Moving While on Disability Benefits

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1. Disability Benefits: What Happens If I Move to a Different State or Country?

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

November 11, 2024

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

Disability Benefits: What Happens If I Move to a Different State or Country?

When you receive Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, you might wonder how moving to a different state or even a different country will impact your eligibility or the amount you receive. While the process of receiving benefits can feel complex, understanding the rules around relocation is important for anyone who is considering a move. Whether you are moving for personal, financial or health reasons, it is important to be aware of how a move could affect your Social Security Disability benefits.

Moving to a Different State

If you are moving to a different state within the United States, your eligibility for SSD benefits should not be affected. Social Security Disability benefits are federal programs, meaning the rules are the same no matter where you live in the U.S. However, there are a few things you need to consider when moving:

1. Notify the Social Security Administration (SSA): It is important to inform the SSA of your new address. This ensures that any correspondence, including benefit updates, payment changes or other important communications, reach you without delay. You can update your address by visiting your local SSA office, calling the SSA’s toll-free number or using your online my Social Security account.
2. Local Office Coordination: Moving to a different state means you may need to interact with a new local SSA office. While the benefits will continue as usual, you may need to visit the new office if you have any questions, need to submit documentation or require in-person assistance.
3. State Programs and Benefits: Some states offer additional programs to help individuals on disability, such as Medicaid, supplemental benefits or vocational rehabilitation. Moving to a new state could impact your access to these programs. Be sure to research any state-specific resources and benefits that might be available in your new location.

Moving to a Different Country

Relocating to a different country can complicate your SSD benefits, but it is not necessarily an automatic disqualification. The SSA has specific rules about receiving benefits while living abroad, and these rules depend on factors like your citizenship, the country you move to and how long you have been living outside the U.S. Here are a few key things to know:

1. Citizenship and Country of Residence: If you are a U.S. citizen, you can continue to receive your SSD benefits while living abroad, but only in certain countries. Some countries have agreements with the U.S. that allow individuals to receive Social Security benefits while living there. If you are not a U.S. citizen, there may be additional restrictions based on your immigration status and the country in which you reside. 
2. SSI Beneficiaries: It is important to note, SSI beneficiaries cannot receive benefits while living out of the country. You are no longer eligible for SSI if you are outside the U.S. for a full calendar month or 30 consecutive days or longer. 
3. Restricted Countries: There are certain countries where the U.S. government restricts the payment of SSD benefits. If you plan to move to a country on the restricted list, you may lose your eligibility for benefits. It is important to check whether the country you are moving to is on this list before making the move.
4. How Payments Are Made: If you are eligible to receive benefits while living abroad, your payments will typically be made by direct deposit. If you live in a country where direct deposit is not an option, the SSA will work with you to find an alternative payment method, such as sending checks by mail. Be prepared for potential delays if you move to a country with limited postal services or banking infrastructure.
5. Reporting Requirements: Even if you move abroad, you are still required to report changes to the SSA, such as changes in your medical condition, address or living situation. Failing to do so could result in a loss of benefits or complications with your case.

Moving to a different state within the U.S. typically will not affect your Social Security Disability benefits, but it is important to notify the SSA of your new address and consider any state-specific benefits that may be available. Remember, moving abroad requires careful planning.  Before making a move, it is important to contact the SSA to discuss your options so that you understand how the move will affect your benefits.