YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY
By DAVID BROWN

Every year millions of American families pack up their belongings and move - to another state or another town or another neighborhood in their home town. For anyone who is moving and is also receiving Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, it is important to add one more thing to the "to do" list - let Social Security know about your new address and phone number as soon as possible.

Even if you receive your benefits by direct deposit, Social Security needs to have your correct address so we can send letters and other important information to you. Your benefits could be stopped if we are unable to contact you.

You should let Social Security know about your change of address any time that you move, even if you relocate for only part of the year. For example, if you live in a different place during the summer than you do in the winter, you need to change your address each time you relocate.

Social Security beneficiaries:

If you are getting Social Security benefits, you can probably change your address at our Web site, www.socialsecurity.gov/changeaddress.html , by answering a series of questions that match our records.

You can also change your address on the Internet if you have established a permanent password. If you don't have a password, you can apply online. Or you can call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to get a password or to change your address.

To protect everyone's privacy, each person who wants to change his or her address must request it. For example, your spouse and other members of your household will each need to log on to do this. Each person decides when the change of address will take effect. You will receive a confirmation screen at the end of your report notifying you of the effective date of the change. In addition, you will receive a confirmation letter in the mail.

SSI recipients:

You cannot change your address online if you are getting Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. You also cannot change your address online if you are a representative payee (someone who handles Social Security money for another person). To change your address in these cases, you can call Social Security's toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Our representatives will be glad to take the information and make any necessary changes in our records.

So remember: if you are planning a move, be sure to let Social Security know so that your benefits aren't stopped because we are unable to contact you.

Mr. Brown is District Manager of the Social Security Administration's Downtown New York Office.