Collecting Social Security While Living Abroad: Complete Guide
Yes, you can collect Social Security overseas. Here's where it works, where it doesn't, and how to set up international direct deposit.
Key Takeaways
- 1Most Americans can collect Social Security in most countries worldwide.
- 2Some countries (Cuba, North Korea, certain others) have payment restrictions.
- 3Direct deposit to foreign banks is available in many countries.
- 4Totalization agreements let you combine U.S. and foreign work credits.
- 5Medicare does NOT work outside the U.S. - plan for alternative healthcare.
- 6Annual proof of life may be required when living abroad.
Where You Can Collect Social Security
U.S. citizens can receive Social Security payments in most countries around the world.
- **Citizens:** Can receive payments in most countries indefinitely
- **Popular destinations covered:** Mexico, Canada, Portugal, Costa Rica, Panama, Thailand
- **No reduction:** Full benefits paid, same as if you lived in the U.S.
- **Direct deposit available:** Many countries allow direct deposit to local banks
- **Alternative:** Can always deposit to U.S. bank and transfer or use ATM abroad
- **Check SSA tool:** Use ssa.gov payments abroad screening tool for your specific country
Quick Check
Visit ssa.gov and search "payments abroad screening tool" to instantly check if your destination country allows payments.
Countries with Payment Restrictions
Some countries have restrictions or prohibitions on receiving U.S. Social Security payments.
- **Payments accumulate:** Even if restricted, benefits may be paid once you move to an unrestricted country
- **30-day rule:** Payments stop after 30 days in restricted countries for non-citizens
- **Citizens better protected:** U.S. citizens face fewer restrictions than non-citizen beneficiaries
| Country | Restriction | Workaround |
|---|---|---|
| Cuba | No payments | None while present |
| North Korea | No payments | None |
| Belarus | Restricted | Some exceptions |
| Azerbaijan | Restricted | Some exceptions |
| Kazakhstan | Restricted | Some exceptions |
| Kyrgyzstan | Restricted | Some exceptions |
| Moldova | Restricted | Some exceptions |
| Tajikistan | Restricted | Some exceptions |
| Turkmenistan | Restricted | Some exceptions |
| Uzbekistan | Restricted | Some exceptions |
List current as of 2024 - verify at ssa.gov
International Direct Deposit
Social Security offers direct deposit to banks in many countries, eliminating the need for U.S. bank accounts.
- **Available in 80+ countries:** Most popular retirement destinations included
- **Currency conversion:** SSA deposits in USD; your bank converts to local currency
- **Exchange rates:** Bank's rate applies - compare before choosing a bank
- **Notify SSA:** Must inform Social Security of new address and banking details
- **Form required:** Complete direct deposit form with foreign bank details
- **Alternative:** Keep U.S. bank, use Schwab or Fidelity for free ATM withdrawals worldwide
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Direct Deposit | Convenient, local currency | Exchange rate varies, harder to switch |
| U.S. Bank + ATM Card | USD control, easy to manage | ATM fees, withdrawal limits |
| U.S. Bank + Transfer | Best rates (Wise, etc.) | More steps required |
Exploring your retirement options?
Our 60-second quiz matches you with the right account type
Totalization Agreements: Combining Work Credits
If you worked in both the U.S. and another country, totalization agreements can help you qualify for benefits from both systems.
- **Purpose:** Prevent double Social Security taxation and combine credits
- **Currently 30 agreements:** Including Canada, UK, Germany, Australia, Portugal
- **How it works:** If you don't have enough U.S. credits, foreign credits can help qualify
- **Example:** 8 years U.S. work + 3 years UK work = potentially eligible for both systems
- **No Panama/Costa Rica:** Popular retirement destinations don't have agreements
- **Only for qualification:** Actual benefit amount based on each country's formula
Totalization Agreement Countries
Major countries include: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK.
Critical: Medicare Does NOT Work Abroad
This is the most important thing to understand: Medicare coverage stops at the U.S. border.
- **No coverage:** Medicare pays nothing for healthcare received outside the U.S.
- **Must plan alternatives:** Local health system, private insurance, or medical tourism
- **Medigap policies:** Some cover emergency care abroad, but not routine care
- **Keep Medicare?:** Opinions vary - some keep Part A (free), drop Part B (monthly premium)
- **Re-enrollment:** If you drop Part B, re-enrolling later has penalties and waiting periods
- **Popular solution:** Maintain cheap private insurance abroad + travel to U.S. for major procedures
| Medicare Part | Monthly Cost | Worth Keeping? |
|---|---|---|
| Part A (Hospital) | Free (usually) | Yes - no cost, keeps option open |
| Part B (Medical) | $174.70+ (2024) | Depends - penalty to re-enroll later |
| Part D (Drugs) | Varies | Usually no - drugs cheaper abroad |
| Medigap | Varies | Maybe - emergency coverage abroad |
Notify Social Security of Your Move
You must inform SSA of your foreign address. Failure to report address changes can result in payment interruptions. You may also need to complete annual proof-of-life questionnaires to continue receiving benefits.
Supplement Social Security with Protected Assets
Social Security provides a foundation, but many expats want additional security. A Gold IRA offers universal protection.
- Gold value is recognized worldwide - true international asset
- Supplements Social Security with tangible wealth
- Protects against currency fluctuations between USD and local currency
- Tax-advantaged growth continues regardless of where you live
- Physical gold can't be inflated away by any government
- Provides security beyond any single country's economy
Frequently Asked Questions
1Will my Social Security be reduced if I live abroad?
No. U.S. citizens receive the same benefit amount regardless of where they live. There are no reductions for living overseas (though some non-citizen beneficiaries may face reductions in certain countries).
2Can I use a U.S. mailing address if I live abroad?
SSA prefers your actual foreign address for official records. However, you can use services like mail forwarding if needed. The key is being honest about where you actually live to avoid benefit fraud issues.
3What if I split time between the U.S. and abroad?
No problem. You can receive Social Security whether you're in the U.S., abroad, or traveling. Just maintain a valid address where SSA can reach you and complete any required forms.
4Should I keep paying Medicare premiums while abroad?
Part A is usually free, so keep it. Part B has monthly premiums ($174.70+ in 2024). If you drop Part B and later return to the U.S., you'll face late enrollment penalties of 10% per year you weren't enrolled. Many expats keep Part B as "insurance" for returning.
Related Articles
Helpful Guides
Interactive Tools
Ready to Protect Your Retirement?
Join thousands of Americans who have secured their savings with physical gold. Augusta Precious Metals makes the process simple.