Do Social Security Disability Benefits Vary By State or Remain the Same?

As a federally-funded program, disability benefits issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers financial help to those who suffer from a disabling condition and cannot work. An approved claim could help cover medical bills and daily living expenses. Although most disability benefits remain the same regardless of where you live, they could vary state-to-state based on certain factors.

Dayes Law Firm explains more about the types of disability benefits that may be affected depending on the program you are enrolled in and whether you could lose your benefits if you move to a different state. We offer a free case review to determine your eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Program

Disability benefits received through the SSDI program are not impacted based on where you live. These benefits are issued based on the years you have worked and the average income that you have earned in those years. SSDI benefits are also paid into through your payroll taxes. You would receive the same monthly payment regardless of the state you live in or decide to move to.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program

Disability benefits received through the SSI program are issued on financial need and may vary from state-to-state based on certain factors. The majority of states offer a supplemental amount of money in addition to your federal SSI benefits. Unfortunately, the state of Arizona is not one of them.

Monthly payments can also range depending on the state you move to. The amount will depend on your living situation or whether your assets have changed, marital status, etc. You could lose or gain new state supplements when moving to another state that may decrease or increase these benefits.

Medicaid Coverage

The majority of states (33 in total) will automatically have you enrolled in Medicaid coverage after being approved for SSI benefits, including Arizona. However, some states may choose to make their own decisions. Your Medicaid coverage could be affected if you move from a state that automatically grants you coverage to a state that does not.

There are seven states that decide on their own about Medicaid, but the guidelines are similar to the ones used by the SSA. These states include:

There are also 10 states that use a specific criteria that is stricter than the guidelines provided by the SSA. If you move to one of these states, your Medicaid coverage will likely be affected or cut altogether:

Our Phoenix Social Security Disability lawyers are well-versed in these programs and are here to explain the eligibility requirements and help you pursue the disability benefits you need.

Do I Have to Re-Apply for Benefits If I Move to Another State?

Generally, moving to a new state will not disrupt your Social Security Disability benefits. Your eligibility for SSDI or SSI would not be affected based on your state of residence, but the amount you receive could vary. You may have to apply for new state supplemental benefits and any supplemental benefits you received from your old state of residency would then be discontinued.

It is important to note that regardless if you are moving across state lines or within the state, the SSA should be notified of your new address. The sooner the SSA is aware of these changes, the less likely you will have issues getting disability payments forwarded to your new address.

Our Disability Lawyers Are Here to Help

If you need help with your disability benefits, we encourage you to contact a disability lawyer from Dayes Law Firm. We are prepared to help you throughout the claims process or discuss the procedures required in a state to ensure that you increase your chances at being approved for disability benefits.

A consultation with us is completely free with no obligation to have us represent you. We charge no upfront fees so you will not be charged for our services unless we assist you in obtaining a recovery.

Our lawyers are standing by to take your call. 1-800-503-2000.