Receiving Social Security while living abroad

One of the first questions Americans ask about retiring abroad is whether their Social Security will follow them. For U.S. citizens, the answer is usually yes. There are a few rules worth knowing before you go.

Where benefits can be paid

U.S. citizens can generally receive Social Security while living in most other countries. The main exceptions are Cuba and North Korea, where Social Security can't send payments, and a small number of other countries with special restrictions. If you aren't a U.S. citizen, different rules can apply depending on your citizenship and where you live. Social Security's online Payments Abroad Screening Tool will tell you what applies to you.

Getting paid

Social Security offers international direct deposit to banks in many countries, paid in the local currency. In other places, you can keep benefits going to a U.S. bank account and transfer what you need, which many retirees do anyway. If you keep a U.S. account, choose one that works well from abroad and doesn't charge heavy foreign transaction fees.

Staying in touch with Social Security

Social Security may periodically send a questionnaire to people living abroad to confirm they're still eligible. Answer it promptly, or your payments can be suspended. Keep your mailing address current, and know how to reach the U.S. embassy or consulate that handles Social Security questions for your country.

Totalization agreements

The U.S. has totalization agreements with about 30 countries. They do two things: keep you from paying social security taxes to both countries on the same work, and let you combine work credits from both countries if you don't have enough in one to qualify for benefits. If you've worked in another country, or plan to, check whether there's an agreement with it.

Foreign pensions

Until recently, a pension from work that didn't pay into U.S. Social Security, including some foreign pensions, could reduce your Social Security benefit under rules known as the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset. Congress repealed those rules in 2025, so they no longer reduce benefits.

Taxes on your benefits

Social Security can be taxed by the U.S. and, sometimes, by your new country. Tax treaties often decide which country gets to tax it. Look up the treaty with your destination, or ask a cross-border tax adviser.

Medicare is separate

Receiving Social Security abroad doesn't bring Medicare coverage with it: Medicare generally doesn't pay for care outside the U.S. Plan your health coverage separately.

This is general information. Payment rules and country restrictions can change, so confirm your situation with Social Security.