Everything You Need to Know Before Taking a Trip on Disability Benefits
Introduction: Can You Travel While Receiving SSI or SSDI?
If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you may be wondering:
✈️ Can I travel while receiving disability benefits?
✈️ Does leaving my state affect my SSI or SSDI payments?
✈️ Will my benefits stop if I leave the country?
The short answer:
✔ Yes, you can travel while receiving SSI or SSDI—but there are important rules to follow.
✔ SSDI has fewer travel restrictions than SSI.
✔ Long-term international travel could affect your benefits.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ Can you leave the state while on SSI or SSDI?
✅ How long can you travel outside the U.S. before benefits stop?
✅ Which countries allow you to keep SSDI payments?
✅ How to report travel to SSA (and when it’s required).
✅ How Purple helps track benefits while traveling.
Let’s get started!
Can You Leave the State While on SSI or SSDI?
✔ SSDI Recipients – No Travel Restrictions
SSDI allows you to travel freely within the U.S.—your benefits will continue no matter where you live.
You do NOT have to report domestic travel to SSA.
💡 SSDI benefits are based on your work history, so they are not affected by location changes within the U.S.
⚠️ SSI Recipients – Travel Restrictions Apply
You can leave your state without losing benefits, but you must remain in the U.S. for at least 30 days each month to stay eligible.
If you leave the U.S. for 30+ days, SSI payments will stop until you return.
💡 If you move to another state, your SSI amount may change because state supplement payments vary.
Can You Travel Outside the U.S. While on SSI or SSDI?
✔ SSDI Recipients – Limited International Travel Allowed
SSDI allows international travel, but your benefits may stop if you stay outside the U.S. for more than six months.
Some countries allow you to receive SSDI payments indefinitely, while others block U.S. benefit payments.
⚠️ SSI Recipients – International Travel is Limited
If you leave the U.S. for more than 30 days, your SSI benefits will stop.
SSI payments can restart after you return and meet eligibility requirements again.
💡 Unlike SSDI, SSI has strict travel restrictions—extended trips outside the U.S. will stop your payments.
Which Countries Allow You to Keep SSDI Payments?
✔ You can receive SSDI in most countries, but a few block Social Security payments.
You CAN Receive SSDI Payments in These Countries:
All U.S. Territories (Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, etc.)
Most European countries (United Kingdom, France, Germany, etc.)
Canada, Australia, Japan, and South Korea
You CANNOT Receive SSDI Payments in These Countries:
Cuba
North Korea
💡 Check the SSA’s Payment Abroad Tool to confirm country eligibility.
What Happens If You Stay Abroad Too Long?
✔ SSDI Recipients
If you stay outside the U.S. for 6+ months, SSDI payments may stop.
Your payments can restart once you return to the U.S.
⚠️ SSI Recipients
If you leave the U.S. for more than 30 days, SSI benefits will stop.
You must be back in the U.S. for 30 days before benefits restart.
💡 If you plan extended travel, notify SSA to avoid benefit suspension or overpayment issues.
Do You Need to Report Travel to SSA?
✔ SSDI Recipients
No need to report short trips.
Report travel only if you plan to be outside the U.S. for 6+ months.
⚠️ SSI Recipients
Report any travel outside the U.S. that lasts more than 30 days.
If you move to another state, report it since state SSI amounts vary.
How to Report Travel to SSA:
📲 Online: Log into your my Social Security account at SSA.gov
📞 By Phone: Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213
🏢 In Person: Visit your local Social Security office
💡 If you fail to report extended travel, SSA may suspend your benefits or require repayment later.
Can You Live Abroad While Receiving SSDI or SSI?
✔ SSDI recipients can live abroad in most countries while continuing to receive benefits.
⚠️ SSI recipients CANNOT live abroad and keep their benefits.
💡 If you plan to move internationally, check SSA’s rules on Receiving Benefits Outside the U.S..
How to Travel Without Losing Benefits
✔ Keep trips under 30 days if you receive SSI.
✔ If on SSDI, check whether your destination allows continued payments.
✔ Notify SSA if traveling for 6+ months (SSDI) or 30+ days (SSI).
✔ Use SSA’s Payment Abroad Tool before booking international trips.
💡 By planning ahead, you can travel while keeping your disability benefits safe.
How Purple Helps Manage Benefits While Traveling
💜 Track Your SSI & SSDI Payments – Know when your benefits arrive, even while traveling.
💜 Monitor Benefit Eligibility – Get alerts if extended travel may impact your payments.
💜 Find International Benefit Rules – Check which countries allow SSDI payments.
💜 Set Reporting Reminders – Avoid missed SSA deadlines for travel updates.
💡 With Purple, you can manage your benefits while enjoying travel freedom!
FAQs About Traveling on SSI or SSDI
Can I Leave the U.S. While on SSI?
⚠️ Yes, but if you stay abroad for more than 30 days, your SSI payments will stop.
Can I Travel While on SSDI?
✔ Yes! You can travel freely, but payments may stop if you stay outside the U.S. for 6+ months.
Which Countries Allow SSDI Payments?
✔ Most countries except Cuba and North Korea allow SSDI payments.
Do I Need to Report My Travel to SSA?
✔ SSDI: Report only if you’ll be abroad for 6+ months.
✔ SSI: Report if you’re leaving the U.S. for 30+ days.
What Happens If I Stay Abroad Too Long?
⚠️ SSI benefits stop after 30 days.
⚠️ SSDI benefits may stop after 6 months (depending on the country).
Conclusion: Yes, You Can Travel While on Disability—Here’s How to Keep Your Benefits Safe
✅ SSDI recipients can travel freely within the U.S. and some foreign countries.
✅ SSI recipients must stay in the U.S. to keep benefits.
✅ Extended travel abroad (30+ days for SSI, 6+ months for SSDI) may stop payments.
✅ Check SSA’s payment rules before planning international travel.
✅ Use Purple to track your benefits while traveling!
💜 Sign Up for Purple to Manage Your Disability Benefits & Travel Plans!