Direct deposit has made receiving a regular check in the mail a thing of the past for many recipients of Social Security benefits. But just because the Social Security Administration doesn't need your address to send you a check, that doesn't mean that you don't need to keep them informed about where you live.
That's particularly true for people who receive SSI (Supplemental Security Income) benefits. SSI is determined in part based on where a person lives, his or her living arrangement (with others or alone), and the number of people in the residence. Also, some states make supplemental payments as part of the SSI system, which increases the amount received each month. Thus addresses must be up to date to ensure proper payment from both the state and the Social Security Administration.
With winter beginning, some people may be moving to warmer climates. While notifying the Social Security Administration of your new address may seem like a minor thing, it's very important. Notification must be made by the tenth day after the month in which the move took place. If notification isn't received on time, it could delay increases in benefits, or it could mean the recipient could be forced to pay back overpayments, including an additional penalty.
The Social Security Administration has a website for reporting changes of addresses, but it is not for use by those who receive SSI benefits. Anyone receiving SSI benefits should instead call the toll-free number 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or visit their local Social Security office to report address changes. For more information about duties to report changes to SSA, contact an experienced disability attorney.
