SSDI and SSI Travel Restrictions: Where Can You Go? (2025 Update)

If you receive Social Security disability benefits, you might wonder if you can travel or live abroad. The short answer is: it depends. The rules for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are very different when it comes to leaving the United States.

Understanding these regulations is crucial to avoid any interruption or loss of your much-needed benefits. This guide breaks down what you need to know about international travel for both SSDI and SSI recipients in 2025.

An Overview of Travel Rules for SSDI and SSI

The most important thing to remember is that SSDI and SSI are two separate programs with different travel limitations.

• SSDI benefits are based on your work history and the Social Security taxes you’ve paid. In many cases, you can continue receiving these payments while living in another country.
• SSI benefits are based on financial need and are intended for individuals with limited income and resources. This program has strict residency requirements, and benefits are generally not payable if you are outside the U.S. for an extended period.

Let’s explore the specific rules for each program.

SSI Travel Restrictions: The 30-Day Rule

If you receive SSI, your ability to travel internationally is very limited. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will suspend your benefits if you are outside the United States for 30 consecutive days or more.

To be eligible for SSI, you must be a resident of the U.S. The SSA considers you “outside the United States” if you are physically absent from the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands for a full calendar month or at least 30 consecutive days.

Once your SSI payments stop due to travel, they will not restart automatically upon your return. You must remain back in the U.S. for 30 consecutive days before your eligibility can be reinstated for the following month.

SSDI Travel Rules

SSDI offers more flexibility for international travel and living abroad, but there are still important rules to follow. Your ability to receive payments depends on your citizenship status and the country where you plan to stay.

When Are You Considered “Outside the U.S.”?

For SSDI purposes, the SSA considers you outside the U.S. if you stay in a foreign country for more than 30 consecutive days. The rules then vary based on whether you are a U.S. citizen.

Rules for U.S. Citizens

If you are a U.S. citizen, you can generally continue to receive your SSDI payments while living abroad. However, there are a few exceptions. The U.S. Department of the Treasury prohibits sending payments to certain restricted countries.

As of early 2025, you cannot receive payments if you are in:

• Cuba
• North Korea

In the past, this list included several former Soviet republics, but restrictions have since been lifted for those countries. If you are in Cuba or North Korea, the SSA will withhold your payments. You can receive these withheld, or “accrued,” benefits later if you move to a country where payments are permitted.

Rules for Non-U.S. Citizens

If you are not a U.S. citizen, the rules are more complex. Your benefits will generally stop after you have been outside the U.S. for six full calendar months.

However, you may be able to continue receiving payments if you meet one of the following exceptions:

• You are a citizen of a country that has a social security agreement with the U.S. (sometimes called a “totalization agreement”). These countries include Ireland, Germany, Japan, Italy, and the United Kingdom, among others.
• You are an active member of the U.S. military.
• You lived in the U.S. for at least 10 years or have at least 40 quarters of Social Security coverage.

It’s also important to note that non-citizens whose benefits are stopped after six months abroad cannot receive accrued payments if they later move to a permitted country.

Steps for Managing Your Benefits Abroad

If you plan to travel or move outside the U.S., proper planning can ensure a smooth process.

1. Notify the Social Security Administration

Before you travel, it is essential to report your plans to the SSA. You should provide your new address and contact information. You can do this by calling the SSA or contacting your local U.S. Embassy or consulate’s Federal Benefits Unit once you are abroad.

2. Set Up Electronic Payments

Receiving paper checks by mail internationally can be slow and unreliable. The SSA strongly encourages beneficiaries living abroad to sign up for an electronic payment method.

• Direct Deposit: You can have your benefits deposited directly into a U.S. bank account or, in some cases, a bank account in your country of residence. The SSA has international direct deposit agreements with dozens of countries.
• Direct Express® Debit Card: This prepaid debit card is another option. Your funds are loaded onto the card each month, and you can use it to make purchases or withdraw cash at ATMs worldwide where Mastercard is accepted.

3. Understand Your Tax Obligations

Even if you live abroad, your SSDI benefits may be subject to U.S. income tax. As a U.S. citizen, you are generally required to file a federal tax return regardless of where you live. Some countries have tax treaties with the U.S. that may affect how your benefits are taxed, so it’s wise to consult with a tax professional.