How to Get Social Security While Living Outside the U.S.
- Author: Elizabeth Miller
- Posted: 2025-12-08
If you’re a U.S. citizen living abroad, you can usually continue receiving your Social Security benefits.
Here’s what you need to know to stay covered.
Who Can Receive Benefits Abroad
Most Americans who qualify for retirement, disability, or survivor benefits can get payments while living in another country.
To check your eligibility, use the SSA Payments Abroad Screening Tool. It tells you whether your benefits:
-
Continue without interruption
-
Stop after six months
-
Follow special country-specific rules
Need help? If you’re in the U.S., contact your local Social Security office. Abroad, use SSA’s international contacts list.
Using Work Credits From Other Countries
If you worked outside the U.S. and don’t have enough U.S. credits, you may still qualify.
The U.S. has totalization agreements with certain countries that allow you to combine work credits from both places to meet eligibility requirements.
Related: How To Appeal a Social Security Decision (Simple Guide for 2025–2026)
How to Apply and Get Paid
You can apply online from anywhere. Benefits are paid by direct deposit, either to a U.S. bank or a bank in a country with an international deposit agreement.
The SSA provides a full list of eligible countries.
Once you’re receiving payments abroad, the SSA will send a questionnaire every 1–2 years to verify you’re still eligible. Failing to respond may stop your payments.
Where to Get Help
If you have questions about applying or managing benefits, contact the Office of Earnings and International Operations (OEIO).
They assist Americans living overseas with all Social Security matters.
-
