I want to know if a person from California who is collecting SSI and wants to move to Washington State, does he have to start over with an SSI claim in Washington State?
–Ellie

Jonathan Ginsberg responds:  No,  you do not have to start over.  Social Security is a federal program.  Once you are approved for either SSI or SSDI, your benefits follow you no matter where you live.

You should however, make sure to notify Social Security about your move so they have a valid address for you.  You should also continue to seek medical treatment for your disability so that you will have an on-going medical record in case SSA reviews your claim.

[tags] moving to a new State and SSI benefits, notifying Social Security about a move, continuing disability review [/tags]