Can I Travel or Move Abroad While on SSI or SSDI?

How going overseas affects your disability benefits

Introduction: Can You Take Your Benefits With You?

If you receive SSI or SSDI, you might be asking:

✈️ “Can I travel outside the U.S. and still get my benefits?”

🌎 “What happens if I want to move abroad permanently?”

⚖️ “Will SSA cut off my checks?”

The short answer:

✅ You can travel, but your benefits may be affected depending on how long you’re gone and which program you receive.

This post covers:

✅ Rules for SSI vs. SSDI when leaving the country

✅ Short trips vs. permanent moves

✅ How to protect your benefits

✅ How Purple helps you stay connected

1. SSI and Traveling Abroad

SSI has strict residency rules.

• You can travel outside the U.S. for up to 30 days and still receive payments.

• After 30 consecutive days abroad, your SSI benefits stop.

📌 You must be back in the U.S. for 30 consecutive days before SSI resumes.

2. SSDI and Traveling Abroad

SSDI is more flexible because it’s an insurance-based benefit.

• You can continue receiving SSDI payments while living abroad in many countries.

• However, there are some exceptions. You generally cannot receive SSDI in:

  • Cuba

  • North Korea

  • Certain other restricted countries

💡 U.S. citizens can usually receive SSDI payments in most countries, but non-citizens may face stricter rules.

3. What About Medicare and Medicaid?

• Medicare generally doesn’t cover healthcare outside the U.S., except in very limited cases (e.g., some emergencies near borders).

• Medicaid usually ends when you leave the country.

4. Reporting Your Travel or Move to SSA

📅 You must notify SSA if:

• You leave the country for 30 days or more.

• You plan to move permanently abroad.

How to report:

• Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213

• Visit your local SSA office before traveling

5. How Purple Helps You Manage Benefits Abroad

💜 Global Access

Use your Purple account anywhere Mastercard is accepted, so you can still spend and access funds easily.

💜 Smart Deposit Tracking

See SSA deposits clearly, even if you’re away.

💜 Document Storage

Keep SSA notices, travel proofs, and important documents organized and secure.

💜 Companion AI Support

Our Companion AI helps explain travel limits and what to report to SSA.

FAQs About Traveling on SSI or SSDI

⚠️ Will I lose SSDI if I leave the U.S.?

Not usually—most U.S. citizens can keep SSDI payments while living abroad, but there are exceptions.

⚠️ Will I lose SSI if I travel abroad?

Yes—if you’re outside the U.S. for 30 days or more, SSI stops.

⚠️ Can I get my Purple account deposits while abroad?

Yes—your Purple account works globally, just watch for foreign transaction fees.

⚠️ Can I use Medicaid overseas?

No—Medicaid generally ends when you leave the U.S.

Conclusion: Travel Smart to Keep Your Benefits Safe

✅ SSDI allows most overseas stays, but SSI has strict limits.

✅ Always report long trips or permanent moves to SSA.

✅ Use Purple to track deposits and access funds worldwide without surprises.

💜 Open your Purple account today and enjoy peace of mind no matter where you travel.