arizona: My parents are thinking about moving to Arizona after their retirement. They been working and paying social security benefits in California for the last few decades. Now they're trying to find out if there's any difference in retirement benefits between California or Arizona. I heard that social security benefit based solely on the amount you contributed during your working life, not on where you live when you retire. Is that true? Is there any other potential benefit for retiring in California (other than weather or higher living cost)? Thank you very much.|||NO|||No - they can live anywhere in the world and collect the same social security retirement payments. Some states, such as Florida, don't have a state income tax. For that reason, many people retire there. If your parents expect to have taxable retirement income, they should keep the income tax laws in mind in picking a place to retire.|||Social Security is a federal program and does not vary from state to state. Only unemplyment and state disability programs are governed by the state of your residence.|||Your assumption is correct. Social security is a Federal program, not a state program. The amount received is based on your average earnings during your active career. California does have Medi-Cal insurance which in some cases supplements MediCare. Depending on the area to which they relocate, cost of living in AZ can be significantly lower; however, utility bills may be substantially higher. The AARP has resources which might be of assistance, or a financial planner may be best able to help your folks look at the different options and associated costs/benefits. Good luck!