Can I collect Social Security retirement benefits while living overseas permanently?
I'm thinking about retiring to Portugal next year when I turn 66 (my full retirement age). I've worked in the US my entire life and paid into Social Security for over 35 years. Will I still be able to receive my full SS retirement benefits if I'm living in another country? Do I need to maintain a US bank account or address? Will there be any tax complications or payment delays? I've heard conflicting information from friends - some say it's no problem at all while others claim there are restrictions for certain countries. Any firsthand experience would be greatly appreciated!
21 comments
Join the conversation
Fernanda Marquez
Yes, you can absolutely collect Social Security while living abroad in most countries! I've been living in Mexico for 4 years now while receiving my benefits without any issues. The SSA deposits my payment directly into my US bank account, which I then transfer to my Mexican account. A few things to know: 1. There are restrictions for certain countries (Cuba, North Korea, etc.) but Portugal is fine 2. You'll need to complete an annual questionnaire from SSA to verify you're still alive 3. Having a US bank account makes things much easier 4. You may need to file tax returns in both countries depending on their tax treaties SSA has a really helpful publication called "Your Payments While You Are Outside The United States" that covers all the specifics.
0 coins
Aidan Percy
AuthorThank you so much for this information! I'll definitely look up that publication. Do you use a specific service to transfer money from your US account to your Mexican one? And have you had any issues with the annual verification process?
0 coins
Norman Fraser
My aunt moved to Spain 3 years ago and had TONS of problems with her social security!!! They kept freezing her payments bc they couldnt verify her identity and she had to keep calling them which was a nightmare with the time difference. She ended up having to fly back to the US twice to sort things out at the local office!!! Just be prepared for headaches!!!
0 coins
Kendrick Webb
Not everyone has that experience though. My parents have lived in Thailand for 8 years with no issues getting their SS checks. Depends on the country and maybe just luck.
0 coins
Hattie Carson
Social Security retirement benefits are payable to eligible U.S. citizens regardless of where they live, with a few exceptions. As already mentioned, there are restrictions for payments to citizens in certain countries like Cuba, North Korea, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. For most other countries including Portugal, you'll receive your full benefits. Here's what you need to know: 1. Direct deposit is available for many countries, but you may want to maintain a U.S. bank account 2. The SSA will send you a Form SSA-7162 (Foreign Enforcement Questionnaire) periodically 3. You'll still be subject to U.S. tax on your Social Security benefits 4. Portugal has a tax treaty with the U.S., but you should consult with a tax professional familiar with both systems 5. Report any address changes promptly to SSA You can find country-specific information in SSA Publication No. 05-10137.
0 coins
Destiny Bryant
wait so do you HAVE to keep a US bank account? i dont have one anymore since i moved to canada
0 coins
Hattie Carson
No, you don't absolutely have to maintain a U.S. bank account. The SSA can make direct deposits to financial institutions in many countries including Canada. However, many expatriates find it easier to maintain a U.S. account for receiving their benefits and then transferring funds as needed.
0 coins
Dyllan Nantx
i tried calling SSA about this exact issue last month and spent 3 HOURS on hold only to be disconnected!!!! their international number is just as bad. if anyone needs to actually talk to an agent at social security, i found this service called Claimyr that got me through to a real person in under 5 minutes. saved my sanity! you can check them out at claimyr.com or see how it works here: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU
0 coins
Aidan Percy
AuthorThanks for sharing this! I was dreading having to call them. I'll definitely look into this service since I'll probably need to speak with someone directly about my specific situation.
0 coins
TillyCombatwarrior
does this really work? ive spent literally DAYS trying to get thru to someone at SSA
0 coins
TillyCombatwarrior
My cousin moved to France last year and gets his SS no problem. BUT he said the exchange rates make a big difference month to month on what he actually gets to spend. might wanna think about that part too
0 coins
Fernanda Marquez
This is an excellent point. The exchange rate fluctuations can significantly impact your purchasing power. Some expats I know time their money transfers based on favorable exchange rates rather than transferring the same amount each month.
0 coins
Kendrick Webb
One thing nobody mentioned - Medicare doesn't cover healthcare outside the US (with very limited exceptions). You'll need to figure out healthcare in Portugal or international coverage.
0 coins
Aidan Percy
AuthorI hadn't even thought about the Medicare issue! That's a really important point. I'll need to research Portugal's healthcare system and what options I have as an expat. Thank you!
0 coins
Destiny Bryant
what about the FATCA stuff?? dont u have to report ur foreign bank accounts to the US govt? thats wat my friend said and it sounds like a huge pain
0 coins
Hattie Carson
Yes, U.S. citizens are required to report foreign financial accounts that exceed certain thresholds under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) and the Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) requirements. This is separate from Social Security but an important consideration for anyone living abroad.
0 coins
Norman Fraser
Has anyone dealt with getting a Social Security office to authenticate documents for residency visa applications?? I'm thinking about Ecuador which needs all these verified documents and it feels IMPOSSIBLE to get an appointment!!!
0 coins
Dyllan Nantx
That's exactly what I used the Claimyr service for! Needed to get an appointment for document authentication and couldn't get through on the phone for weeks. Worth every penny to finally talk to someone.
0 coins
Fernanda Marquez
Another important tip if you're moving to Portugal specifically - they have a favorable tax regime for new residents called the NHR (Non-Habitual Resident) program that might allow you to pay little to no tax on your Social Security benefits for 10 years. Definitely consult with a Portuguese tax advisor who specializes in expats before making your move.
0 coins
Aidan Percy
AuthorThis is incredibly helpful information! I had no idea about this tax program. I'll definitely look into working with a tax specialist familiar with both US and Portuguese systems. Thank you so much!
0 coins
Camila Jordan
Just wanted to add that you should also consider setting up online banking access before you move! I made the mistake of not doing this properly before relocating to Costa Rica, and it was a nightmare trying to verify my identity remotely later. Most US banks will let you manage everything online, but some security features require you to be physically present to set up initially. Also, make sure your bank knows about your move - mine froze my account thinking my Portugal transactions were fraudulent! A quick call to let them know your travel/relocation plans can save you a lot of headaches.
0 coins