SSA to enforce 30-day overseas limit for SSI recipients

The SSI overseas stay rule will now be enforced using federal travel records, after the Social Security Administration (SSA) gained direct access to overseas entry and exit data.

As a result, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients who remain outside the United States for more than 30 consecutive days may see benefits suspended based on verified travel records. Previously, enforcement often relied on self-reporting or investigations triggered by suspicion.

In January, the SSA revised its “Evidence of Foreign Travel” and “Foreign Travel Data Application.” The update allows the agency to use entry and exit records maintained by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to confirm overseas stays.

Until now, SSI recipients were generally required to report extended foreign travel voluntarily. Investigations occurred primarily when concerns arose. However, under the revised policy, the SSA can independently verify travel duration using DHS data.

The agency described the change as a compliance measure aimed at reducing improper payments.

According to the SSA, about 75 million people receive Social Security benefits nationwide. Of those, roughly 5 million were SSI recipients as of December 2025. Recipients include retirees, people with disabilities and low-income individuals who qualify for supplemental income support.

In many immigrant communities, including Korean Americans, some believed that overseas stays longer than 30 days would not be detected unless self-reported. However, because the SSA now cross-checks travel data, long-term foreign stays may result in immediate benefit suspension.

The rule has also sparked debate about government oversight. Critics argue that formalizing data-sharing between federal agencies expands surveillance of personal travel information.

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) analyzed the data-sharing agreement and said DHS could potentially access sensitive information related to more than 500 million individuals who have applied for Social Security numbers. Some data may be outdated or contain errors, raising concerns about misuse.

Kim, a 78-year-old SSI recipient in Koreatown who requested anonymity, said she felt uneasy about the increased monitoring. “It feels like the government is watching too closely,” she said. “Since this affects basic living expenses, people are especially sensitive.”

The federal government maintains that the change is not related to immigration enforcement. Instead, officials say it ensures accurate eligibility management for Social Security programs.

However, expanded data sharing between agencies has raised concerns that information could be used for other purposes. Immigration attorney Brian Wanseuk Oh said broader information exchange between SSA and DHS may have implications for noncitizens who receive public benefits.

In recent years, public charge considerations have played a role in immigration adjudications. Therefore, he said noncitizens receiving certain public assistance may face potential scrutiny during permanent residency reviews.

Experts advise beneficiaries to report any planned long-term overseas travel or changes in income, employment or health status to the SSA promptly. They also recommend regularly reviewing SSA accounts to check for possible record errors.

The strengthened enforcement of the SSI overseas stay rule underscores the importance of accurate reporting for recipients who rely on benefits for daily living expenses.

BY HANKIL KANG  [kang.hankil@koreadaily.com]