TRAVELING AND RECEIVING SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME

It is important for beneficiaries who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to know that there are some rules that they should be aware of in regards to traveling. Per the Social Security Administration (SSA), there is a calendar month requirement that specifies that “an individual is ineligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for any month during all of which he or she is outside the United States.”

In addition, there is a 30-day requirement that states that “an individual who was outside the United States for 30 consecutive days is not considered in the United States until he or she is in the United States for 30 consecutive days.” However, there are some exceptions which can be reviewed on their website.

If you know that you will be traveling for a great length of time, outside the United States, it is extremely important to notify your local  Social Security Administration (SSA) office of what date you are planning to leave and return. By doing so, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will be able to inform you if you your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit may be in jeopardy or negatively impacted.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has provided an online tool for beneficiaries to use to see if their benefits can be continued without any adverse effect from traveling or being outside the United States. Also, the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers detailed examples/scenarios to refer to in regards to ineligibility due to absence from the United States.

Sources/Resources: 
SI 00501.410 Ineligibility Due to Absence from the United States/Developing Presence
http://blog.ssa.gov/social-security-benefits-u-s-citizens-outside-the-united-states/#more-1588
https://www.ssa.gov/international/payments_outsideUS.html
https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp