Planning international travel while on disability benefits? The rules for SSI and SSDI are very different—and not knowing them could cost you your income.
In this article, we'll cover:
- SSI rules for foreign travel
- SSDI rules for foreign travel
- How to report travel to SSA
- What happens if you stay too long
- Tips for traveling on benefits
1. SSI Rules for Foreign Travel
SSI has strict rules about leaving the United States:
The 30-day rule:
- You can travel outside the US for up to 30 consecutive days
- On day 31, your SSI stops
- Benefits resume the month after you return
What counts as "outside the US":
- Any country other than the US
- US territories (Puerto Rico, Guam, Virgin Islands, etc.) count as OUTSIDE the US for SSI
- Only the 50 states and DC count as "inside" the US
Important: Even one day over the 30-day limit triggers benefit suspension. SSA counts from the day you leave to the day you return.
2. SSDI Rules for Foreign Travel
SSDI has much more flexible rules:
General rule:
- You can travel abroad for up to 6 months
- Benefits continue during your trip
- Different rules apply to certain countries
Restricted countries: Benefits cannot be sent to these countries:
- Cuba
- North Korea
- Some former Soviet republics (certain situations)
6-month rule:
- After 6 consecutive months outside the US, benefits may stop
- You must return to the US for at least 30 days to restart
3. How to Report Travel to SSA
You should notify SSA about extended travel:
Before you go:
- Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213
- Update your address if staying somewhere temporarily
- Confirm how payments will be received
While abroad:
- Keep SSA informed of your location
- Respond to any mail or requests
- Track your time outside the US
When you return:
- Notify SSA immediately
- Provide proof of return if requested
- Confirm benefits have resumed
4. What Happens If You Stay Too Long
For SSI:
- Benefits stop after 30 days
- You must return to the US to resume benefits
- Benefits restart the month after you return
- You may need to reapply if absent too long
For SSDI:
- Benefits stop after 6 months (in most cases)
- Must return to US for at least 30 days
- Need to notify SSA to restart payments
For both programs:
- Unreported travel can result in overpayments
- You may owe money back to SSA
- Repeated violations can cause problems
5. Tips for Traveling on Benefits
Track your days carefully:
- Know exactly when your 30 days (SSI) or 6 months (SSDI) ends
- Don't cut it close—allow buffer time
Maintain US ties:
- Keep your US address active
- Continue receiving mail
- Return before deadlines
Have a backup plan:
- Know what happens if you can't return on time
- Keep SSA's number accessible
- Have documents to prove your travel dates
Consider travel insurance:
- Medical coverage abroad
- Trip cancellation protection
- Emergency evacuation if needed
Important: If you're on SSI and have family abroad, you cannot move there permanently and keep benefits. SSI requires you to live in the United States.
How Purple Helps
- Access your account from anywhere
- Track deposits while abroad
- Monitor your balance remotely
- Get notifications about your benefits