Social Security’s new Internet option allows Social Security beneficiaries to change addresses or phone numbers online without a password or Personal Identification Number. The new “Change Your Address” service can be found at www.socialsecurity.gov/coa/. Beneficiaries must answer a series of questions that, if answered correctly, will allow them access to the phone and address system. This new option cannot be used by Supplemental Security Income recipients or by representative payees. Only address and phone numbers can be changed – beneficiaries do not have access to other information. Individuals who use this option can set a date for changes to take effect. Users will see a confirmation screen at the end of the session and will receive a confirmation letter in the mail. The new service does not replace the current PIN/password system; it only provides an alternative. The PIN/password system permits additional capabilities such as checking benefit and Medicare information, and requesting or changing direct deposit. There are currently about 225,000 beneficiaries with PINs/passwords.
