Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is designed to help elderly, blind, or disabled individuals with limited income and resources. A common question among recipients or potential SSI benefits recipients is, “Can I still get SSI if I leave the country?” SSI benefits are typically not payable to recipients who leave the U.S. for more than 30 consecutive days. If you're an SSI recipient and plan to or have already left the country, your benefits may be affected depending on the duration and nature of your stay abroad​​.[1]
This article explores the rules and regulations surrounding SSI eligibility for recipients living outside the U.S.
SSI is a federal program that provides monthly payments to individuals who have little or no income and limited resources and are aged, blind, or disabled. Eligibility for SSI does not depend on work history but rather on financial need, taking into account income and resources. The SSI program limits resources to $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples, with certain exclusions applying to what counts as resources​​​​.
“SSI eligibility for students abroad includes programs requiring cultural immersion, highlighting the educational value of learning in a foreign environment​​.”
The general rule for SSI recipients is that benefits are suspended if the recipient is outside the U.S. for a full calendar month or for 30 consecutive days or more. The U.S., for SSI purposes, includes the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. If an SSI recipient leaves this defined area, they need to be physically present in the U.S. for 30 consecutive days to be eligible for SSI again if they were outside for 30 days or longer​​.
Leaving the country means being outside the geographical territories that constitute the U.S. as defined for SSI benefits. This definition ensures clarity for recipients who might travel to U.S. territories wondering about their SSI benefits' status​​.
While SSI benefits are generally not payable to individuals who leave the U.S. for more than 30 days, there are notable exceptions for certain groups:
Children of U.S. Military Personnel Stationed Overseas: SSI benefits can continue for children of military personnel who are U.S. citizens and living with a parent assigned to permanent duty outside the United States.[2] This includes situations where military orders move the family overseas, and the continuation of benefits applies irrespective of the child's location, provided they are with their military parent​​​​.
Students in Study Abroad Programs: SSI benefits can also continue for students temporarily abroad as part of an educational program that is designed to enhance their ability to gain employment, is sponsored by a U.S. educational institution, and offers studies not available in the U.S. This exception allows for up to 12 months of continued eligibility for students who were receiving SSI before their studies abroad​​.
SSI benefits can be reinstated after a recipient returns to the U.S., provided they meet the eligibility criteria again, including being present in the U.S. for the required 30 consecutive days. The reinstatement of benefits also depends on whether the absence was for a full calendar month or 30 consecutive days or longer, with specific rules applying to the effective date of suspension and reinstatement​​.
“Military families receiving SSI must report changes such as income or household composition, ensuring accurate benefit determination​​.”
SSI and SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) operate under different rules for recipients living abroad. Unlike SSI, SSDI recipients may continue to receive their benefits in most foreign countries without interruption. The primary distinction lies in the nature of the programs: SSI is needs-based and requires the recipient to be within the U.S., while SSDI is based on the recipient's work history and contributions to the Social Security system, allowing for more flexibility in receiving payments abroad.
The U.S. has agreements and policies in place that allow for the continuation of Social Security payments, including SSDI, to U.S. citizens in most foreign countries. However, there are countries to which the U.S. government cannot send payments. These restrictions are subject to change, emphasizing the importance of checking current policies and restrictions if you plan to live or travel outside the U.S. It's crucial for recipients to verify the latest information with the Social Security Administration to ensure their benefits will not be disrupted due to such limitations.
Navigating the SSI benefits landscape while contemplating or actualizing a move abroad can be complex, but understanding the specific conditions and exceptions that apply to recipients living outside the U.S. is crucial. So, can I still get SSI if I leave the country?” While the general rule suspends SSI payments for those abroad for more than 30 days, notable exceptions for military families and students ensure continuity under certain circumstances. Always consult with the SSA or a legal advisor to clarify your situation and ensure compliance with all requirements for maintaining, suspending, or reinstating your benefits. The dynamic nature of international agreements and country-specific regulations also necessitates staying informed about the latest updates to ensure uninterrupted access to your entitlements, whether SSI or SSDI.
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