In most cases, moving from state to state does not interrupt your Social Security Disability benefits. Social Security Disability Insurance and SSI are both federal programs, and your eligibility is not significantly affected by your state of residence. You may, of course, have to apply for state supplemental benefits in your new state of residence and you will be discontinued from supplemental benefits from your old state of residence.
If you are going to move, whether you are moving to another state or across the street, you should notify the Social Security Administration of your new address and phone number as soon as you have the information. The sooner you inform the SSA about your change of address, the less likely you are to have problems getting your Social Security Disability benefits checks forwarded to your new address.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) 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 bearing on the amount of Social Security Disability payments you receive, nor can your SSDI payments be taken away because you choose to move to another state.
If you are collecting Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you will need to report to the Social Security Administration (SSA) not only where you are moving to, but also who you will be living with (if anyone), and whether or not they also receive SSI benefits. While Social Security Disability Insurance payments are not generally affected by moving from one place to another, SSI may be, especially if you are moving in with someone who will help you financially or who also collects SSI benefits. This is because SSI, even if it is awarded because of a disability, is determined based upon your financial need, while Social Security Disability Insurance is based upon your work and income history.
You can notify the Social Security Administration of your new address either in person or through their website. As long as you have given the SSA ample notification of your change of address, you should have no problem receiving your Social Security Disability payments in a timely manner.
If you are receiving SSI, you will want to check with the Social Security Administration regarding any state supplements you may be entitled to in your new state. You will also want to keep in mind that you will be losing the state supplements from the state you are leaving. The particulars concerning the eligibility and the amount available vary from state to state, but generally speaking, if you qualify for SSI you will also qualify for any state supplements, which are available in the state to which you are moving.
