Tell Social Security about a change in your life by the 10th day of the month after it happens. Married on January 27? Report it by February 10.
The short answer
- Deadline: the 10th day of the month after the change.
- What counts: a new job, getting married, moving to a new home and similar changes. Your income, living situation and family affect the benefit you get each month.
- Not sure it matters? Tell SSA anyway.
- How: call 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. in most U.S. time zones. TTY is 1-800-325-0778.
What are the rules at a glance?
| Question | What SSA says |
|---|---|
| Deadline | By the 10th day of the month after the change happened |
| Example from SSA | Married January 27: report by February 10 |
| What counts? | Things like a new job, getting married and moving to a new home; if unsure, tell SSA anyway |
| Why it matters | Changes affect the benefit you get each month, and reporting keeps benefits on time |
| How | Call 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. in most U.S. time zones, in English, Spanish and other languages; TTY 1-800-325-0778 |
What happens if you do not report?
Overpayments generally occur when SSA doesn’t have the right information about you, according to its overpayment page. An overpayment means you may owe money back. See Social Security overpayments.
Which changes apply to you?
The changes you must report differ by benefit type: Retirement, Disability, Family, Survivor or SSI. SSA’s page lists examples under “Examples of changes you should share with us.” If your change is not listed, call SSA and ask about your own benefit type.
What to do next
- When something changes, write down the date. Count to the 10th of the next month.
- Call SSA early in the month. Phone lines run Monday through Friday.
- Avoid the common mistake of waiting to see if a change “counts.” SSA says to report anyway.
This is general information, not advice.
Questions and answers
When must I report a change?
By the 10th day of the month after it happened. A January 27 marriage means February 10.
What if I am not sure the change matters?
Tell SSA anyway. It would rather hear about a change than miss one.
How do I report a change?
Call 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. in most U.S. time zones. Service is available in English, Spanish and other languages. TTY users call 1-800-325-0778.
Which changes count?
Getting a new job, getting married and moving to a new home all count. Your income, living situation and family affect your monthly benefit.
Why does reporting matter?
Reporting keeps your benefits on time and helps avoid overpayments, which happen when SSA lacks the right information.
Sources
Facts read on 25 October 2026.
Part of the guide: Social Security, Medicare and Taxes: Guides From Official Sources
