How to Receive Social Security Benefits – While Living Outside the U.S.

If you’re living abroad or planning to move, you might be wondering: Can I still get my Social Security benefits overseas? The short answer is yes—for most U.S. citizens, receiving benefits while living outside the United States is completely possible.

But there are a few things to know before you pack your bags. Let’s walk through who qualifies, how to apply, and what to expect once you’re living outside the U.S.

Eligibility

U.S. citizens can usually collect Social Security retirement, disability, or survivor benefits while living in another country. However, your eligibility may depend on the specific country you’re in.

To check your situation, use the SSA Payments Abroad Screening Tool. This tool helps you figure out:

• Whether your benefits will continue without interruption
• Whether they’ll stop after six months
• Or if certain country-specific rules apply

For example, countries under U.S. sanctions or those without banking agreements may not allow automatic payments.

This tool is a great first step—especially if you’re planning a long-term stay or permanent move overseas.

Agreements

Here’s some good news: even if you worked part of your career outside the U.S., you may still qualify for U.S. Social Security benefits.

The U.S. has “totalization agreements” with more than two dozen countries. These agreements let you combine work credits earned in both countries to meet eligibility requirements for benefits.

So, if you don’t have enough U.S. credits alone, but worked in a country like Germany, Canada, or Japan, your combined credits might make you eligible.

Check if the country you worked in has a retirement agreement with the U.S. through the SSA’s website. It’s a game-changer for Americans who’ve lived and worked globally.

Application

Ready to apply? You don’t need to fly back to the U.S. to get started.

You can apply for Social Security benefits online from most countries. If you’re already living abroad, the process is fairly straightforward:

• Apply via the SSA website
• Set up direct deposit through a U.S. or foreign bank (if the country supports it)
• Keep your contact details and mailing address updated

The SSA makes international payments through electronic direct deposit in countries that participate in their program. This ensures you get your money safely and on time—no matter where you live.

Here’s a sample of what’s needed:

Requirement	Details
Online application	Available in most cases via SSA.gov
Banking info	U.S. or participating foreign bank for direct deposit
Address updates	Must keep SSA informed to avoid benefit disruption

Check the list of countries with direct deposit agreements to make sure yours is included.

Reporting

Once you’re receiving benefits abroad, the SSA wants to make sure you’re still eligible. To do this, they’ll mail you a questionnaire every one or two years. It asks basic questions about your status, residency, and any changes that might affect your eligibility.

Important: If you fail to respond to this questionnaire, your benefits could be suspended. Always watch for official mail and respond promptly.

To avoid this issue, make sure the SSA has your current address at all times.

Support

Need help? You’re not alone. The Office of Earnings and International Operations (OEIO) is your go-to contact for any Social Security questions outside the U.S.

You can:

• Get help with your application
• Report life events (marriage, divorce, death, etc.)
• Fix payment issues
• Ask about benefit changes

If you’re already overseas, you can also contact the Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. They act as liaisons between you and the SSA, helping with local support and document handling.

FAQs