Yes, you can travel while receiving disability benefits—but there are important rules to know, especially for international travel and SSI recipients. Here's what you need to know before you go.
In this article, we'll cover:
- SSDI travel rules
- SSI travel rules
- International travel restrictions
- How to prepare for travel
- What to do while traveling
SSDI Travel Rules
Good news for SSDI recipients:
- No restrictions on domestic travel
- Can travel anywhere in the US
- Benefits continue normally
- No reporting required for domestic trips
International travel with SSDI:
- Can travel to most countries
- Benefits continue for most destinations
- Some country restrictions apply
- Longer stays may require planning
Countries with restrictions:
- Cuba
- North Korea
- Some former Soviet states
- Check SSA.gov for current list
How long can you stay abroad:
- 30+ consecutive days triggers review
- 6+ months may affect benefits
- Must remain US resident
- Report extended stays
SSI Travel Rules
SSI is more restrictive:
- Cannot be outside the US for 30+ days
- Benefits stop after 30 consecutive days abroad
- Clock starts when you leave US
- Resets when you return
What counts as "outside the US":
- Any foreign country
- US territories may have different rules
- Puerto Rico, Guam count as US
- Canada and Mexico are foreign
The 30-day rule:
- Day you leave counts as day 1
- Day you return doesn't count
- Missing one month's benefits = automatic
- Must reapply if gone 12+ months
What happens if you exceed 30 days:
- Benefits suspend
- Must return to US
- Wait 30 days in US to restore
- May need to reapply
Domestic Travel on SSI
Within the United States:
- No restrictions on traveling between states
- Benefits continue normally
- Can visit family anywhere in US
- Just don't leave the country for 30+ days
What to consider:
- Keep your mailing address current
- Make sure you can receive mail
- Consider mail forwarding
- Keep SSA contact info updated
Living situation while traveling:
- If you stay somewhere rent-free
- In-kind support rules may apply
- Extended stays could affect benefits
- Short visits usually fine
International Travel Preparation
Before you go:
- Check how long you'll be gone
- Verify destination isn't restricted
- Set up mail forwarding
- Ensure bills are paid
For SSI recipients:
- Plan to return within 30 days
- Know exactly when you're leaving/returning
- Have return ticket booked
- Don't cut it close
For SSDI recipients:
- Longer trips okay
- But notify SSA if 30+ days
- Keep proof of residency
- Maintain US address
Banking while abroad:
- Notify your bank of travel
- Know ATM fees abroad
- Have backup payment method
- Purple works internationally
What to Do While Traveling
Stay connected:
- Check bank account regularly
- Watch for SSA notices
- Monitor benefit deposits
- Keep contact info current
For extended trips:
- Have someone check your mail
- Set up online banking
- Keep SSA informed
- Document your travel dates
If something goes wrong:
- Contact SSA if benefits don't arrive
- Have SSA phone number saved
- Know how to access my Social Security
- Keep travel documentation
Medical Considerations
Medicare while traveling:
- Medicare doesn't cover care abroad
- Consider travel insurance
- Emergency coverage may be limited
- Some Medigap plans have foreign coverage
Medicaid while traveling:
- Only covers care in your state
- Limited emergency exceptions
- Travel insurance recommended
- SSI recipients usually have Medicaid
Continuing care:
- Bring enough medications
- Get prescriptions before leaving
- Know how to get emergency care
- Carry insurance cards
Returning from Travel
After international trips:
- For SSI: Need to be in US before 30th day
- Report return if you notified SSA
- Benefits should continue normally
- Check next payment arrived
If benefits stopped:
- Contact SSA immediately
- Prove you've returned
- May take a payment cycle to restart
- Request expedited processing
Keep documentation:
- Passport stamps
- Travel itinerary
- Return ticket/boarding pass
- Proof of US residency
Special Situations
Medical tourism:
- Going abroad for medical care
- Same rules apply
- SSI: Still must return within 30 days
- SSDI: Longer stays possible
Family emergencies:
- May need to travel unexpectedly
- Same rules still apply
- Document the emergency
- Contact SSA if extended stay needed
Military family:
- Living on foreign base
- Special rules may apply
- Contact SSA for guidance
- Benefits may continue
How Purple Helps
Purple works wherever you go:
- Access your account from anywhere
- See benefit deposits in real time
- No international fees on purchases
- Works abroad just like at home
- Early access before you travel
With Purple, you can travel knowing your banking goes with you.