When and how to report changes to SSA

You report changes to your disability information to Social Security by contacting your local field office, calling the SSA's main line, or using your online account at ssa.gov. The method you choose depends on what you're reporting and how quickly you need confirmation. Most changes—a new address, a phone number, a work attempt, a hospitalization—can be reported by phone or online. Some changes, like reporting that you've returned to work or that your medical condition has improved, may require you to submit documents or attend a medical review.

Social Security uses the information you provide to determine whether you still meet the rules for disability benefits. If you don't report changes, SSA may discover them during a work incentive review, a continuing disability review (CDR), or a routine audit—and the delay can result in overpayments you'll have to repay. Reporting changes yourself, as soon as they happen, protects you and keeps your record accurate.

Key Takeaways

  • You can update your address, phone number, and direct deposit information online through your my Social Security account without calling or visiting an office.
  • Work-related changes—starting a job, earning over the substantial gainful activity limit, or using a work incentive—must be reported to SSA and may trigger a work incentive review.
  • Medical changes, such as hospitalization, surgery, or improvement in your condition, should be reported in writing with supporting documents so SSA has a clear record.
  • Continuing disability reviews happen on a schedule set by SSA; you cannot prevent one, but reporting changes yourself can reduce the chance of an overpayment during the review.

Changes you can report online or by phone

If you have a my Social Security account, you can update your address, phone number, email address, and direct deposit information yourself without speaking to anyone. Log in, go to "My Account," and select "Change of Address" or the relevant section. Changes made online are usually recorded within one business day.

If you don't have an online account, call the SSA's main number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and speak to a representative. Have your Social Security number and a form of identification ready. You can also visit your local field office in person, though calling ahead is often faster because offices have long wait times. The SSA website has a field office locator tool at ssa.gov/locator.

Reporting work and earnings

If you start working, earn more than the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit, or use a work incentive such as a plan to achieve self-support (PASS), you must report this to SSA. The SGA limit changes each year; in 2024 it is $1,550 per month for non-blind beneficiaries and $2,590 for blind beneficiaries. If you earn above the limit, SSA may suspend your benefits or begin a work incentive review.

Report work changes to your local field office or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Have your job title, employer name, start date, and expected monthly earnings ready. If you're using a work incentive like a PASS or impairment-related work expenses (IRWE), you'll need to submit a form and supporting documents—your field office can tell you which ones. Work incentive reviews can take several months, so report early rather than waiting until you've earned a large amount.

If you're working with a benefits planning information (BPA) organization or a work incentive planning and information (WIPA) project, they can help you report work changes and understand how they affect your benefits. You can find a WIPA or BPA near you at vcu-ntdc.org.

Reporting medical changes and hospitalization

If you are hospitalized, have surgery, start a new medication, or experience a significant change in your condition, report it to SSA in writing. Send a letter to your local field office with the date of the event, the name of the hospital or doctor, and a brief description of what happened. Include copies of any discharge papers, medical records, or doctor's notes if you have them.

Medical changes don't automatically end your benefits, but SSA uses them to decide whether a continuing disability review is needed sooner than scheduled. If you report a major improvement in your condition—such as returning to full-time work without restrictions or no longer needing medication—SSA may schedule a medical review to determine whether you still meet the disability rules. Reporting this yourself, rather than letting SSA discover it, shows good faith and gives you a chance to explain your situation in writing before any decision is made.

Understanding continuing disability reviews

A continuing disability review (CDR) is a periodic check SSA conducts to confirm you still have a disabling condition and meet the rules for benefits. The frequency depends on your age, the nature of your condition, and whether your condition is expected to improve. SSA will mail you a notice telling you a CDR is scheduled and what information to submit. You cannot prevent a CDR, but you can prepare for it by gathering recent medical records and documenting any work attempts or changes in your condition.

If SSA finds during a CDR that your condition has improved and you no longer meet the disability rules, they will send you a notice of decision. You have the right to request reconsideration or appeal. If you disagree with the decision, you can file an appeal within 60 days of the notice. During the appeal process, your benefits usually continue while the case is reviewed.

What happens if you don't report changes

If you don't report changes and SSA discovers them during a review or audit, you may owe back benefits. For example, if you started working and earning above the SGA limit but didn't report it, SSA may determine you were not may have access to to benefits during that period and ask you to repay the money you received. This is called an overpayment. SSA can recover overpayments by reducing your future benefits, asking you to repay in a lump sum, or referring the debt to a collection agency.

Reporting changes promptly protects you from overpayments and keeps your case file clear and accurate. If you're unsure whether something needs to be reported, call your local field office and ask. It's always better to report and ask than to wait and risk a problem later.

Using your my Social Security account to track changes

Once you've made changes—whether online, by phone, or in person—you can check your my Social Security account to confirm they've been recorded. Log in and review your address, phone number, direct deposit information, and earnings record. Your earnings record is especially important because it shows what SSA has on file about your work history. If you see an error, contact your field office right away to correct it.

Your my Social Security account also shows your benefit payment amount, your next payment date, and any notices SSA has sent you. Check it regularly, especially if you've reported a change. If you don't have an account, you can create one at ssa.gov/myaccount. You'll need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity (such as a driver's license or passport).

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for SSA to record a change I report?

Changes made online through my Social Security usually appear within one business day. Changes reported by phone or in person may take three to five business days to be recorded in your file. If you need when ready confirmation, ask the representative to provide a reference number when you call or visit.

Do I have to report a change in my address if I move?

Yes. SSA mails notices about your benefits, continuing disability reviews, and other important information to your address on file. If you move and don't update your address, you may miss a notice and lose your right to appeal a decision. Update your address as soon as you move, either online or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

What if I start working but earn less than the SGA limit—do I still have to report it?

You should report it so SSA has an accurate record of your work activity. Even if you earn below the SGA limit, SSA may use the information during a continuing disability review to assess your condition. Reporting work also helps you take advantage of work incentives like trial work periods or impairment-related work expenses.

Can I report changes through a representative or advocate?

Yes. If you have a representative payee, an attorney, or an advocate working with you, they can report changes on your behalf. They'll need your permission and may need to provide a power of attorney or representative payee authorization. Contact your local field office to ask what documentation is required.

What if I disagree with how SSA recorded a change I reported?

Request a correction in writing. Send a letter to your local field office with your Social Security number, the change you reported, the date you reported it, and an explanation of what SSA recorded incorrectly. Include any documents that support your version—such as a pay stub, a lease, or a medical record. Keep a copy for your records.