Why It's Important to Report Life Changes to Us
Did you know that certain life changes can affect your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments? Sometimes your circumstances may change after you apply for or begin to receive SSI. When that happens, it’s important for you to tell us about these changes. This will ensure that you receive the benefits to which you’re eligible.
Types of Changes to Report if You Have Applied for or Receive SSI
When you apply for or get SSI, you must tell us about certain changes. You must also tell us about changes for your spouse if you are married and living together, and parents if applying for a child. Common changes you must report to us include:
- Change in income.
- Change in resources (including bank accounts, vehicles, or property).
- Change in employment (i.e., starting, stopping, or changing jobs).
- Change in your address or persons moving in or out of the household.
- Entering or exiting a nursing home.
- Entering or exiting a correctional institution (i.e., jail or prison).
- Change in U.S. citizenship or lawful non-citizen status.
- Change in marital status.
For a complete list of SSI reporting responsibilities, please read the following publication:
How to Report Changes in Wages
You can conveniently report your wages using our:
- Free SSA Mobile Wage Reporting app for smartphones.
- my Social Security Online Wage Reporting Tool. A personal my Social Security account is an easy way to report changes. You can also access your Benefit Verification letter, which serves as proof that you’re receiving SSI. If you don’t have a personal my Social Security account, create one today.
Be sure to sign up for monthly SSI wage reporting emails or text reminders. If you prefer, you may also report changes by:
- Calling toll free at
1-800-772-1213 (TTY1-800-325-0778 ). - Visiting or writing your local Social Security Office.
Report Changes in a Timely Manner
If you do not report changes to us in a timely manner, you may be underpaid and not receive the amount due as quickly or be overpaid and have to pay us back.
The SSI program may apply a penalty that will reduce your benefits if you fail to report a change. You may also be penalized if you report the change later than 10 days after the end of the month in which the change occurred or lose SSI for not reporting the information we use to determine eligibility for payments.
Securing today and tomorrow starts with being informed. Please share this information with your friends and family—and post it on social media.