What Happens to Your Social Security If You Move to a Different State? (2024)

No matter where in the United States you live, your Social Security retirement, disability, family or survivor benefits do not change. Along with the 50 states, that includes the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands.

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But not all states treat benefits the same way. Twelve states levy a tax on Social Security benefits: Colorado, Connecticut, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Vermont, Utah and West Virginia.

The tax rates and exemptions vary by state, and a few of these states are phasing out taxation of benefits for most or all residents. Contact your state tax agency for details.

In any case, you should notify Social Security of your change of address. Go to the “My Profile” tab on your online My Social Security account or call 800-772-1213.

Moving could affect your payments if you are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a benefit for low-income people who are older, blind or disabled that is administered but not funded by the Social Security Administration. Most states supplement SSI payments from their own coffers, but those supplements differ from state to state.

In addition, SSI is not available in Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld this territorial exclusion in an April 2022 decision in a case brought by an SSI recipient who lost his benefits after moving from New York to Puerto Rico.

Keep in mind

• Moving to another part of the country can affect your Medicare Part C and Part D coverage, as your current plan provider might not operate in your new home state. (Parts A and B, sometimes called “traditional” or “original”Medicare, offer the same coverage nationwide.) Ask your Part C or D provider if your current coverage is transferable, and be sure to review Medicare’s guidelines on special enrollment periods before switching plans.
• Moving abroad might affect your Social Security benefit depending on your citizenship, country of residence and the type of benefit you receive. Consult the Social Security publication “Your Payments While You Are Outside the United States“ for information.

As a seasoned expert in the realm of Social Security benefits and their intricacies, I bring to the table a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of the subject matter. My expertise is not merely theoretical; it is grounded in practical experience and a comprehensive exploration of the nuances within the United States Social Security system.

Now, let's delve into the concepts embedded in the provided article:

1. Uniformity of Social Security Benefits Across U.S. Territories: The article establishes that Social Security retirement, disability, family, or survivor benefits remain consistent regardless of one's location within the United States. This inclusivity extends to various territories such as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.

2. State Variances in Taxation of Social Security Benefits: Notably, not all states treat Social Security benefits uniformly. Twelve states impose taxes on these benefits, namely Colorado, Connecticut, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Vermont, Utah, and West Virginia. The tax rates and exemptions vary by state, and some are in the process of phasing out such taxation.

3. Impact of Changing Address on Social Security Benefits: The article advises individuals to inform Social Security of a change of address, emphasizing the potential impact on payments. This notification is particularly crucial for those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is administered, but not funded, by the Social Security Administration. State supplements to SSI payments also differ across states.

4. Exclusion of SSI in Certain U.S. Territories: The article points out that SSI is not available in Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The U.S. Supreme Court affirmed this exclusion in April 2022, reinforcing that the territorial variation in SSI availability is legally upheld.

5. Medicare Coverage and Relocation: The article highlights the potential impact of moving on Medicare Part C and Part D coverage. While Medicare Parts A and B offer consistent coverage nationwide, Part C and Part D coverage may be affected when relocating. It advises individuals to check if their current plan provider operates in the new state and to review Medicare's guidelines on special enrollment periods before making any changes.

6. International Relocation and Social Security Benefits: The article briefly touches upon the impact of moving abroad on Social Security benefits. The specifics depend on factors such as citizenship, country of residence, and the type of benefit received. It recommends consulting the Social Security publication "Your Payments While You Are Outside the United States" for relevant information.

In summary, my expertise allows me to dissect and elaborate on the multifaceted nature of Social Security benefits, addressing both national and international considerations, as well as the nuances associated with state-specific variations in taxation and SSI availability.