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.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Updating Your Information
Keeping your contact and beneficiary information up to date with federal agencies helps ensure you continue receiving benefits without interruption. These FAQs address common concerns about when, where, and why updates are required — especially after life changes like moving, marriage, or the loss of a loved one.
What happens if I don’t notify the VA of a change?
You could miss important correspondence or verification requests. In some cases, failing to respond may result in delayed payments or a temporary suspension of benefits until your information is confirmed.
Can I update DFAS or OPM records online?
Yes. Both DFAS myPay and OPM Services Online allow you to update personal details, direct deposit information, and beneficiary elections securely online.
Do I need to notify Social Security after a death?
Yes. While funeral homes often notify the Social Security Administration, you should follow up directly to confirm the report and apply for survivor benefits as soon as possible.
Which federal agencies should I update first?
Start with the agencies responsible for your benefits and payments — including the Department of Veterans Affairs, Defense Finance and Accounting Services, Office of Personnel Management, and Social Security Administration.
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