Changing your phone number? The crucial step you need to take to avoid losing your Social Security account

Believe it or not, something as simple as buying a new cell phone can cause a lot of problems with your Social Security account. It’s important to make sure that your contact information (mailing address, phone number and email) is fully up to date so that the Social Security agency can communicate with you about your benefits.

Making any changes to your SSA account isn’t simple - for obvious reasons. Authentication is required to stop other people hacking your account.

An email address can easily be updated at any time but that’s not the case with changes to your mailing address and phone number - either landline or cell phone. These can only be changed if you are already receiving benefits. Even then there are certain steps to take to make sure you don’t accidentally lose your SSA account.

Log into your SSA account to make updates before you change your phone number

There have been many cases of people changing their phone number then finding out that they can’t reset their account. This is because a text verification code will be sent to your phone - if you have selected your daytime phone number as one of the two-step verification options.

To avoid this, log into your account with your old phone number before you update any contact details - or alternatively set up a brand new account with your new contact information.

From June 7, 2025, Login.gov and ID.me are now the only sign in options to use Social Security’s online services. The option to sign in using a Social Security username and password is no longer available.

Help updating your Social Security contact information

If you don’t feel confident about changing or resetting your account details yourself, you can get help to do it by arranging an appointment. If you live outside of the U.S. (including U.S. territories or commonwealths), you will need to contact a Federal Benefits Unit to request an appointment.

Another solution is to call the helpline: +1 800-772-1213 and explain to the representative you want to update your contact information.

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