What changes you have to report to Social Security
Yes, you must notify Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) when certain things in your life change. The agency uses these reports to decide whether you still meet the rules for your benefits. If you don't report a change you're required to report, your benefits can stop or you may have to repay money.
The changes that matter most are ones that affect whether you can work or how much you earn. But there are others too — changes to your address, your direct deposit account, or who manages your money on your behalf all need to be reported.
Social Security doesn't always find out about changes on its own, even if the information exists somewhere else in government. It's your responsibility to tell them.
Key Takeaways
- You must report changes to your work, income, living situation, and marital status within 10 days of the change happening.
- Work-related changes — including starting any job, earning over the monthly limit, or changes to your hours — are the most critical to report when ready.
- You can report changes by phone, mail, or in person at your local Social Security office, and you should keep a record of when you reported it.
- Failing to report a required change can result in overpayments you'll have to repay, or a suspension or termination of your benefits.
- Some changes, like a new address or phone number, don't affect your benefits but still need to be reported so Social Security can reach you.
Changes related to work and earnings
Work changes are the ones Social Security watches most carefully. You must report if you start working, change jobs, change your hours, get a raise, or stop working. This includes part-time work, self-employment, and any job where you're paid in cash.
You also need to report if your monthly earnings go over the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit. This is a dollar amount that changes each year — in 2024 it is $1,550 per month for most people receiving SSDI, and $2,590 per month if you're blind. If you earn more than this amount in a month, it can affect your benefits. Report the change within 10 days of it happening.
Even if you think your job won't affect your benefits, report it anyway. Social Security will make the decision about whether it matters — you don't have to guess.
Changes to where you live and who you live with
You must report if you move to a new address, even if you stay in the same state. You also need to report if you move out of the United States or plan to be outside the country for more than 30 days in a row.
Changes to who you live with can matter too. Report if you get married, divorced, or separated. Report if you move in with someone you're not married to and they contribute to your household expenses, or if you move out of someone else's home. These changes can affect whether Social Security counts other people's income as part of your household resources.
Report these changes within 10 days. You can do this by phone, mail, or in person at your local office.
Changes to your bank account and payment method
If you change the bank account where your SSDI payment is deposited, report it to Social Security. The same goes if you switch from direct deposit to a payment card, or if your account information changes because your bank merged with another bank.
You should also report if someone else manages your money on your behalf — for example, if you have a representative payee or a power of attorney. If that person changes, or if you no longer need someone to manage your money, tell Social Security right away.
Changes to your medical condition and treatment
You don't have to report every doctor visit or medication change. But you should report major changes — if you have surgery, start a new treatment, or your condition gets significantly better or worse, let Social Security know.
Social Security may ask you to have a medical exam (called a continuing disability review) to check whether you still meet the rules for benefits. If you're asked to attend an exam and you don't show up without a good reason, your benefits can stop. Report if you can't make the appointment so Social Security can reschedule it.
How to report changes to Social Security
You have three main ways to report: by phone, by mail, or in person. Call Social Security's main number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for people who are deaf or hard of hearing). You can also visit your local Social Security office in person — find the address on Social Security's website or by calling that same number.
If you mail a report, send it to the Social Security office that handles your case. Keep a copy of anything you send, and write down the date you sent it. If you report by phone, write down the date, time, and the name of the person you spoke with.
You have 10 days from the date the change happens to report it. If you report late, your benefits might be affected retroactively — meaning you could owe back money.
What happens if you don't report a change
If you don't report a change you were supposed to report, Social Security may overpay you — meaning you received more money than you were supposed to get. You'll have to repay that money, either as a lump sum or in monthly installments.
Your benefits can also be suspended or stopped entirely if you don't report a major change, especially one related to work or living situation. Social Security may discover the change on its own through tax records, bank information, or other sources, and when they do, they'll adjust your benefits and send you a notice explaining what happened.
If you receive an overpayment notice, you have the right to request a hearing to explain your situation. You can also ask Social Security to waive (forgive) the overpayment in some cases — for example, if you didn't know you had to report the change, or if repaying it would cause you serious hardship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to report if I get married or divorced?
Yes. Marriage and divorce both change your household situation and can affect your benefits. Report within 10 days of the date the change happens. Bring your marriage certificate or divorce decree to your local Social Security office, or mail a copy with your report.
What if I start working but earn less than the SGA limit?
You still have to report that you started working. Even though earning below the SGA limit usually doesn't stop your benefits, Social Security needs to know. Report it within 10 days so there's no confusion later about when you started.
Can I report changes online?
You can create a my Social Security account on Social Security's website to view your information and message Social Security, but you cannot report most changes through the website. Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office to report changes officially.
What if I report a change late?
Report it as soon as you realize you missed the important date. Late reporting can result in overpayments, but Social Security may reduce or waive the amount you owe if you have a good reason for the delay. Contact your local office to explain what happened.
Do I need to report if I go back to school?
Report any change in your work status or earnings. If you're attending school and not working, you don't need to report school attendance itself. But if school affects your work hours or income, report that change within 10 days.