Relocation and Your Social Security Disability Insurance

The 2007 American Community Survey data estimates a person in the United States can expect to move 11.7 times in their lifetime. At age 18, a person can expect to move another 9.1 times in their remaining lifetime, but by age 45, the expected number of moves is only 2.7.

Based on these statistics it is possible that you will move to another state in your lifetime. If you do, it’s important to understand the affect on your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.

Here, we explain what you need to know about your SSDI and Social Security Income (SSI) benefits should you move to another state.

Do I have To Re-apply For Social Security Disability Insurance When I Move?

You will not have to re-apply for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits when you move to another state as these programs are overseen by the federal government and therefore your approval will carry over from one state to the next.

However, you should notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) of your address change, or any other significant change in living arrangements. A current and up to date address in SSA records will ensure you receive your social security disability insurance checks without any delay. Also, a correct address on file means you’ll receive any information SSA sends out with regard to your ongoing benefits and any requirements you may need to fulfill to maintain eligibility.

If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), it’s important SSA is aware of your move because it could affect any state supplements you receive to your SSI benefits. It could also potentially affect the way those benefits are administered because some states administer their own supplements to SSI, while the SSA administers supplements on behalf of other states.

Will My Payments Be Affected By a Move to Another State?

Social Security Disability Insurance payments are calculated based on the number of years you have worked and the average amount of annual income you received. Where you live has no affect on the amount of Social Security Disability Insurance benefits you receive, nor can your SSDI payments be taken away because you choose to move to another state.

If you collect Supplemental Security Income, you’ll need to inform the SSA about your move, who you plan to live with (if applicable), and whether or not he or she will also receive SSI benefits.

While a move to another state does not affect your Social Security Disability Insurance payments, it may affect your Social Security Income especially if you move in with someone who will help you financially or who also collects SSI benefits.

This is because Social Security income is a strictly need based program, while Social Security Disability Insurance is based upon your work and income history.

Depending on where you move from, and where you move to, your total SSI benefits could go increase or decrease. Also, keep in mind you will lose the state supplements from the state you leave.

The specifics around eligibility and the amount available vary from state to state, but generally, if you qualify for SSI you will also qualify for any state supplements, which are available in the state to which you are moving.

If you move from a state for which the SSA administers supplemental benefits to another state for which the SSA administers supplemental benefits, your SSI should be unaffected (although the amount may change).

If you move to a state which administers its own supplemental benefits, you will need to apply for supplemental benefits in the new state. You might also have to wait for an approval period before you begin to receive them.

If you move to a state which does not offer supplemental benefits, you will not receive any supplement. The states which do not pay a supplement include:

Arizona
Mississippi
North Dakota
West Virginia

It’s important to understand how changes in your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and SSI benefits affect your income if you move. If the amount of disability benefits you and your family are eligible to receive through SSA is not enough to cover your essential living expenses you might want to consider group (offered through your employer) or individual disability benefits.

A group or individual disability benefit plan will protect your income and provide financial security to help pay bills like your mortgage, car payments, and utilities.

About Council for Disability Awareness

Council for Disability Awareness has written 478 posts in this blog.

The Council for Disability Awareness is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the American public about the risk and consequences of experiencing an income-interrupting illness or injury. The CDA engages in research, communications, and educational activities that provide information and helpful resources to wage earners, employers, financial advisors, consultants, and others who are concerned about the personal and financial impact a disability can have on wage earners and their families.