Retiring abroad is often cheaper than living in the US, making it an attractive choice for retirees. You can also choose a place with a warm climate and enjoy a slow life.
But people retiring overseas may worry about whether they can take their Social Security checks with them. Your citizenship status, place of retirement, type of benefit and other information determine whether Social Security comes with you, and the Social Security Administration has a screening tool that can help.
What the Social Security Payment tool does in other countries
The Social Security payments abroad tool helps people who want to live outside the US determine whether their Social Security payments can continue. It talks a lot about retirement, disability and survivor benefits. This tool does not determine your eligibility for Supplemental Security Income, special veterans benefits or other foster and survivor benefits.
You will need to provide some important information when using this tool, including your citizenship status, type of benefit and the country you plan to live in when you retire. This tool is a screen that provides a good gauge, but it is not an official earnings decision.
Why some Social Security checks stop overseas
Going on a two-week international vacation won’t affect your Social Security benefits, but an extended stay can make a difference. Supplemental Security Income is generally not paid if someone is outside the US for 30 consecutive days or a full calendar month.
Non-US citizens may stop receiving Social Security benefits if they leave the country for six consecutive calendar months, but exceptions apply. Social Security says that non-US citizens must provide physical proof that they were in the US at least once in the past six calendar months to keep their benefits. An official US government document from the Department of Homeland Security and a payment receipt showing your name, date and place of purchase in the US are two valid verification documents.
US citizens generally do not have to worry about losing Social Security benefits as long as they remain citizens and avoid any countries with restrictions.
What to do before you retire from Social Security
If you are a US citizen, and you want to keep your benefits, don’t go to a restricted country. The Foreign Social Security Payment Tool can help, but it’s even more important for non-US citizens. Get the results from that tool, print it out and contact the Social Security Administration and International Affairs office if you want confirmation or have a complicated situation. Federal Benefits Unit abroad is another good option.
You will also need to do some logistics work, such as updating your address and setting up a foreign bank account if needed. You will also receive a questionnaire from the Social Security Administration every one or two years.
One of the subtleties of living abroad is the difference between the US dollar and the currency of your new residence. Any foreign taxes and currency fluctuations may affect the total amount of your Social Security check.
