How To Transfer Disability Benefits to Another State?

Many people face the possibility of moving and relocating to another state at some point or another. There can be any number of reasons for this – jobs, health-related reasons, family matters, or simply for a change of scenery, to name a few. Whatever the reason, many people don’t stay in one place for their entire lives.

While a move can be exciting, it can also be challenging in certain ways. There’s a lot to do to prepare for a move – especially if you’re disabled. If you have a disability for which you receive benefits, you may wonder how a move will affect those benefits – and that’s completely understandable. After all, for many disabled individuals, Social Security benefits are an important source of financial stability and security. That’s why understanding if and how to transfer benefits to another state is essential.

Is it Necessary to Notify the Social Security Administration of a Move?

Social Security is overseen by the federal government, which fortunately means that approval for benefits will automatically transfer from one state to the next. While this is generally true, it is still important to notify the Social Security Administration of a move. There are several reasons for this, including:

• If you receive your disability benefit checks through the mail, you will want to ensure that the SSA is aware of your new address to avoid a delay in the arrival of your check or having your check arrive at your old address.
• For those who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a move may affect your eligibility for any state supplements to SSI, as well as the way those benefits are administered. Some states administer their own SSI supplements, while the SSA administers supplements on behalf of other states. Some states only pay a state supplement to those who live in a nursing home or other medical facility. Other states do not have a supplemental state amount at all. Still other states pay supplemental state amounts to all recipients. Consulting with an attorney regarding the state in which you live will be essential to ensure that you seek all benefits for which you might qualify.
• Ensuring that you receive any pertinent information regarding ongoing benefits. From time to time, the SSA will reevaluate claims to ensure that recipients continue to qualify for the benefits that they receive. You will want to be informed as promptly as possible of any communication regarding ongoing eligibility.

If you receive SSDI benefits and decide to move to another state, your move will not affect your eligibility for those benefits. You will not have to reapply for benefits in your new state – although you will need to notify the Social Security Administration of your move, regardless of whether you receive SSDI benefits, SSI benefits, or a combination of both.

How to Notify the Social Security Administration of a Relocation?

As a condition of receiving benefits from the Social Security Administration, recipients have a duty to notify the SSA of certain life changes, including a move. Contacting the SSA before your move will ensure that you continue to receive regular payments without interruption at your new address. Changing your address is relatively simple and can be done:

• Online: The quickest and easiest way to notify the SSA of a move is online at www.ssa.gov by updating your address in your profile.
• By Phone: You can contact the SSA at (800)772-1213 and speak to a representative who can record your change of address.
• In Person: You may also choose to go to a local Social Security office in person and report your change of address there.

Regardless of how you notify the SSA, you must do so within ten days of your move to ensure that your benefits continue to be paid without interruption.

While notifying the SSA of a move is important, it’s not the only step you should take after a relocation. You should also consider consulting an attorney who knows and understands Social Security law, and your relocation may affect your benefits. At Keener Law, we’re here for you.

Contact Keener Law Today

At Keener Law, we have a dedicated team of disability benefits attorneys who know and understand every aspect of the law that will apply to your claim. We understand how stressful and complicated legal matters can seem – and that’s the last thing you need to deal with when you’re already struggling with a disability. Instead, you can leave those matters to us, knowing that when you do, your case is in good hands. We’ll fight for you each step of the way as you pursue the benefits you need and deserve, and we’ll always pursue the best legal strategies on your behalf. Give us a call today. We look forward to helping you soon.