How to Change Social Security Benefits From Illinois to Iowa

Social Security is a federal program that provides cash and health benefits to people who are disabled, retired, widowed or orphaned. Since the Social Security program is a national entity, transferring your benefits form Illinois to Iowa is simply a matter of changing your address in the Social Security Administration files.You can change your address online at the SSA website if you are receiving retirement, survivors or disability benefits. However, if you are receiving Supplemental Security Income, you must call your local SSA office because there are state-provided benefits that interstate relocation affects.

Instructions

Online

1. Go to the Change Your Address page on the SSA website (see References).

2. Read the information about changing your address online. If you already have an SSA password, click the first button at the bottom of the page and type in your Social Security number and password. If you don't have a password, click the second button, and the SSA will help give you get one at the end of the address-change process.

3. Answer questions to verify your identity, such as your name, date of birth, place of birth, current Illinois address, mother's maiden name and the amount of your most-recent benefit payment. Click "Continue."

4. Enter your new Iowa address on the next page along with information on your living arrangements, such as if you will be living alone, with someone else or in an assisted-living facility. Click "Submit" to complete the address change. If you need a password, the site will give you a temporary one on the last page and mail your permanent password to your new address in Iowa.

By Phone

1. Go to the Local Office Search page on the SSA website (see Resource). Type in your current Illinois zip code in the box at the bottom of the page, and click "Locate." Write down the phone number of the regional office in your area of Illinois.

2. Call your local SSA office. Tell the representative that you are an SSI beneficiary and need to transfer your benefits to Iowa. The representative will request your name, Social Security number, date of birth, current address, your new Iowa address, your living arrangements and the date you are moving. She will update the SSA record effective on the date you move.

3. Ask the representative for information about the Iowa supplemental SSI benefits for which you qualify. These include automatic eligibility for Iowa Medicaid and; depending on your age, disability and living arrangements; $22 to $480 in additional state-funded payments each month. You will receive more detailed information about SSI benefits within 30 days of your move.

References

• Social Security Administration: Moving? Save Time -- Change Your Address Online
• Social Security Administration: Information About Changing Your Address
• Social Security Administration: How Do I Notify Social Security My Address Changed if I Receive Supplemental Security Income Benefits?
• Social Security Administration: Understanding Supplemental Security Income
• Social Security Administration: Iowa State Supplementation

Resources

• Social Security Administration: Local Office Search