Wondering if you can take a trip while receiving disability benefits? The rules are different for SSI and SSDI. Here's what you need to know.
In this article, we'll cover:
- SSDI travel rules
- SSI travel rules
- International travel
- Tips for traveling on benefits
1. SSDI Travel Rules
The good news:
- SSDI has much more flexible travel rules
- Can travel within the U.S. freely
- Can travel internationally (with some limits)
- Benefits continue while traveling
Domestic travel:
- No restrictions
- Travel as much as you want
- Benefits continue
- No reporting required
International travel:
- Generally okay for short trips
- Must be back in U.S. at least 1 day in 30 days
- Some country restrictions
- Benefits continue while traveling
When SSDI might stop:
- Extended stays in certain countries
- Cuba, North Korea (U.S. restrictions)
- If you move permanently abroad
- Different rules for different situations
2. SSI Travel Rules
More restrictive:
- Can travel within the U.S.
- International travel has strict limits
- 30-day rule is critical
- Must plan carefully
Domestic travel:
- Can travel freely within U.S.
- Benefits continue
- Keep same address for payments
- No special reporting for short trips
The 30-day rule:
- If outside U.S. for full 30 days, SSI stops
- One day outside = no problem
- 29 days = okay
- 30+ consecutive days = benefits suspended
Full calendar month:
- Must be back in U.S. before 30th day
- Even briefly
- Then can leave again
- Plan around this
Important: SSI is fundamentally different from SSDI for travel. One day makes the difference.
3. International Travel
SSDI international rules:
- Most countries: Can receive benefits
- Some excluded countries
- Report extended stays
- Keep SSA informed of address
SSI international rules:
- Must return within 30 days
- Cannot receive SSI abroad long-term
- Benefits stop if you exceed 30 days
- Can restart when you return (if still eligible)
Countries where you can't receive SSDI:
- Cuba
- North Korea
- Some former Soviet states (with exceptions)
- Check SSA list before travel
Restarting SSI after travel:
- Must be back in U.S.
- Report your return
- Benefits restart if eligible
- May take time to process
4. Tips for Traveling on Benefits
Before you go:
- Know the rules for your program
- Plan trip length carefully (SSI)
- Inform someone at home
- Have access to banking
For SSI recipients:
- Count your days carefully
- Return before day 30
- Keep proof of travel dates
- Report if you go over 30 days
Direct deposit:
- Benefits deposited while traveling
- Access money anywhere
- Avoid mail delays
- Essential for travelers
Healthcare:
- Medicare may have limited coverage abroad
- Medicaid typically doesn't cover international
- Consider travel insurance
- Plan for medical needs
Managing resources (SSI):
- Still must meet resource limits
- Balance checked on the 1st
- Even while traveling
- Plan ahead
Cruises and Trips
Cruises:
- SSI: Watch for 30-day rule if in international waters
- Days at sea may count as out of U.S.
- Check itinerary carefully
- SSDI: Generally no issue
Extended vacations:
- SSI: Break up with brief U.S. returns
- SSDI: More flexibility
- Plan around your program's rules
- Document your dates
What to Report
Generally don't need to report:
- Short domestic trips
- Brief vacations
Should report:
- Extended international travel (SSDI)
- Any trip over 30 days (SSI)
- Moving abroad
- Change of address
How Purple Helps
Purple makes travel easier:
- Access your money anywhere
- Mobile app works on the go
- Direct deposit continues
- No local bank needed
- Track your finances while traveling