One address
After a move, the same address needs to show up at Social Security, Medicaid, the lease, the state ID, the doctor and pharmacy, the bank, and the post office. A mismatch is how a notice, a prescription, or an SSI living-arrangement decision goes to the wrong place.
Social Security
Change the address in my Social Security, or call the local office and use the number on the last letter. For SSI, also say who your loved one lives with now and whether they pay a fair share of shelter. A move can change the payment.
Medicaid
If you live in Illinois, update the mailing address in ABE Manage My Case, or call the IDHS helpline at 1-800-843-6154. HFS says to report an address or phone change while an application is open, so a request for papers does not go to the old home. If you live in Wisconsin, update the address in ACCESS or the MyACCESS app, or call the local income maintenance agency.
The lease
If your loved one moved in with family, or to a new unit, write the new address on the lease agreement or sign a new one. The address on the lease should match the address you give Social Security and Medicaid.
The state ID
If you live in Illinois, update the address on the driver license or state ID with the Illinois Secretary of State. If you live in Wisconsin, update it through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation online services. The photo ID should match the lease and the benefit letters.
Illinois Secretary of State · Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Doctor and pharmacy
Tell each doctor and the pharmacy the new address before the next appointment or refill, so mail and prescriptions are not sent to the old home.
Banks
Tell each bank the new address so statements show the same home you report to Social Security. SSI looks at accounts in your loved one's name.
The post office
File a change of address with the U.S. Postal Service so mail is forwarded while the agencies catch up. Forwarding does not replace telling Social Security or Medicaid yourself.
Voter registration
Voter registration dates are not Medicaid deadlines, and they are not Social Security deadlines. Each state page lists the dates for November 3, 2026.
Inaya Health does not provide crisis support, legal advice, or a benefits determination. This is general information for families.
Sources
- my Social Security
- Social Security, living arrangements
- Illinois HFS, report an address change after you apply
- ABE, Application for Benefits Eligibility
- ACCESS, Wisconsin benefits portal
- Wisconsin Department of Transportation, online services
- U.S. Postal Service, change of address
Last reviewed October 12, 2026