Changes can affect the amount or continuation of SSI. Use SSA's official reporting channels and never enter a Social Security number, bank account number, medical record, or immigration document into WhatDoIFile.
1. Identify the type of change
SSA lists changes involving a name, phone number, mailing or home address, job status, marital status, citizenship or legal status, household members, admission to or discharge from an institution, bank accounts, resources, absence from the United States, and school attendance for a person under age 22. Income and wage reporting has separate methods and timing.
2. Use the correct deadline
For changes to living arrangements, marital status, resources, and similar circumstances, SSA says to report promptly and no later than the tenth day of the month after the change. Monthly wages should generally be reported by the sixth day of the following month. Changes in self-employment and other income should generally be reported by the tenth day of the month after the change. Follow any more specific instruction in an SSA notice.
3. Contact the local Social Security office for situation changes
SSA's current reporting page directs SSI recipients to call their local office for changes to living arrangements and resources. Use the official office locator. If the change involves direct deposit, call SSA and be ready to verify the current account details through the secure official process.
4. Use the available wage-reporting method
Depending on the type of income and whether SSA has set up reporting for the record, methods can include a my Social Security account, the SSI Mobile Wage Reporting application, telephone wage reporting, or contact with the local office. A change of employer or job may require contacting the office before online wage reporting works.
5. Upload or send supporting records only when SSA requests or accepts them
SSA may allow document upload through a secure account. Other options can include fax, mail, an office drop box, or an appointment. Include a brief explanation and enough identifying information for SSA to match the document, but use only the destination and instructions provided by SSA.
6. Keep proof
Save the submission confirmation, fax report, mailing record, copy of the uploaded document, or notes from the call. Record the date, the change reported, the channel used, and any instructions from SSA.
7. Watch the next payment and notice
Reporting a change does not guarantee that the next payment will immediately reflect it. Read any notice explaining an adjustment, overpayment, suspension, or request for more information. Appeal and waiver rights depend on the notice and have their own deadlines.
Official sources
- SSA — SSI reporting responsibilities
- SSA — report changes to your situation
- SSA — report wages and other income
- SSA — SSA-8000-BK reporting responsibilities (PDF)