Can I collect Social Security retirement benefits while living overseas permanently?

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.

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!!!

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.

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

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

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.

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

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!!!

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.

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.

I'm in a similar situation - planning to retire abroad in the next few years and have been researching this extensively! One thing I'd add is to make sure you understand the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) rules if you have any foreign pensions or government benefits. Portugal has a totalization agreement with the US which can help with benefit calculations, but it's worth understanding how your Portuguese residence might affect your overall retirement income picture. Also, consider opening a Portuguese bank account before you move if possible - some expat forums mention that it's easier to do while you're still a tourist rather than after you become a resident. The bureaucracy can be quite different there! Has anyone dealt with getting their Social Security benefit verification letters translated and apostilled for Portuguese residency requirements?

I've been living in Portugal for 2 years now and receiving my Social Security without any major issues! A few things that might help with your planning: 1. **Banking**: I kept my US account with Bank of America since they have good international partnerships. Wise (formerly TransferWise) has been excellent for currency transfers with much better rates than traditional wire transfers. 2. **Portugal specifics**: You'll want to get your NIF (tax number) as soon as possible after arriving - you'll need it for almost everything. The SEF (immigration service) appointments can take months to get, so book early. 3. **Annual questionnaire**: It's really not a big deal - just confirms you're alive and still eligible. Takes 5 minutes online. 4. **Healthcare**: Portugal has excellent public healthcare that you can access as a resident. Many expats get private insurance as a supplement, but the public system is quite good. The Facebook groups "Americans & FriendsPT" and "Portugal Expats" have been incredibly helpful resources with people sharing real experiences. Portugal is very expat-friendly and the bureaucracy, while slow, is manageable. Feel free to reach out if you have specific questions about the move!