Social Security online account impossible to create for non-US residents - any workarounds?
I recently moved to Portugal for retirement and I'm trying to set up my MySocialSecurity online account to track my benefits, but I've hit a wall. The SSA website requires a US phone number during registration for verification purposes, which I obviously don't have anymore as an expat. I've tried using my old Google Voice number, but it won't accept it. This seems incredibly shortsighted considering many US citizens retire abroad but still collect Social Security benefits. Has anyone living overseas managed to create an online account successfully? Is there a workaround or is SSA planning to update this system anytime soon? I'm tired of waiting weeks for paper statements and having zero online access to my benefit information.
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Carmen Ruiz
Same problem here in Thailand! Been overseas 7 years and never been able to set up the online account. Called SSA about it last year and they just said 'sorry that's how the system works' 🙄
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Yuki Sato
•Ugh, that's frustrating. Did they offer any alternative method for checking your benefit information? Or are we just supposed to wait for paper mail that takes forever to arrive internationally?
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Andre Lefebvre
You might be able to use a friend or family member's US phone number for the initial verification. That's what I did when I moved to Spain. My daughter in Boston let me use her number, and once the account was set up, I could access it from anywhere. The phone verification is really just for the initial setup.
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Yuki Sato
•That's a helpful suggestion! I'm wondering though - don't they occasionally send verification codes to that number for security purposes? Would I need to keep bothering my relatives every time I need to log in?
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Andre Lefebvre
•They do sometimes require re-verification, especially if you're logging in from a new device or location. But it's not every time. Maybe once every few months in my experience. I just plan ahead and text my daughter when I know I'll need to access the account. Not ideal but workable.
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Zoe Alexopoulos
I work with many expat clients, and this is a common frustration. Unfortunately, SSA has no immediate plans to change this requirement because of their security protocols. A few potential solutions: 1. Maintain a US-based VoIP number like Google Voice (though you mentioned this didn't work - some have had success with paid VoIP services) 2. Use a trusted relative's US number (as mentioned above) 3. If you're visiting the US, you can go to any SSA office in person to request they help with account creation 4. Consider a mail forwarding service that digitizes your SSA correspondence The system is definitely behind the times regarding international access.
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Yuki Sato
•Thanks for these suggestions! I'm not planning to visit the US anytime soon, but the mail forwarding service sounds interesting. Do you have any specific recommendations? And have any paid VoIP services consistently worked for your clients?
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Zoe Alexopoulos
•For mail forwarding, many clients use US Global Mail or Traveling Mailbox. For VoIP, several clients have had success with Hushed or Burner, which provide US numbers that can receive verification texts. Just make sure to keep the subscription active as long as you need SSA access.
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Jamal Anderson
the whole system is RIGGED against expats!!! ive lived in colombia 5 years now and SSA treats us like second class citizens. they expect us to either fly back to america every time we need help or wait MONTHS for mail responses. its not just the online accounts either - try getting ANY help when overseas and youll see how the system is designed to frustrate us until we give up!!!!!
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Mei Wong
•I hear ya. Been in Costa Rica 3 years and it's a nightmare trying to get anyone on the phone at SSA. Called 8 times last month about a payment issue and kept getting disconnected after waiting 1+ hour each time.
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QuantumQuasar
•I found a service called Claimyr that actually helped me get through to SSA from overseas when I had a critical issue with my payments. It basically holds your place in the phone queue and calls you when an agent is available. Saved me hours of international calling charges. Their video demo explains it well: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU and website is claimyr.com if anyone's interested. Not a permanent solution to the online account issue, but helped me resolve my immediate problem when I needed to speak with someone.
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Liam McGuire
Just wanted to share my workaround. I kept my U.S. bank account and a basic prepaid T-Mobile plan ($15/month) with a US number specifically for things like this. Yes, it's an extra expense, but it's worth it for maintaining access to financial accounts, government services, etc. The phone stays in a drawer in my apartment in Malaysia and I only use it via WiFi for receiving verification codes.
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Carmen Ruiz
•Smart idea but feels ridiculous we have to pay monthly just to access our own benefit info that we earned! SSA should update their systems for the digital age
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Liam McGuire
•Agreed 100%. It's a ridiculous expense just to access basic services. The SSA, banking systems, and many government services are decades behind when it comes to accommodating citizens living abroad. I've written to my congress person about it but doubtful anything will change soon.
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Andre Lefebvre
I forgot to mention another important point - if you're having trouble with the online account, make sure you've notified SSA of your foreign address through their official change of address process. Some expats don't realize this is a separate requirement from setting up direct deposit to a foreign bank or US bank. If they don't have your current address on file, it can cause other issues with your online access attempts.
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Yuki Sato
•That's a good point. I did file the change of address form (SSA-21) when I moved, and my direct deposit is still going to my US bank. But maybe something got missed in their system. Do you know if there's a way to confirm they have my foreign address correctly recorded?
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Andre Lefebvre
•You can call their international line at +1-410-965-8700 (not toll-free) to verify your address is correct in their system. Another option is contacting the Federal Benefits Unit at the nearest US Embassy or Consulate - sometimes they're more helpful than calling SSA directly.
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Mei Wong
my wifes cousin works for ssa and she said they actually ARE working on a solution for international beneficiaries but its been delayed bc of budget issues. supposed to roll out sometime next year maybe
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Zoe Alexopoulos
•That's interesting to hear. I haven't seen any official announcements about this, but it would certainly be a welcome improvement. The current system really doesn't account for the mobility of beneficiaries in today's world.
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