Yes, you can use your disability benefits for travel. But depending on which program you receive, there are rules to know—especially for international travel.
In this article, we'll cover:
- Using SSI for travel expenses
- Using SSDI for travel expenses
- ABLE account funds for travel
- International travel rules
- Tips for traveling on benefits
1. Using SSI for Travel Expenses
Your SSI benefits are yours to use for living expenses, which can include travel.
Allowed uses:
- Transportation for medical appointments
- Travel to visit family
- Vacation expenses
- Gas, bus fare, or plane tickets
Things to remember:
- Travel doesn't affect your benefit amount
- But watch your bank balance while traveling
- Keep receipts if you spend large amounts
- The $2,000 resource limit still applies
International travel restriction:
- SSI stops after 30 consecutive days outside the US
- Benefits resume the month after you return
2. Using SSDI for Travel Expenses
SSDI has no restrictions on how you spend your benefits domestically.
You can use SSDI for:
- Any travel within the US
- Vacations
- Visiting family
- Transportation costs
- Whatever you need
International travel rules:
- More flexible than SSI
- Benefits continue for up to 6 months abroad
- Some country restrictions apply
3. ABLE Account Funds for Travel
ABLE accounts can cover transportation and travel expenses:
Qualified disability expenses for travel include:
- Transportation costs (including planes, trains, buses)
- Accessible transportation
- Travel for medical care
- Travel for education or job training
- Modifications to vehicles
Using ABLE for vacations:
- Technically allowed if connected to disability needs
- Keep records of purpose
- When in doubt, keep documentation
Important: ABLE funds should be used for "qualified disability expenses." General vacation spending is a gray area—use your regular funds when possible.
4. International Travel Rules
The rules differ significantly between programs:
SSI International Travel:
- Benefits stop after 30 consecutive days outside the US
- US territories (Puerto Rico, Guam, etc.) count as outside the US
- Benefits restart the month after you return
SSDI International Travel:
- Benefits continue for up to 6 months
- Some countries are restricted (Cuba, North Korea, etc.)
- After 6 months, you must return for at least 30 days
Reporting requirements:
- Notify SSA before extended international travel
- Report when you leave and return
- Keep proof of your travel dates
5. Tips for Traveling on Benefits
Before you go:
- Check your balance if on SSI
- Know the rules for your program
- Notify SSA if traveling internationally for an extended period
- Set up mobile banking access
While traveling:
- Monitor your account
- Keep receipts for large expenses
- Be aware of when you left and when you'll return (for international)
- Have emergency contact info for SSA
Plan for the first of the month:
- If on SSI, make sure your balance is under $2,000 on the 1st
- Don't let travel expenses cause you to exceed limits
Use the right payment methods:
- Your debit card works in most places
- Notify your bank of travel plans
- Have a backup payment method
How Purple Helps
Purple makes it easy to manage your benefits while traveling:
- Mobile app access from anywhere
- Balance tracking for SSI limits
- Transaction notifications
- Easy to monitor your account remotely