Millions of Americans rely on Social Security benefits as a crucial source of income during retirement. But what happens if you decide to retire or live outside the United States? Can you still receive your monthly payments while living abroad?
The short answer is: Yes, in most cases, you can receive Social Security payments while living outside the U.S. However, there are important rules, restrictions, and exceptions that beneficiaries should understand before moving overseas.
Social Security Abroad: The Basics
According to the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA), you can receive your retirement, disability, or survivors benefits outside the U.S. as long as you are eligible and live in a country where the SSA is allowed to send payments.
The SSA defines “outside the United States” as anywhere that is not a U.S. state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, or American Samoa.
You can check your eligibility using the Social Security Administration’s Payment Abroad Screening Tool:
Countries Where Payments Can Be Sent
Social Security benefits can be sent to over 150 countries worldwide. Most U.S. citizens living abroad will continue to receive their benefits without issue, but there are a few exceptions.
Countries Where Payments Are Restricted
The SSA does not send payments to the following countries (with very limited exceptions):
- Cuba
- North Korea
In addition, if you’re living in countries such as:
- Azerbaijan
- Belarus
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Moldova
- Tajikistan
- Turkmenistan
- Ukraine
- Uzbekistan
your benefits may be withheld unless you meet specific conditions.
Are Non-Citizens Eligible?
Yes, but with added restrictions. Non-U.S. citizens who qualify for Social Security benefits may also receive payments abroad, provided:
- They meet the “alien nonpayment provision” (e.g., living in a country with a Social Security agreement or having earned 40 credits in the U.S.).
- They are citizens of countries with which the U.S. has a Social Security Totalization Agreement.
Social Security Agreements
The U.S. currently has agreements with over 30 countries, including:
- Canada
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- Japan
These agreements help prevent double taxation and ensure benefit coordination.
How Are Payments Made?
The SSA encourages direct deposit for fast, secure delivery of benefits.
U.S. Bank vs. Foreign Bank
You can choose to receive payments through:
- A U.S. bank account, or
- A foreign bank account in countries that support International Direct Deposit (IDD)
Tax Considerations
Even while abroad, U.S. citizens must file U.S. income taxes, including any Social Security income.
Whether your benefits are taxable depends on your:
- Total income
- Filing status
- Country of residence
Some countries have tax treaties with the U.S. that help avoid double taxation.
Reporting Obligations While Abroad
Beneficiaries must report changes that could affect eligibility, including:
- Change of address or residency
- Change in marital status
- Work activity
- Change in citizenship or immigration status
The SSA may also send you a questionnaire every 1–2 years to verify your status abroad.
Applying for Benefits from Abroad
If you haven’t applied for benefits yet and live overseas, you can do so at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, which serves as a field office for the SSA.
Final Thoughts
Living abroad doesn’t automatically stop your Social Security payments. But navigating the rules is crucial.
Before You Move:
- Check your eligibility using the SSA’s screening tools
- Consult a tax advisor familiar with international law
- Stay in communication with the SSA and update them on life changes
