Can I Go on Vacation While on SSI?

By Alice Nichols

Are you receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and wondering if you can go on vacation without jeopardizing your benefits? The answer is yes, you can go on vacation while on SSI. However, there are some important things to keep in mind to ensure that you don’t lose your benefits.

Notify the Social Security Administration

Before going on vacation, it’s important to notify the Social Security Administration (SSA). You can do this by contacting your local SSA office or calling their toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213. Let them know the dates of your trip and where you will be staying.

Length of Vacation

The length of your vacation plays a crucial role in determining whether or not your benefits will be affected. If you plan on leaving for less than 30 days, your benefits will not be affected. However, if you plan on being away for more than 30 days, you may lose a portion of your benefits.

Losing Benefits

If you are away for more than 30 consecutive days, the SSA may consider it a temporary absence from home. During this time, they may reduce your SSI payments by one-third. If you are gone for more than 60 consecutive days, the SSA may consider it an extended absence from home and suspend your benefits altogether.

Documentation

To prevent any issues with your benefits while on vacation, make sure to keep documentation of where you are staying and how long you will be there. This can include hotel reservations or rental agreements. This documentation will help ensure that the SSA understands that it is only a temporary absence from home.

  • Tip: It’s always a good idea to keep copies of important documents such as identification cards and social security cards with you while traveling.

Conclusion

In conclusion, you can go on vacation while on SSI without losing your benefits. However, it’s important to notify the SSA of your plans and keep documentation of your trip.

If you plan on being away for more than 30 consecutive days, there is a possibility that your benefits will be reduced. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your vacation while still receiving the benefits that you are entitled to.