Moving States With A Child with Disabilities: Key Steps

Moving to a new state with a child who has disabilities requires careful planning. Each state has its own rules for Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and how special needs trusts (SNTs) are handled. What works in your current state may need updates to ensure your child continues receiving essential support.

Before moving, connect with a qualified special needs planner in your new state. Share your child’s existing trust documents with them and with the attorney who originally drafted them. This collaboration can identify if changes are needed to keep the trust functioning as intended. Often, small updates or trustee approvals are enough, but if your trust was court-established (such as through a settlement), you may need court approval or to transfer oversight to the new state.

Finding new doctors, therapists, and educational services can take time, and eligibility requirements for programs may differ from your current state. Plan ahead to avoid gaps in care and services during the move. While federal SSI benefits remain the same, state supplements may increase or decrease based on your new location, impacting your child’s support.

Be aware that while some Medicaid benefits transfer, many state-specific programs do not, requiring reapplication under new regulations. Planning early helps ensure you understand your new state’s systems, secure continued care, and avoid last-minute complications.

Relocating with a child with disabilities is more than a change of address—it’s a shift in support systems and legal structures. Taking these proactive steps will help protect your child’s benefits and maintain the stability and care they deserve as you transition to your new home.

Read more: Relocating? Ensure Your Special Needs Plan Moves With You