If you are receiving Social Security benefits, whether it is disability benefits, retirement benefits or survivor’s benefits, beneficiaries need to be aware that certain life factors that change must be reported to Social Security. Anyone who is working and experiences a change of work related earnings needs to inform Social Security of these changes. Other things that could impact benefits are address changes not reported to Social Security, a change in marital status and other sources of income that are not reported to Social Security. These changes can impact eligibility for Social Security’s programs so it is important to know what you need to report to Social Security. Below is information from Social Security to protect against a delay in receiving your benefits or having your benefits cutoff.
If your estimated earnings change
If you’re working, we usually ask you to estimate your earnings for the year. If later you realize your earnings will be higher or lower than you estimated, let us know as soon as possible so we can adjust your benefits. See the section titled, “Working and getting Social Security at the same time” for help in making accurate estimates.
If you move
When you plan to move, tell us your new address and phone number as soon as you know them. Even if you receive your benefits by direct deposit, Social Security must have your correct address so we can send letters and other important information to you.
We’ll stop your benefits if we can’t contact you. You can change your address or telephone number with your personal my Social Security account. Or you can call 1-800-772-1213 and use our automated system. If any family members who are getting benefits are moving with you, please tell us their names. Be sure you also file a change of address with your post office.
If you change direct deposit accounts
If you change financial institutions, or open a new account, you can change your direct deposit online if you have a my Social Security account. Or, we can change your direct deposit information over the telephone after we confirm your identity. Have your new and old bank account numbers handy when you call us. These numbers are printed on your personal checks or account statements. This information takes about 30-60 days to change. Don’t close your old account until after you make sure your Social Security benefits are being deposited into the new account.
If a person isn’t able to manage funds
Sometimes a person can’t manage their own money. If this happens, someone should let us know. We can arrange to send benefits to a relative, other person, or organization that agrees to use the money for the wellbeing of the person getting benefits. We call this person or organization a “representative payee.”
If you get a pension from non-covered work
You should tell us if you start receiving a retirement or disability pension from a job for which you did not pay Social Security taxes — for example, from the federal Civil Service Retirement System or some state or local pension systems. Your Social Security benefits may need to be recalculated, and they may be reduced. Also, tell us if the amount of your pension changes.
If you get married or divorced
If you get married or divorced, your Social Security benefits may be affected, depending on the kind of benefits you receive. If we stop your benefits because of marriage or remarriage, we may start them again if the marriage ends.
