General, Retirement, SSI

Social Security Benefits U.S. Citizens Outside the United States

August 8, 2016 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: March 17, 2021

Benefits-outside-the-USOver half a million people who live outside the United States receive some kind of Social Security benefit, including retired and disabled workers, as well as spouses, widows, widowers, and children.

If you’re a U.S. citizen, you may receive your Social Security payments outside the United States as long as you are eligible. When we say you are “outside the United States,” we mean you’re not 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. Once you’ve been outside the United States for at least 30 days in a row, we consider you to be outside the country.

If you are traveling outside the U.S. for an extended amount of time, it’s important that you tell Social Security the date you plan to leave and the date you plan to come back, no matter how long you expect your travel to last. Then we can let you know whether your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will be affected.

You can use this online tool to find out if you can continue to receive your Social Security benefits if you are outside the United States or are planning to go outside the United States at www.socialsecurity.gov/international/payments_outsideUS.html.

This tool will help you find out if your retirement, disability, or survivor’s payments will continue as long as you are eligible, stop after six consecutive calendar months, or if certain country specific restrictions apply.

When you live outside the United States, periodically we’ll send you a questionnaire. Your answers will help us figure out if you still are eligible for benefits. Return the questionnaire to the office that sent it as soon as possible. If you don’t, your payments will stop. In addition to responding to the questionnaire, notify us promptly about changes that could affect your payments.

You can also read the publication titled Your Payments While You Are Outside the United States at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.

Social Security is with you through life’s journey, even if that journey takes you outside the United States.

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About the Author

Doug Walker, Deputy Commissioner, Communications

Deputy Commissioner, Office of Communications

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Comments

  1. Roger G.

    Why an American living abroad cannot have access to his account even if he or she does not have an address in the US. When you call for info, you normally have to wait in the queue quite a long time.

    • Ray F.

      Hi Roger. The “my Social Security” authentication system requires address verification as one of the essential criteria for issuing an account. People with APO/FPO/DPO addresses can create an account overseas, but our system does not support registration and account creation for users with a foreign address yet. We recommend that individuals living outside the United Sates contact the local U.S. embassy or consulate for any assistance related to Social Security benefits. Also, our Office of International Operations home page provides more information to assist our customers living abroad. We hope this helps.

  2. Tom

    Thanks Ray. I spoke with two different local reps today on the phone. The first one guaranteed me they would never have a reason to mail anything to us. I found that odd so I called again and spoke with another who was not well informed at all. She said she thought we’d just go to the MYSocialSecurity site (or whatever it’s called and print a copy of our benefits for the year for tax purposes. Last question on this subject to make sure I’m clear. If we are mailed a 1099 each year can that be mailed to a Thai address (most likely a P.O. Box as it would be more secure).
    Also, today the lady I spoke with said that as long as I keep my address current on MY Social Security I wouldn’t have to worry about receiving anything asking to verify residential and/or overseas mailing addresses. Sounds like you are saying the opposite.
    Thanks again Ray.

    • Ray F.

      We apologize for any misunderstanding. Generally, beneficiaries living abroad must provide their residential address as well as a mailing address. Beneficiaries with a personal “my Social Security account” can get a “replacement” SSA-1099 after February of each year. Please NOTE that the “my Social Security” authentication system requires address verification as one of the essential criteria for creating an account. People with APO/FPO/DPO addresses can create an account overseas, but our system does not support registration and account creation for users with a foreign address yet. You will be giving proper instructions at the time you apply for your benefits. If you need further assistance, call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Or contact your local office. Thanks.

  3. sergio l.

    I am not an USA citizen: I lived and worked in USA for thirteen years and I got more than 40 credits in my social securit. Actually I am living in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Can I create Social Security my account without having a valid mail address in USA?. Thanks and regards.

    • Ray F.

      Thank you for your question Sergio. The “my Social Security” authentication system requires address verification as one of the essential criteria for issuing an account. People with APO/FPO/DPO addresses can create an account overseas, but our system does not support registration and account creation for users with a foreign address yet. We recommend that individuals living outside the United Sates contact the local U.S. embassy or consulate for any assistance related to Social Security benefits. Also, our Office of International Operations home page provides more information to assist our customers living abroad. To learn more about Social Security benefits and non-citizens, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page. We hope this information helps!

  4. Tom

    Hi Ray. Just a follow-up to be sure I’m clear on things. I plan on applying and actually be receiving SS benefits before I move overseas. I was told by the local SS office that they won’t mail anything to me so I wouldn’t need to provide a Thai address. I found that odd as I thought they’d need to mail something in January for tax preparation. Am I correct on that or can I receive it via e-mail? Also, I will have the “My Social Security Account” established before I relocate. I don’t expect there to be any issues with that account after I relocate or should I? I still plan on keeping my P.O. Box for an extended time after I relocate so I have a place for my mail to collect. I’ll return once or twice a year to pick up anything that came my way. By keeping a US P.O. Box will that eliminate the need to keep the SSA apprised of any Thai mailing address or residential address? I think someone might have asked this before but due to the possible slowness of (or loss of) mail in the Thai system does the SSA give ample time to reply to any correspondence they send like inquiring about a persons current address?

    Thanks Ray!!

    • Ray F.

      Hi Tom! You’re right, each year (in January), we mail an SSA-1099 to Social Security beneficiaries. As previously explained, we are required to periodically verify if individuals living outside the United States are still eligible for Social Security benefits. Typically, beneficiaries living outside the U.S. are required to provide us with their residential address, as well as their mailing address. Our representatives in the local office can provide better guidance. In your situation, we suggest you scheduled an in-office appointment to apply for your retirement benefits. To make an appointment, call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks.

      • Tom

        Thanks Ray. I spoke with two different local reps today on the phone. The first one guaranteed me they would never have a reason to mail anything to us. I found that odd so I called again and spoke with another who was not well informed at all. She said she thought we’d just go to the MYSocialSecurity site (or whatever it’s called and print a copy of our benefits for the year for tax purposes. Last question on this subject to make sure I’m clear. If we are mailed a 1099 each year can that be mailed to a Thai address (most likely a P.O. Box as it would be more secure).

        Also, today the lady I spoke with said that as long as I keep my address current on MY Social Security I wouldn’t have to worry about receiving anything asking to verify residential and/or overseas mailing addresses. Sounds like you are saying the opposite.

        Thanks again Ray.

        • Tom

          Thanks Ray. I spoke with two different local reps today on the phone. The first one guaranteed me they would never have a reason to mail anything to us. I found that odd so I called again and spoke with another who was not well informed at all. She said she thought we’d just go to the MYSocialSecurity site (or whatever it’s called and print a copy of our benefits for the year for tax purposes. Last question on this subject to make sure I’m clear. If we are mailed a 1099 each year can that be mailed to a Thai address (most likely a P.O. Box as it would be more secure).
          Also, today the lady I spoke with said that as long as I keep my address current on MY Social Security I wouldn’t have to worry about receiving anything asking to verify residential and/or overseas mailing addresses. Sounds like you are saying the opposite.
          Thanks again Ray.

  5. Tom

    Thank you Ray. I really appreciate the information. I spoke with my local SSA office today and this will be an easy transition. I hope you know how much all of us appreciate you taking time for us. I/we very much appreciate you. Thanks again!!

  6. Tom

    Hi Ray. Thanks for helping so many here. I’m kinda planning on moving to Thailand in the next couple of years and had two questions related to that. If I wait until I actually start collecting benefits before I move and have it deposited in a US banking account will I still need to provide a US mailing address? I won’t be here but guess I could still keep my PO Box. Only problem there is that I’d have to return each year to renew the box.

    Second question is if I decide to move to Thailand before I begin collecting SS benefits will I need to return to the US to apply. I think I’d prefer that but how will the agency respond if I say I live overseas even tho I want my monthly checks deposited in a US bank which I’d request them to transfer a portion to a Thai bank.

    Many thanks!

    • Ray F.

      Thank you for your questions Tom. If you qualify for retirement benefits, and are living outside of the U.S., you can apply for your benefits through the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Keep in mind that when you receive benefits from Social Security, you have a legal obligation to report changes. Under current law, we are required to periodically verify if individuals living outside the United States are still eligible for Social Security benefits. You will be required to report your residential address as well as your mailing address. Also, you can establish direct deposit at the time that you apply for your benefits. At this time, you will need a U.S. address to register for a “my Social Security account”, but you do not need a U.S. address to apply for your benefits online. Our Office of International Operations home page provides more information to assist our customers living abroad. For further assistance, please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. We hope this information helps.

  7. ZESHAN

    Hi.
    I have 2 US born citizen kids ages 9 and 2 but we ( parents ) are not US citizen.We are living in Dubai because we do not have legal status/visa to live in USA.Education K-12 is very expensive and we are unable to afford their education.Please advise are my kids eligible to get any education allowance from US government living abroad? We have not yet taken any allowance from US government and spending all the expenses by myself for their health and education.Thank you

  8. Dennis

    I am an American citizen living in the Philippines and draw my SS benefits. I live with my son born here who has his US citizenship and his mother a Filipino. His mother draws SS benefits for our son. Our six year old son has signs of emotional distress which greatly affects his school performance and his ability to get along with other children. If an evaluation by a Filipino doctor establishes a disability for our son, are there any benefits available for the treatment and special care needed for him from SS or SSI?

    • Ray F.

      Thank you for your question Dennis. A child under age 18 may be disabled, but we don’t need to consider the child’s disability when deciding if he or she qualifies for benefits as your dependent. The child’s benefits normally stop at age 18 unless he or she is a full-time student in an elementary or high school (benefits can continue until age 19) or if the child is disabled. The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program is a needs-based program that pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources. SSI is only paid to residents of one of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands. See “SSI Eligibility Requirements” for more information. Thanks.

  9. Scott L.

    Are there ways to not have to fly back to the US for a CDR, if it gets to that point? Could the person being reviewed skype from the nearest US embassy? People on SSDI usually don’t have the resources to just fly back and forth to the US on demand.
    Also, are consultations done with US-based doctors over skype (or other internet services) considered legitimate by the SSA? Thank you.

    • Ray F.

      Hi Scott. For assistance related to your Social Security benefits, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy in your area. You can contact them by phone or email. Also, our Office of International Operations home page provides more information to assist our customers living abroad. Thanks.

  10. Joe

    Is there any kind of SS waiver for US citizens that are subject to the Foreign Work Test, while collecting SS benefits living abroad if the US citizen’s part-time self-employment income is very negligible? Or will the SS still suspend the entire amount of monthly benefits, for the number of months worked, even though this suspension will result in extreme financial hardship bordering on homelessness? Example: beneficiary is 65 (and will turn 66 in two months) and has been receiving $500 monthly but worked part-time the previous 3 months at 45~50 hours monthly.Then the work stops. Will the SS still deduct the $500 per month for the previous three months worked, for a total of $1500, regardless that the deduction would result in extreme financial hardship?

    • Ray F.

      Hi Joe. The foreign work test only applies to monthly benefits of those who work before attaining their full retirement age. If you were born between 1943 and 1954 then your full retirement age is 66. Under the foreign work test, your monthly benefit is withheld for each calendar month that you work:
      A. Outside the U.S.;
      B. In work for pay not covered by Social Security; and
      C. For more than 45 hours.
      For further assistance with your Social Security benefits, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy 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.

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