A Social Security Change in Information form allows you to update your personal information with the Social Security Administration (SSA). If you’ve recently changed your name or address, gotten married or divorced, or experienced another change in status like a new bank account for direct deposit, you can update your information using this form.
How To Write a Social Security Change in Information Form
To start, you’ll need to either draft a letter detailing your requested change or download our free Social Security Change in Information form. Once you have the form, complete the following steps:
- Find out the location of your local Social Security office. You can use the Social Security Office Locator to help you find the closest branch. Then add their address to the form.
- Clearly state changes to your personal information. Provide as much detail as you can. Include any required documents, depending on your change:
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Name change: Attach documents showing your prior name and your new name, along with an Application for Social Security Card. Acceptable documents to prove your prior name include:
- Marriage Certificate
- Court Order for Name Change
- Divorce Decree
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Birth or adoption of your child: Attach a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate.
- Death of a Social Security beneficiary: Attach a certified copy of the death certificate.
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Name change: Attach documents showing your prior name and your new name, along with an Application for Social Security Card. Acceptable documents to prove your prior name include:
- Filing for someone else: If you’re filling out a Social Security Change in Information form for another person, you must prove your identity and relationship to that person. Acceptable documents to verify your identity include:
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- U.S. driver’s license
- State-issued identification card
- U.S. passport
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If you cannot provide one of the above documents or obtain a copy within 10 days, SSA will accept any of the following:
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- Health insurance card other than your Medicare card
- U.S. Military I.D. card
- Employee I.D. card
- School I.D. card
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- Sign the letter
- Make a copy. Keep a copy of the completed letter and any attachments for your records.
- Mail the letter and supporting documentation. Send form and documents to your local Social Security office.
What To Include in a Social Security Change in Information Form
To complete a Social Security Change in Information letter, you need to include the following information:
- The address of your local Social Security office
- The current date
- Your full legal name and social security number
- A description of the changes you are requesting
- Your signature
Sample Social Security Change in Information Form
Below is a sample of a Social Security Change in Information letter.
FAQs/Related Questions
Yes, you must notify Social Security of changes in your information. It is essential to keep the SSA updated so that they know how to contact you and where to send any Social Security retirement, disability, survivor, or Medicare benefits you may be receiving. Also, if you have legally changed your name through a divorce, court order, or for some other reason, you must notify Social Security to receive an updated Social Security card. Failure to do so could stop your benefits from being sent to you, prevent your wages from being assigned to your earnings record, or delay the processing of future income tax refunds.Do I have to notify Social Security of changes in my information?
There are several ways you can report changes to Social Security. You can call Social Security directly at 1-800-772-1213 or go online to your my Social Security Account and update your information. You can also download and complete our Social Security Change in Information form and mail it to your local Social Security office.How do I report changes to Social Security?