits or result in an overpayment. Update your phone number as soon as you get a new one.

Can I change my contact information if I do not have a my Social Security account?

Yes. You can call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office in person. You do not need a my Social Security account to update your address, phone number, or email. Creating an account is free and optional, but it is the fastest way to make changes.

How do I know if my change went through?

If you made the change online, you will see a confirmation message on your screen. If you made the change by phone or in person, ask the representative or staff member for a receipt or confirmation. You can also log into my Social Security a few days later to check that your new information appears in your account.

What should I do if Social Security is still sending mail to my old address after I updated it?

Call 1-800-772-1213 and ask a representative to confirm that your new address is in their system. Sometimes mail that was already printed and sent before your change was processed will arrive at your old address. If you continue to receive mail at your old address more than a week after updating, ask Social Security to investigate whether your change was recorded correctly.