What the SSA-455 form is and why you need to fill it out
The SSA-455 is Social Security's official form for reporting changes in your life while you receive disability benefits. Social Security calls it a "Disability Update Report." If you get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Social Security will periodically ask you to complete one.
You fill it out to tell Social Security about things that might affect your benefits: whether you're working, how much you earn, changes to your living situation, medical treatment you're getting, or whether your condition has improved. Social Security uses this information to decide whether you still meet the rules for receiving benefits and whether your payment amount should change.
You can complete the SSA-455 online through your Social Security account, by mail, or in person at a Social Security office. The online method is usually fastest because Social Security receives it when ready and you get a confirmation right away.
Key Takeaways
- Social Security sends you the SSA-455 form when they need to know about changes in your situation, and you have a important date to respond that appears in the notice they mail you.
- You can fill out the form online through your my Social Security account, which is faster than mailing it back and gives you proof of submission the same day.
- The form asks about your work, income, living arrangements, medical care, and whether your condition has changed since your last report.
- If you miss the important date or don't respond, Social Security may stop your benefits, so responding on time matters even if you're working with a disability lawyer.
How to set up or log into your my Social Security account
To complete the SSA-455 online, you need a my Social Security account. This is a free account you create on Social Security's website. If you already have one, you can log in directly. If you don't, you'll need to create one before you can access the form.
Go to ssa.gov and look for the "my Social Security" button, usually in the upper right corner of the page. Click "Create an account" if you don't have one yet. You'll need your Social Security number, email address, and a password you create. Social Security will send you a verification code to your email to confirm the account is yours.
Once your account is set up and you're logged in, you'll see a dashboard. If Social Security has sent you an SSA-455 to complete, it will usually appear as a task or message in your account. You may also see a notice in the mail telling you to complete the form online, with a link or instructions on where to find it.
Step-by-step: filling out the form online
When you open the SSA-455 in your my Social Security account, the form will ask you a series of questions. The exact questions depend on which type of benefits you receive and what Social Security already knows about your situation, but most forms include sections on work and earnings, living arrangements, medical treatment, and your health condition.
Answer each question honestly and completely. If a question doesn't explore to you—for example, if you're not working—say so clearly rather than leaving it blank. Social Security interprets blank answers as missing information and may delay processing or ask you to resubmit.
The online form usually saves your answers as you go, so you can close it and come back later if you need time to gather information. When you're finished, review your answers before you submit. Once you submit, you'll get a confirmation number on screen and usually an email confirmation as well. Keep that confirmation number in case you need to follow up with Social Security.
What information you'll need before you start
Gather these items before you sit down to fill out the form. Having them ready means you won't have to stop and search for documents halfway through.
If you're working or have earned income, have your recent pay stubs or tax documents ready. If you're self-employed, have records of your business income. If your living situation changed—you moved, someone moved in or out, or you're in a different type of housing—have your current address and details about who lives with you. If you've had medical appointments or started new treatment, have the dates and the names of your doctors or clinics.
If your condition has changed—whether it's improved, gotten worse, or stayed the same—think through specific examples you can describe. Social Security wants to know not just whether you feel better or worse, but what you can or cannot do now compared to before.
important date and what happens if you miss one
Social Security includes a important date in the notice they mail you along with the SSA-455. This important date is usually 10 days from the date on the notice, though it can vary. The important date matters: if you don't respond by that date, Social Security may stop your benefits.
If you're close to the important date and haven't completed the form yet, submit it online rather than mailing it. The online submission is recorded when ready, whereas a mailed form takes several days to arrive and be processed. If you submit online before midnight on the important date date, you've met the important date.
If you miss the important date, contact Social Security right away. Call the main Social Security number (1-800-772-1213) or visit your local office in person. Explain that you missed the important date and ask whether they can reinstate your benefits. Sometimes they will if you have a good reason for the delay. The sooner you contact them, the better your chances.
When to involve your disability lawyer
If you have a disability lawyer representing you, let them know when you receive the SSA-455 notice. Your lawyer may want to review your answers before you submit, especially if your case is still pending or if your situation is complicated—for example, if you've returned to work, if your condition has improved, or if you're concerned about how to describe your current abilities.
Your lawyer cannot fill out the form for you, but they can help you understand what Social Security is asking and how to answer in a way that accurately reflects your situation. This is particularly important if you're working, because how you report your earnings can affect your benefits, and the rules differ depending on whether you receive SSDI or SSI.
If you submit the form and Social Security later sends you a notice saying they're stopping or reducing your benefits based on your report, contact your lawyer when ready. You may have the right to request a hearing to challenge that decision.
Troubleshooting common problems
If you can't log into your my Social Security account, click "Forgot username or password?" on the login page and follow the steps to reset it. If you've forgotten your email address or can't access the email account you used to create the account, you may need to call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to verify your identity and get help resetting your account.
If you can see your account but don't see the SSA-455 form, it's possible Social Security hasn't sent it to you yet, or it may be in a different section of your account. Look for a "Messages" or "Tasks" section. If you still can't find it after checking your account thoroughly, call Social Security to confirm whether they've sent you a form to complete.
If the online form won't let you submit because it says required fields are missing, go back and check every question. Some questions have multiple parts, and you may have answered the main question but missed a follow-up. If you're stuck on a particular question, you can call Social Security and ask them to explain what they're asking for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fill out the SSA-455 on paper instead of online?
Yes. You can request a paper copy by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, or you may receive one in the mail with the notice telling you to complete the form. Mail the completed paper form back to the address on the notice. Paper submissions take longer to process, so if you're near the important date, the online method is safer.
What happens if I report that I'm working?
Reporting work doesn't automatically stop your benefits. SSDI has a work incentive program that allows you to earn money and keep some or all of your benefits, depending on how much you earn. SSI also has work incentives. How your benefits are affected depends on your earnings and which program you're on. Your lawyer can help you understand the impact before you submit the form.
Do I have to tell Social Security if my condition improved?
Yes. The SSA-455 asks whether your condition has changed, and you must answer honestly. If your condition has improved, say so. Social Security may then review your case to see whether you still meet the medical rules for benefits. Hiding improvement can lead to overpayment, which Social Security will ask you to repay later.
What if I don't understand a question on the form?
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and ask them to explain the question. You can also contact your local Social Security office in person. Don't guess at the answer or leave it blank. A few minutes on the phone to clarify is better than submitting an incomplete or incorrect form.
Can I submit the form early, or do I have to wait until I receive the notice?
You can only submit the SSA-455 if Social Security has sent it to you. You cannot fill it out on your own and send it in early. When Social Security is ready for your update report, they will send you the form and a important date. At that point, you can complete and submit it whenever you're ready, as long as you do so before the important date.