SSDI payments are the same federal amount everywhere, but what you receive depends on your work history, not where you live
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program, which means the Social Security Administration calculates your payment based on your earnings record alone. Your state does not change your SSDI amount. A person with the same work history receives the same monthly payment whether they live in California, Texas, or Maine.
What varies by state is Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a separate program for people with low income and few assets. SSI has a federal base amount, but most states add money on top of it. Some states add nothing. This is why two people on SSI in different states can receive different totals, even though their assets and income are identical.
If you are receiving SSDI, your state location does not affect your payment. If you are receiving SSI or both SSDI and SSI together, your state does matter for the SSI portion only.
Key Takeaways
- SSDI payments come from your own Social Security taxes and are calculated the same way in every state based on your earnings history.
- SSI payments include a federal base amount that is the same everywhere, plus a state supplement that ranges from zero to several hundred dollars per month depending on which state you live in.
- If you receive only SSDI, your state makes no difference to your payment amount.
- If you receive SSI or both SSDI and SSI, check your state's SSI rate to understand your full monthly total.
Why SSDI does not change by state
SSDI is an earned benefit. You paid into Social Security through payroll taxes during your working years, and your benefit is based on how much you earned and for how long. The Social Security Administration uses a formula that looks at your 35 highest-earning years and calculates a monthly amount. That formula is the same in every state.
Your state of residence does not enter the calculation. You could move from one state to another and your SSDI payment would not change. The only time your SSDI amount changes is if you return to work and earn above the earnings limit, or if you reach full retirement age and your benefit converts to a retirement benefit.
How SSI state supplements work
SSI is a needs-based program for people age 65 and older, blind, or disabled who have limited income and resources. The federal government sets a base payment amount, which changes each year. For 2024, the federal SSI base is $943 per month for an individual living independently (amounts are higher for couples and people in certain living situations).
Thirty-nine states and the District of Columbia add their own money on top of the federal amount. These state supplements range from a few dollars to over $300 per month. Some states tie their supplement to the cost of living in that state. Others have flat amounts. A few states—including Florida, Georgia, and Texas—do not add any state supplement, so recipients there receive only the federal base amount.
If you move from a state with a high supplement to a state with no supplement, your SSI payment will drop. The Social Security Administration processes the change when you report your move, and your new payment begins the month after you establish residency in your new state.
State SSI supplement amounts for 2024
| State | Individual Supplement | Couple Supplement |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $0 | $0 |
| Alaska | $75 | $113 |
| Arizona | $0 | $0 |
| Arkansas | $0 | $0 |
| California | $371.20 | $626.80 |
| Colorado | $0 | $0 |
| Connecticut | $181 | $181 |
| Delaware | $0 | $0 |
| District of Columbia | $427 | $427 |
| Florida | $0 | $0 |
| Georgia | $0 | $0 |
| Hawaii | $70 | $70 |
| Idaho | $0 | $0 |
| Illinois | $0 | $0 |
| Indiana | $0 | $0 |
| Iowa | $0 | $0 |
| Kansas | $0 | $0 |
| Kentucky | $0 | $0 |
| Louisiana | $0 | $0 |
| Maine | $10 | $20 |
| Maryland | $0 | $0 |
| Massachusetts | $0 | $0 |
| Michigan | $0 | $0 |
| Minnesota | $0 | $0 |
| Mississippi | $0 | $0 |
| Missouri | $0 | $0 |
| Montana | $0 | $0 |
| Nebraska | $0 | $0 |
| Nevada | $0 | $0 |
| New Hampshire | $0 | $0 |
| New Jersey | $0 | $0 |
| New Mexico | $0 | $0 |
| New York | $0 | $0 |
| North Carolina | $0 | $0 |
| North Dakota | $0 | $0 |
| Ohio | $0 | $0 |
| Oklahoma | $0 | $0 |
| Oregon | $0 | $0 |
| Pennsylvania | $0 | $0 |
| Rhode Island | $0 | $0 |
| South Carolina | $0 | $0 |
| South Dakota | $0 | $0 |
| Tennessee | $0 | $0 |
| Texas | $0 | $0 |
| Utah | $0 | $0 |
| Vermont | $0 | $0 |
| Virginia | $0 | $0 |
| Washington | $0 | $0 |
| West Virginia | $0 | $0 |
| Wisconsin | $0 | $0 |
| Wyoming | $0 | $0 |
These amounts change annually, usually in January. If you receive SSI, the Social Security Administration sends you a notice each December showing your new payment amount for the coming year. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm your state's current supplement.
What happens to your payment if you move states
If you receive only SSDI, moving does not change your payment. You should report your address change to Social Security so they can send mail and notices to the correct location, but your monthly amount stays the same.
If you receive SSI or both SSDI and SSI, your payment changes based on your new state's supplement. You must report your move to Social Security before or within 10 days of moving. The easiest way is to call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office. Bring a document showing your new address, such as a lease, utility bill, or driver's license.
Your new SSI payment takes effect the first day of the month after you establish residency in your new state. If you move mid-month, you may receive a partial payment for the remainder of the month you moved, then your full new amount starting the next month.
How to find your state's current SSI supplement
The Social Security Administration publishes state supplement amounts on its website at ssa.gov. You can search by state or call your local Social Security office. The amounts shown in this article are from 2024, but they change yearly, so check the official source for the most current figure.
If you are unsure whether you receive SSDI, SSI, or both, your Social Security statement or award letter will say. The letter lists your monthly payment and which program or programs you are on. If you no longer have your award letter, you can create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov and view your payment information there, or call 1-800-772-1213 to ask.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my SSDI payment change if I move to a different state?
No. SSDI is based on your earnings history and is the same in every state. Your payment does not change when you move. You should still report your new address to Social Security so they send notices to the right place.
What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?
SSDI is based on your work history and Social Security taxes you paid. SSI is based on financial need and is available to people with very low income and few assets. Some people receive both. Only SSI varies by state.
If I get SSI and move to a state with no supplement, will my payment drop?
Yes. If you move from a state with a supplement to one without, your SSI payment will decrease to the federal base amount only. The change takes effect the first day of the month after you establish residency in your new state.
How do I report a move to Social Security?
Call 1-800-772-1213, visit your local Social Security office, or create a my Social Security account online at ssa.gov. You have 10 days to report. Bring proof of your new address, such as a lease, utility bill, or state ID.
Can I check what my SSI payment will be in a different state before I move?
Yes. Call 1-800-772-1213 and tell the representative your current state and the state you are moving to. They can tell you what your new SSI payment will be. This can help you plan your move and understand how your budget will change.