How to change parents' Social Security mailing address when POA isn't recognized by SSA?
I'm at my wits end trying to help my elderly parents with a simple Social Security issue! My dad (88) and mom (85) both need their Social Security mail sent to my address since they moved to assisted living last month. I have legal Power of Attorney for both of them, but SSA doesn't seem to recognize it! I've tried to: 1. Update their mailing address online - got weird error messages 2. Create new MySocialSecurity accounts for them - system rejected it (they might have old accounts from years ago) 3. Call the 800 number with my dad present to give verbal permission - after 45 mins waiting, he got too agitated and we had to hang up Dad has early dementia and can't handle these frustrating calls, and Mom has severe arthritis that makes it hard for her to hold a phone for long periods. Is there a specific form I can download where they could just sign to authorize me to handle this simple address change? Or any other suggestions? The assisted living facility has already had problems with missing SS documents. So aggravating!
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Cole Roush
Yes, the form you need is SSA-1 (Application for Change of Address). BUT more importantly, you should file Form SSA-1696 (Appointment of Representative) which will allow you to act on their behalf for Social Security matters without needing them present each time. Have your parents sign both forms and take them to your local SSA office in person if possible - much faster than mail. Bring your POA document too, even though SSA has their own form system.
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Jasmine Hancock
•Thank you so much! I had no idea there was a specific SSA representative form separate from my legal POA. I'll download both forms right away. Do I need to make an appointment at the local office or just show up with the signed forms?
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Scarlett Forster
omg i went thru the EXACT same thing with my mom last yr!!!! the social security ppl dont care about your regular POA, its crazy. you gotta use their special form. and the phone wait is insane right??? took me like 5 tries to finally get someone
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Jasmine Hancock
•It's absolutely crazy! I naively thought a legal Power of Attorney document would be sufficient for a simple address change. Did you end up going to the office in person or were you able to handle it by mail?
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Arnav Bengali
The SSA rules on representation are quite specific. Your durable Power of Attorney from a state court doesn't automatically transfer to authority for Social Security matters. As the previous poster correctly noted, you need Form SSA-1696 (Appointment of Representative). Beyond that, for the mailing address change specifically: 1. Complete Form SSA-1696 for each parent (they must sign) 2. Complete Form SSA-1 (Change of Address) for each parent 3. Bring original POA documents and government-issued ID for yourself 4. Bring parents' Social Security cards if available 5. Bring proof of their current residence (assisted living paperwork) You'll save significant time by visiting your local office with an appointment rather than trying to handle this by mail or phone. The address change itself is simple once your representation is established.
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Sayid Hassan
•dont forget most SS offices still require appointments! they went back to this after covid. cant just walk in like the old days
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Rachel Tao
When my dad got sick I tried for TWO MONTHS to change his address!!!! The 800 number is completely useless, either you wait forever or they disconnect you. I eventually fixed it by using Claimyr.com to get through to an actual person at SSA. They have a system that navigates the phone tree and waits on hold for you, then calls you when an agent picks up. You can see how it works in their video here: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU I was able to get the address changed in one call once I actually spoke to someone. Still had to have my dad with me to give permission, but at least we didn't have to sit on hold for an hour!
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Jasmine Hancock
•I've never heard of this service, but I'm definitely going to check it out! Those endless hold times are impossible with my dad's condition. Did they require you to fill out any forms even after getting through on the phone?
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Rachel Tao
•No forms needed over the phone - the agent just asked my dad some verification questions (SSN, DOB, address, etc.) and then he gave verbal permission for me to continue the call. That's when we did the address change. The agent did recommend I file the SSA-1696 form for future calls though.
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Derek Olson
THE SSA IS RIDICULOUS!!! I went through this EXACT nightmare last year with my uncle. The SSA DOES NOT recognize standard POA documents - which is INSANE since every other government agency and financial institution does!! They make their own rules. They are DELIBERATELY making it hard for family to help older relatives. I actually had one SSA employee tell me "we don't recognize POAs because elderly get taken advantage of" - meanwhile my uncle was missing important SS letters!!! DON'T WASTE TIME ON THE PHONE. Go to the office with the forms others mentioned. And GOOD LUCK getting an appointment - took me 3 weeks to get one!
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Danielle Mays
•While I understand your frustration, I do want to note that the SSA's stricter requirements for representation actually do help protect seniors. Financial abuse of the elderly is unfortunately very common, and many agencies are moving toward more specific authorization forms rather than general POAs. That said, they should make the process more accessible for legitimate representatives like yourself.
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Derek Olson
•I get the concern about elder abuse, I really do. But when someone has a COURT-APPOINTED legal POA that's been accepted by Medicare, the VA, and multiple financial institutions, it's absurd to make them jump through more hoops. My uncle missed THREE important notices during this mess!
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Sayid Hassan
my mom had the same issue. we just wrote a letter and both signed it. took it to the office. they fixed it right away
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Cole Roush
•This approach can work for a one-time address change, but I'd still strongly recommend filing the SSA-1696 form. Without it, the OP will face the same hurdles every time they need to assist with Social Security matters in the future.
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Danielle Mays
Let me share some important information that might help you navigate this situation more effectively: The Social Security Administration has specific rules about representation that are different from standard POA arrangements. This is actually for protection of beneficiaries, though it can certainly feel frustrating when you're trying to help family members. Here's what you should do: 1. Download and complete Form SSA-1696 (Appointment of Representative) for each parent 2. Have your parents sign these forms while they are lucid and able 3. Complete Form SSA-1 (Address Change) for each parent 4. Make an appointment at your local field office through the national number 5. Bring the completed forms, your ID, their Social Security cards if available, and your POA documents Once the SSA-1696 is processed, you'll be able to handle most routine matters without your parents being present. This authorization is specifically for Social Security matters and works alongside your general POA. If your father has documented dementia, also bring any medical documentation of this condition, as it may be relevant if the SSA needs to consider a representative payee arrangement in the future.
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Jasmine Hancock
•Thank you for such detailed guidance! This is incredibly helpful. I wasn't aware of the distinction between general POA and the SSA-specific forms. One question - if Dad has trouble understanding what he's signing due to his cognitive issues, will that be a problem? Should I bring any documentation from his doctor?
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Danielle Mays
•That's an excellent question. If your father has significant cognitive impairment that might affect his ability to understand what he's signing, you should definitely bring medical documentation. The SSA might need to consider a Representative Payee arrangement instead of the SSA-1696 in cases of significant cognitive impairment. This is a more involved process, but it's designed specifically for situations where beneficiaries can't manage their own benefits due to medical conditions. The field office can help determine which approach is appropriate based on your father's condition.
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Scarlett Forster
weird question but does anyone know if you can fax these forms??? my parents live in another state and i cant just go to their local office
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Arnav Bengali
•Yes, you can fax the forms to your local SSA office. Make sure to include a cover sheet with your contact information and your parents' information (names, SSNs, and DOBs). However, you should follow up with a phone call to ensure they received the fax, as processing can be delayed without follow-up. The SSA may still require original signatures in some cases, so be prepared to mail originals if requested.
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Jasmine Hancock
Update: I called the local office this morning and they said I need to bring my parents with me if I want to file the SSA-1696 forms!! That defeats the whole purpose since getting them there is extremely difficult. Dad can barely walk and gets confused in new environments. Is there any way around this???
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Cole Roush
•That's not correct information. Your parents don't need to appear in person if they've signed the forms. The SSA-1696 specifically exists for situations like yours. Call the main SSA number again (not the local office) and specifically ask about the procedure for filing an SSA-1696 for individuals with limited mobility. Explain your parents' conditions clearly. If necessary, ask to speak with a supervisor who might be more familiar with these special situations. If you continue to get resistance, you might want to request a home visit from SSA, which they can provide in cases of significant hardship.
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Danielle Mays
•This is unfortunately a common misunderstanding even among some SSA staff. The SSA-1696 form specifically states in its instructions: "You may file in person or by mail with any Social Security office if you have a physical or mental limitation." For your situation, I recommend: 1. Document your parents' mobility and cognitive limitations (a brief letter from their doctor is ideal) 2. Have the forms signed and notarized if possible 3. Write a cover letter explaining the situation and why they cannot appear in person 4. Submit these documents by certified mail or in person If you continue to face resistance, ask to speak with the office manager at your local SSA office, as they typically have more flexibility to accommodate special circumstances.
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