Can You Live Abroad And Collect Social Security Disability?

It’s true that most Huntington’s disease families live in the United States (US), but it’s not true for everyone. How will moving outside of the US affect your Social Security? The amount of your Social Security benefit determines whether or not you can receive it while living outside the US.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) reports that nearly 760,000 Americans receive benefits abroad each year. However, not everyone qualifies. 

You may be able to collect Social Security retirement, disability, or survivor benefits even if you retire or move abroad. The rules vary based on your citizenship, nationality, and country of residence. The following information will help you.

Can You Live Abroad And Collect Social Security Disability?

The following are some basics about whether you’ll be eligible to collect Social Security benefits while living outside the United States:

If you’re a citizen of the United States

If you have not lived in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, or American Samoa for at least 30 consecutive days, you are considered “outside the United States.”.

Citizens of the United States can generally collect retirement, disability, or survivor benefits while overseas if they meet the usual eligibility criteria. There are some countries, however, where Social Security does not pay benefits, including Cuba, North Korea, and some former Soviet republics. The unpaid benefits you would have received if you lived in one of those countries would be paid to you when you entered another country that can send payments.

It is possible to determine whether you are eligible to collect benefits outside of the United States with the Social Security Administration’s Payments Abroad Screening Tool.

If you are not a citizen of the United States

There are different rules for non-U.S. citizens depending on where they live, their citizenship, and the type of Social Security benefits they receive.

You can look at a list of totalization agreements on the Social Security Administration’s website, and you can link to them. Many of these rules are governed by so-called “totalization agreements” between the U.S. and 30 other countries.

For dependents or survivors receiving benefits, you may need to meet additional residency requirements. For example, you may need to show that you resided in the U.S. for five years and were in a qualifying family relationship.

When recipients leave the United States for six months or more, Social Security usually stops paying them, but they will resume them if they return for at least a month.

Updating Your Information

A questionnaire is periodically sent to beneficiaries who live outside the United States to determine their eligibility for Social Security benefits. You will be asked to provide information about your employment abroad, marriage, death, divorce, change of address, change of circumstances, and eligibility for a pension that is not covered by Social Security.

In addition, if you fail to return the requested information, you will lose your benefits, regardless of whether you received a survey.

Also check: How To Increase Social Security Disability Payments?

Is it possible to collect Social Security benefits if I move abroad?

Most people are eligible to collect Social Security retirement, disability, or survivor benefits when they retire or move out of the country. However, some countries, such as Cuba, North Korea, and certain former Soviet republics, can’t receive benefits. A resident of one of these countries is not eligible for benefits during the time they are resident there; however, depending on their citizenship status and where they were living, they may be eligible for back payments once they leave.

Social Security be collected overseas by non-U.S. citizens?

Non-U.S. citizens must follow different rules depending on their location, citizenship, and the type of Social Security benefits they are receiving.

Is Supplemental Security Income (SSI) available abroad?

SSI is a program that provides income to the elderly and disabled who are low-income or have limited resources while living abroad. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments, however, can be collected outside the United States if you qualify. 

Insurance for Social Security Disability 

Whether you live in an eligible country or not, you can continue to receive SSDI benefits if you are a US citizen. 

SSA may not be able to send benefits in some countries. If you are moving, be sure to let SSA know where you are going, how long you will be gone, and when you will be back. A US citizen who is outside the country for more than six months may have their benefits stopped if they are a citizen of another country. 

It does not matter how long citizens stay outside the United States, they will continue to receive payments.  

Continuing to fill out paperwork for SSDI benefits may require you to return to the United States to be reviewed in person for eligibility.  

Income from Supplemental Security Pensions 

While abroad, SSI benefits will cease if you stay out of the country for more than 30 days. SSI benefits will resume once you return to the United States and remain in the country for over 30 days. It is important to keep the Social Security Administration informed about your location, as they cannot restart your benefits if they do not know you have returned.  

The Bottom Line

Consider your eligibility for Social Security benefits if you plan to move abroad. Be aware of the exceptions, such as where you plan to live and how your citizenship status may affect your eligibility. Make sure your information is up-to-date as well.