Retiring Overseas? What You Need to Know About Getting Benefits Abroad
Reading Time: 1 MinuteLast Updated: October 20, 2016
There are a number of people who choose to live their retirement years in places outside of the United States. Perhaps retirement in Thailand or Portugal is in your plans. Maybe you plan to split your year between Central Europe and Central Asia. In many cases, it’s still possible to receive your retirement benefits while living abroad. Our website can help you navigate your benefit eligibility while living overseas.
If you’ve worked in both the United States and another country, it may be possible for your credits to combine for a larger benefit. Currently, there are 25 countries with such international agreements with the United States. To find out if you have qualifying work in a country with such an agreement, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/international.
You can receive benefits in many countries. To find out whether you can receive your benefits in the country where you are retiring, you should use our Payments Abroad Screening Tool at www.socialsecurity.gov/international/payments_outsideUS_page10.html.
There are easy ways to get in touch with us and report changes to Social Security if you live overseas. You can contact your local U.S. embassy, write to us by mail, or call us at 1-800-772-1213. You can find other information in regards to living overseas at www.socialsecurity.gov/foreign.
Did you find this Information helpful?
Tags: retirement benefits
See CommentsAbout the Author
Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Comments
Comments are closed.
Johnscott S.
I visited the San Francisco Chinatown SSA. At that time I talked with a counselor and was advised to come back this year, (I will be 64 on 10/18/2018). I want to start my SS benefits and Medicare when I am 65. She advised I start my SS benefits and Medicare when I come back. Presently, planning to travel to SF to activate as directed. When is the best time to do so.
I live in Tokyo and want plan effectively and efficiently.
Respectfully,
Johnscott Seim
83+80-3398-5419
3-11-3-602, Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-0053 Japan
ps. I filled out the web application
73411264
Ray F.
Hello Johnscott. Our system is set up to take applications three months in advance. When you are ready you can complete the online application for Social Security retirement benefits and Medicare in as little as 15 minutes.
For security reasons, we do not have access to your personal information in this venue. We recommend that individuals living outside the United States contact their local U.S. embassy or consulate for any assistance related to Social Security programs and benefits.
Also, our Office of International Operations home page provides more information to assist our customers living abroad. We hope this helps!
Maria t.
I have decided to move to Barcelona Spain. I live in Wisconsin and my health is suffering. I have been a school teacher for 30 years and substituted for 15 more. Wil I be able to get my SS and teachers pension. What percentage will I have to pay?
Vincent M.
Hell there, I have submitted my application form for a retirement benefit from POLAND, form SSA 2490 BK back in December 2017 at the SSA Denver Office. I would like to track the status of my clam, as of now I do not know anything about the whereabouts or progress if any.
PLEASE HELP
Keith T.
does a spouse who is not a US citizen pay income taxes if getting SS in Canada?
Ray F.
Hello Keith, for income tax questions, you will need to contact the IRS. Their toll-free number is 1-800-829-1040.
Noel A.
if you obtain citizenship of another country while maintaining your US citizenship do you continue to receive your social security benefits
Emmanuel M.
I spent most of my retirement time (9 months/year) overseas between Europe and Asia.
I am paying my Plan B.
from 2018 I will be spending my retirement overseas.
the SS does not covers me while overseas, I would like to cancel my part B payment without being penalized.
Can I stop my monthly premium for my part B?
Ray F.
You right, Emmanuel! Medicare is not available outside the United States, and yes, you can request withdrawal from Medicare Part B.
Generally, we need to speak to you personally before we terminate your Medicare benefits to be sure that you fully understand the consequences of doing so. Our policy requires a personal interview be conducted with everyone who wants to terminate their Medicare Part B benefits.
You will need to submit Form CMS-1763, “Request for Termination of Premium Hospital and /or Supplementary Medical Insurance”, or a signed request for termination.
If you are in the United States, please contact your local Social Security office. While living outside of the United States, we recommend that you contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in your area. Also, our Office of International Operations home page provides more information to assist our customers living abroad. We hope this information helps!
Prakash P.
I was in USA for 8 years (1998-2006) and legally worked and contributed social security. Now I moved to Canada and I am Canadian Citizen. Can I still receive statement or benefits when I am retired? Or Can I get refund my contribution I made when I was in USA. Please help. Thanks.
Ray F.
An agreement between the United States and Canada improves Social Security protection for people who work or have worked in both countries. For more important information on this topic, click here. Thanks!
lili
Hi and thank you for this great blog. I am a US citizen living in Tunisia. I worked there for 30 years and my employer was filing in FICA. I am receiving my retirement in Tunisia and I am eligible for Tunisian retirement benefits too. Would receiving Tunisian retirement payments affect my US SS payments in an way?
Thank you
Ray F.
Thank you for contacting us Lili. The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) can affect how we calculate your retirement or disability benefit. If you work for an employer who doesn’t withhold Social Security taxes from your salary, such as a government agency or an employer in another country, any retirement or disability pension you get from that work can reduce your Social Security benefits. Please visit our Windfall Elimination Provision and Foreign Pensions web page for more information.
We recommend that individuals living outside the United States contact their local U.S. embassy or consulate for any assistance related to Social Security programs and benefits. Also, our Office of International Operations home page provides more information to assist our customers living abroad. We hope this information helps!
Carmen K.
Hi. I am a USA citizen and have recently turned 61 and plan to retire at 62 with 70% of my SS. How do I fine out what will be the amount of money I will get monthly? I live in the EU in Finland and have made very little money here but it might help my retirement.
If I one day return to USA how do I get health insurance?
Shaneice
___123___Retiring Overseas? What You Need to Know About Getting Benefits Abroad | Social Security Matterss___123___