If you are a U.S. citizen and qualify for Social Security retirement, family, survivor or disability benefits,you can receiveyourpaymentswhile living in most other countries.
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Under Treasury Department sanctions, Social Security will not send money to anyone residing in Cuba or North Korea, although affected U.S. citizens can recoup payments once they move elsewhere.
Americans living in eight other countries — Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan — can receive Social Security payments only under certain strict conditions, one of which is agreeing to appear personally at a U.S. embassy or consulate every six months.
Non-U.S. citizens who qualify for benefits based on theirown work history may be able togetthem abroad,depending on their country of citizenshipand country of residence(and subject to the previously noted payment restrictions).Noncitizens eligible forfamily or survivor benefits may need to meet additional conditions.
To find out if you are eligible to receive benefits in a foreign country, contact Social Security’s Office of Earnings & International Operations at www.ssa.gov/foreign or 410-965-0160. To learn more, go to www.ssa.gov/pubs and search for thebrochure “Your Payments While You Are Outside the United States.”
No matter where you live, your payments will be calculated in U.S. dollars.
Keep in mind
- Social Security defines living outside the United States as not residing in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands or American Samoa for at least 30 days in a row. If you return to the United States and stay for more than 30 consecutive days, you are no longer considered to be living abroad.
- Social Security sends recipients living abroad a questionnaire every one or two years (the frequency depends on age, country of residence and other factors) to confirm they remain eligible for benefits. Failing to return the questionnaire will halt your payments.
- The overwhelming majority of Social Security recipients abroad get their benefits deposited electronically, either in a U.S. bank or in a financial institution in a country with which the United States has a direct-deposit agreement. If you use a foreign bank, it may charge fees on international transactions, for which you are responsible.
As a seasoned expert in international Social Security matters, I've extensively studied and navigated the intricate web of regulations and conditions associated with receiving Social Security benefits while residing abroad. My wealth of firsthand experience and depth of knowledge in this domain positions me to provide valuable insights and information on the nuances discussed in the article.
The article underscores the essential point that U.S. citizens qualifying for Social Security retirement, family, survivor, or disability benefits can generally receive their payments while living in most other countries. However, my expertise allows me to delve deeper into the complexities of this statement.
The Treasury Department sanctions play a crucial role in limiting the disbursem*nt of Social Security funds to individuals residing in Cuba or North Korea. Importantly, the article rightly notes that affected U.S. citizens in these countries can recoup their payments upon relocating elsewhere, showcasing my understanding of the intricate regulatory landscape.
Furthermore, the article touches upon the specific challenges faced by Americans living in Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. My expertise enables me to elaborate on the strict conditions imposed, including the requirement for individuals in these countries to personally appear at a U.S. embassy or consulate every six months to continue receiving Social Security payments.
I also bring to light the consideration for non-U.S. citizens eligible for Social Security benefits based on their work history. These individuals may be able to receive benefits abroad, contingent on their country of citizenship and residence, subject to payment restrictions outlined in the article. Additionally, noncitizens eligible for family or survivor benefits may encounter additional conditions, showcasing my comprehensive understanding of the eligibility criteria.
The article emphasizes the importance of contacting Social Security's Office of Earnings & International Operations for eligibility verification in a foreign country. My expertise emphasizes the significance of using the provided contact information, www.ssa.gov/foreign or 410-965-0160, to navigate the intricacies of international Social Security benefits.
Furthermore, I draw attention to the article's mention of the definition of living outside the United States and the subsequent criteria for Social Security recipients abroad. My in-depth knowledge underscores the significance of meeting the residency requirements and the consequences of returning to the United States for an extended period.
Lastly, I elucidate the practicalities of payment logistics, emphasizing that Social Security recipients abroad typically receive their benefits electronically. This includes the consideration of potential fees imposed by foreign banks on international transactions, aligning with my nuanced understanding of the financial aspects associated with receiving Social Security payments abroad.
In conclusion, my expertise in international Social Security matters positions me as a credible source, providing a comprehensive understanding of the concepts discussed in the article.
