Moving can affect your SSI benefits in several ways. Here's what you need to know to keep your benefits safe when you relocate.
In this article, we'll cover:
- Reporting your move
- How state supplements change
- Living situation changes
- Moving to or from certain places
1. Reporting Your Move
What to report:
- New address
- New living situation
- Any changes in household
- Changes in housing costs
When to report:
- Before or immediately after moving
- Don't wait
- Report within 10 days
- Update all contact information
How to report:
- Call SSA: 1-800-772-1213
- Visit local Social Security office
- Online through my Social Security (some changes)
- In writing if needed
Why it matters:
- Payments go to correct address
- Benefit amount calculated correctly
- Avoid overpayments or underpayments
- Stay in compliance
Important: SSA needs your current address to send notices. Missing notices can cause serious problems.
2. How State Supplements Change
State supplement basics:
- Many states add to federal SSI
- Amounts vary by state
- Some states have none
- Moving between states changes this
When you move states:
- Federal SSI continues
- State supplement may change
- Could be higher or lower
- Calculate before moving if possible
High-supplement states:
- California
- Massachusetts
- New York
- Some others
No or low supplement states:
- Several states have minimal or no supplement
- Check destination state
- Plan for changes
Transition period:
- May take a month to adjust
- Old state stops supplement
- New state begins (if applicable)
- Plan for possible gaps
3. Living Situation Changes
Who you live with matters:
- Living alone vs. with others
- Renting vs. owning
- Paying fair share vs. getting help
- All affect SSI calculation
In-Kind Support and Maintenance:
- If someone provides food or shelter
- Reduces your SSI
- Up to one-third of federal benefit + $20
- Different living situations = different impacts
Living with family:
- May count as receiving support
- Depends on whether you pay fair share
- Room and board can be valued
- Document your contributions
Living in someone else's household:
- If not paying fair share of expenses
- SSI may be reduced
- Maximum reduction is PMV
- About $342 less (2026)
Paying your own way:
- No reduction for in-kind support
- Pay your share of rent/utilities
- Keep records of payments
- Protects your full benefit
4. Moving To or From Certain Places
Moving out of the country:
- SSI stops after 30 days outside U.S.
- Can't receive SSI while abroad
- Different from SSDI rules
- Plan trips carefully
Moving to a different U.S. territory:
- SSI available in 50 states, DC, Northern Mariana Islands
- NOT available in Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa
- Moving there ends SSI
- Important consideration
Moving into an institution:
- Nursing homes, hospitals, jails
- SSI changes dramatically
- May be reduced to $30/month
- Or suspended entirely
Moving out of an institution:
- SSI can restart
- May need to reapply
- Report the change
- Get help if needed
Planning Your Move
Before you move:
- Research new state's supplement
- Calculate potential benefit change
- Consider cost of living
- Plan for transition
Budget for changes:
- First month may be confusing
- Payments may be delayed in transition
- State supplement may lag
- Have backup plan
Keep documentation:
- Lease or rental agreement
- Utility bills in your name
- Proof of living situation
- Receipts for expenses
Checklist for Moving
- ☐ Notify SSA of address change
- ☐ Update direct deposit if changing banks
- ☐ Report new living situation
- ☐ Understand state supplement changes
- ☐ Keep proof of housing expenses
- ☐ Update with other benefit programs (SNAP, Medicaid)
How Purple Helps
Purple makes moving easier:
- Your banking goes with you
- Update address in app
- Direct deposit continues
- Track benefits through transition
- No local branch required