If you receive benefits from a federal agency, it’s important to keep your contact information current. Updating your records ensures you don’t miss vital communications, payments, or eligibility checks.

Some of the main agencies you may need to notify include:

• Social Security Administration (SSA)
• Defense Finance and Accounting Services (DFAS)
• Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
• Office of Personnel Management (OPM)

Keeping each of these updated helps protect your benefits — and your family’s future.

Why Is Updating Your Information So Important?  

A new address may seem like a small detail, but failing to update your own and your loved ones’ contact information can have a significant — and sometimes negative — impact on how you receive services and benefits from agencies and other organizations you depend on.  

For example, the VA occasionally sends correspondence to verify whether a Veteran receiving VA disability compensation is still married. If you’ve moved and do not receive — and, therefore, do not respond to — such correspondence, your benefits may be affected. To check whether all relevant contact information is up to date and make any necessary changes to your VA account, log in at VA.gov or call 800-827-1000.  

Related: Who to Notify When You Move as a Military Retiree 

Report Updates as They Occur  

If you participate in the Survivor Benefit Program (SBP) like many military retirees and federal employees, you have the option to set aside a portion of your retirement pension through DFAS or the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), for your spouse to receive if you predecease them. If your spouse passes away first, or if you remarry, it’s important to notify these federal agencies, or make sure someone else does so on your behalf, so that any necessary actions can be taken to ensure your money and benefits go where you want them to. You can access your account online through DFAS myPay or OPM Services Online. 

Related: Updates Your Active-Duty Family Should Make When You PCS

Updating your information with Social Security can be done online in your SSA account. While many funeral homes and cremation services notify Social Security after a death, you should follow up with the agency yourself to apply for survivor benefits as soon as you can. 

Stay Up to Date with Armed Forces Mutual 

As an Armed Forces Mutual Member, it’s important to regularly review and update your account in the Member Center to ensure we have what we need to support your family through all of life’s changes. Not yet a Member? Get a quote or become a Subscriber to gain access to all of the premium content in our Learning Hub today.  

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I don’t notify the VA of a change?

You could miss critical correspondence or even risk a temporary suspension of benefits.

Can I update DFAS or OPM records online?

Yes. Both DFAS myPay and OPM Services Online allow you to update personal and beneficiary information.

Do I need to notify Social Security after a death?

Yes. Even though funeral homes often notify SSA, you should confirm and apply for survivor benefits promptly.

Which federal agencies should I update first?

Start with VA, DFAS, OPM, and Social Security — especially if your benefits or payments come through these organizations.