Thousands of Americans have the great desire to pursue a living in a foreign land, but the situation is different for those who depend on the Social Security fund as they are in a dilemma if they will continue to qualify for their pensions.
Two years later, the Social Security Administration’s rules and regulations will clearly set how payments will be administered when you are abroad irrespective of the country where you will be—and yes, it will be based on some very significant considerations.
What is Defined as Residing Outside the U.S.?
For Social Security purposes, if you are living “outside the U.S.”, that happens when you are not in any of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, or American Samoa for at least 30 days in a row. Upon fulfillment of that 30-day requirement, you are officially out of the U.S.
In order to revert to the position of being “in the U.S.”, you have to go back and stay in the country for 30 consecutive days.
If You Are a U.S. Citizen, Payments Can Be Sent Regularly to You
U.S. citizens who are qualified for Social Security money are usually able to receive the money as they actually live in a foreign state. On the other hand, the location where you live is a very important parameter regarding the receipt of these benefits. There are countries with which Social Security has a no-payment policy thus, it is impossible to send money there.
In the event that you’re considering retiring in another country, it is the best thing to do, so as not to miss out on the receipt of these payments, to confirm whether payments can be sent to that particular country. Certainly, there are countries that allow a hassle-free cash flow process and others that are a bit more demanding, maybe with additional steps or restrictions before they can release the money.
It Is Harder for Non-U.S. Citizens to Get Their Claims Approved
Staying abroad and getting your Social Security payments as a non-U.S. resident is quite a pickle situation. Normally, if you stay in a foreign country for six continuous calendar months, your payments will generally cease unless you qualify for any one of the available exceptions.
In case you are not a U.S. citizen, several methods to continue getting payments abroad are at your disposal:
- One of such methods is if you have earned sufficient work credits under the U.S. Social Security system.
- If you belong to a nation that has entered into a bilateral agreement with the U.S.
- You can also be a member (i.e. in the U.S. military), or you can be covered under a qualifying record, for example, the one of a U.S. worker with railroad service and the like.
To restart the payment, when it has been suspended, a non-citizen should come back to the U.S., and live there for at least 30 days in a row.
What About Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
Supplemental Security Income, SSI, is in a different league. They no longer finance you once you become an emigrant for more than 30 days in a row. And it is not only non-U.S. citizens who lose SSI benefits when they go abroad. Anyone citizens cannot get SSI overseas.
To be eligible for SSI again, you need to go back to the U.S. and be there for 30 days before the payments will be released again.
Carrying Out the Same Benefits While Overseas
If you want to keep getting the same benefits even abroad, there are some things you mustn’t forget to do:
- Prior to relocating, notify the Social Security Administration.
- Regularly update your address and contact details.
- Reply immediately to any letters or questionnaires you receive to confirm your location or status of eligibility.
Receiving Your Payments While Living Overseas
If you need to receive the funds and you are abroad then you are able to take the money through the U.S. bank without any problem. Also, the leading banks of various countries can provide for the incoming of your transaction. Nevertheless, it is necessary to verify whether direct deposit is available in the country, which you have chosen as a residence.
If you go to live abroad it does not mean that you have lost your Social Security benefits, but it is quite clear that there are some very specific and strict rules on this issue. Firstly, it is pivotal for you to know that the payment will be delivered depending on your eligibility of the given condition. If you are going to be residing outside the borders of the United States, you need to be aware of all the formalities and be ready to manage your benefits in time.
