Will I Lose My SSD Benefits if I Move to a Different State?
Social Security disability (SSD) is a federal program based on your work history and contributions to the program through payroll taxes. Your eligibility for SSD won’t change if you move from one U.S. state to another. In fact, you can often continue to collect SSD benefits while living in a foreign country. However, Medicare benefits are generally only available to those in the United States.
While earned income is considered in determining SSD eligibility, other types of income and resources are not. So, if the SSD recipient is moving to another state because they inherited a $500,000 house or because they can live rent-free with a family member, that won’t have any impact on their benefits. However, there is one way a move–whether in-state or outside the state–can hurt the benefits you’re receiving from the Social Security Administration (SSA). That’s if you neglect to inform them. You must keep the SSA up to date on your whereabouts. Fortunately, the SSA makes it easy to update your contact information.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is Different from SSD
SSD and SSI are both administered by the SSA. However, the two programs are very different. While SSD benefits are based on the work credits you earned across your career, SSI is a need-based public benefit.
Like SSD, SSI is a federal program. However, some states offer supplemental payments to elderly and disabled residents who qualify for SSI. That means that the total amount of benefits an SSI recipient gets may change if they move from one state to another. It’s also worth noting that because SSI eligibility is based on income, certain changes in living arrangements may affect eligibility. For example, if an SSI recipient moves from one state to another to move in with a family member who will provide lodging and food at no cost, that may affect the SSI calculation.
Know Your SSD Rights
Whether you’re just applying for SSD benefits, are receiving benefits, and are concerned about how a change in your circumstances may affect your eligibility or are appealing a denial of SSD benefits, the process can be complicated and confusing. An experienced disability benefits advocate can be your guide. To learn more about how the knowledgeable advocates at Disability Help Group can assist with every stage of the SSD application and appeals process, call 800-800-3332 right away or click here to get a FREE evaluation of your case.
