A Social Security Change in Information form allows you to update your personal information with the Social Security Administration (SSA). Suppose 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. In that case, you can update your information using this form.
What is a Social Security Change in Information Form?
A Social Security Change in Information letter helps you inform the Social Security Administration of any changes that may affect your benefits, including:
- Change of address and telephone number
- Change in marital status
- Name change
- Change in income, earnings, or other government benefits
- Birth or adoption of a child
- Change of child custody
- Incarceration of beneficiary
- Departure from the United States
- Death of beneficiary
- Change in direct deposit accounts
- Beneficiary unable to manage funds
How To Write a Social Security Change in Information Form
Step 1 – Identify The Party Requesting a Change
You must first provide information about the sender. This is the person who is preparing the letter. Include their full name and contact information, such as their address.
Step 2 – Provide Beneficiary Information
The beneficiary is the person whose information regarding their Social Security statement is being requested. Write down their full name and social security number.
Step 3 – Provide Recipient Information
Include the name and address of the local Social Security office that will receive this letter.
Step 4 – State The Type of Change
You can select from the following options:
- Change of address and telephone number
- Change in marital status
- Name change
- Change in income, earnings, or other government benefits
- Birth or adoption of a child
- Change of child custody
- Incarceration of beneficiary
- Departure from the United States
- Death of beneficiary
- Change in direct deposit accounts
- Beneficiary unable to manage funds
Where possible, provide as much detail as you can. Include any required documents, depending on your change:
-
Name change: Attach documents showing your prior name and your new name and 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 a 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.
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:
- U.S. driver’s license
- State-issued identification card
- U.S. passport
If you cannot provide one of the above documents or obtain a copy within ten days, SSA will accept any of the following:
- Health insurance card other than your Medicare card
- U.S. Military I.D. card
- Employee I.D. card
- School I.D. card
What Should Be Included in a Social Security Change in Information Form?
To complete a Social Security Change in Information letter, you need to include the following information:
Sample Social Security Change in Information Form
Below is a sample of a Social Security Change in Information letter.
Social Security Change in Information
Social Security Change in Information Frequently Asked 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?