You may initially assume that since Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program rather than a state program, it may not matter if you move to a different state while collecting these payments. While this may be partially true, there are some underlying implications that you must consider before packing your things and moving across state lines. Without further ado, please follow along to find out how your SSDI benefits might be affected if you move to a different state or residence, and how a proficient New Jersey SSDI attorney at The Law Offices of Sheryl Gandel Mazur can help you understand how to handle this most appropriately.
Will my SSDI benefits be affected if I move to a different state?
You may be relieved to learn that once you are approved for SSDI benefits, your eligibility is portable across state lines. You may only need to reapply when the Social Security Administration (SSA) schedules you for a Continuing Disability Review (CDR), which has nothing to do with your move.
That said, though, while your monthly SSDI benefits payments may stay at the same amount, you may personally notice they do not cover your expenses as effectively as before. This is because the cost of living inevitably varies from state to state (i.e., housing costs, utility costs, healthcare costs, food costs, etc).
Also worth mentioning, you may move to a state that expects you to pay state income tax on your SSDI benefits, while New Jersey does not. In turn, your total income from SSDI benefits may lessen. The nine states where this may apply are Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, and West Virginia.
Do I need to notify the SSA if I move to a different residence?
Even if you are certain that your move will not affect your SSDI benefits, this does not mean that you should neglect to update the SSA on your new residential address. Overall, it is your responsibility to reach out to the SSA when you undergo significant and relevant changes in your life, not the other way around. Changing your address may be accomplished as easily as logging on to your Social Security online profile or visiting your local SSA office.
Not only is this important for the SSA, but it is beneficial for you so that you may receive your payments at your new residential address without any delays. This is especially relevant if you opt for paper checks rather than direct deposits. But also, you may otherwise miss out on important communications sent by the SSA. For example, you may not receive a notice of your scheduled CDR. If you miss and fail to respond to such critical correspondence, this may threaten your SSDI benefits.
As soon as you find yourself in potential legal trouble, you must retain representation and advisement from a talented New Jersey SSDI attorney from The Law Offices of Sheryl Gandel Mazur. You should not have to put up this fight alone; we are here to help you.
