Reporting changes correctly protects your benefits from overpayments and penalties. Here's exactly how to report income and other changes to SSA.
In this article, we'll cover:
- What you must report
- How to report changes
- SSI vs SSDI reporting
- Avoiding overpayments
1. What You Must Report
Income changes:
- Starting or stopping work
- Change in wages
- Self-employment income
- Any new income source
Living situation:
- Moving to new address
- Change in household members
- Who pays for housing
- Living arrangement changes
Resource changes (SSI):
- Bank account changes
- Receiving inheritance
- Selling property
- Gifts over $20
Other changes:
- Marriage or divorce
- Change in disability
- Entering/leaving institution
- Travel outside US
Important: Report changes within 10 days of the month they occur. Late reporting often causes overpayments.
2. How to Report Changes
Online reporting:
- My Social Security account
- Wage reporting portal
- Change of address
- Direct deposit updates
Phone reporting:
- SSA: 1-800-772-1213
- TTY: 1-800-325-0778
- Document your call
- Get confirmation number
In person:
- Local Social Security office
- Bring documentation
- Get receipt
- Follow up in writing
Mail:
- Write to your local office
- Keep copy of letter
- Send certified mail
- Track delivery
Mobile reporting (SSI):
- SSI Telephone Wage Reporting
- 1-800-772-1213
- Option for monthly wages
- Quick and documented
3. SSI vs SSDI Reporting
SSI reporting:
- Monthly income reporting required
- Every dollar matters
- Resources checked monthly
- More frequent reporting
SSDI reporting:
- Report when you start work
- Report significant changes
- Report SGA-level earnings
- Less frequent than SSI
Key differences:
| Change | SSI | SSDI | |--------|-----|------| | Wages | Monthly | When starting/changing | | Address | 10 days | 10 days | | Marriage | 10 days | 10 days | | Resources | 10 days | N/A |
Concurrent benefits:
- If you get both, report for both
- Different rules apply
- Be thorough
- When in doubt, report
4. Avoiding Overpayments
Overpayments happen when:
- Income not reported timely
- Changes not reported
- SSA calculates wrong (rare)
- Delayed processing
Prevention strategies:
- Report immediately
- Keep documentation
- Follow up on reports
- Review your notices
If you get overpaid:
- Don't panic
- Request explanation
- Appeal if wrong
- Set up payment plan if needed
- Request waiver if appropriate
Waiver requests:
- "Not your fault" AND
- "Against equity and good conscience"
- File Form SSA-632
- Explain your situation
Reporting Tips
Document everything:
- Keep copies of reports
- Save confirmation numbers
- Note dates and times
- Keep pay stubs
Be proactive:
- Don't wait until asked
- Report before month ends
- Estimate if exact unknown
- Correct later if needed
Follow up:
- Check that changes processed
- Review benefit notices
- Report errors quickly
- Keep records
Get help if needed:
- SSA representatives
- Benefits counselors
- Disability advocates
- Legal aid
How Purple Helps
Purple makes reporting easier:
- Track income clearly
- See spending and deposits
- Monitor your balance
- Organized records
- Easy documentation