Can You Collect Social Security while Living Abroad?

U.S. Citizen Living Abroad

As a U.S. citizen, you can continue receiving Social Security payments while living outside the country as long as you remain eligible and reside in a country that has a Totalization Agreement with the U.S.

Non-U.S. Citizen Living Abroad

Non-U.S. citizens who meet all eligibility requirements and are lawfully present in the United States may qualify for Social Security benefits. However, these benefits cannot be paid outside the U.S., except in the Philippines and certain U.S. territories.

Exceptions for Non-U.S. Citizens

There are exceptions to the general rule that non-U.S. citizens cannot receive Social Security benefits while living outside the U.S. These include:

• Individuals who worked in a U.S. territory or possession and earned Social Security credits there
• Individuals who are citizens of certain countries that have agreements with the U.S. (e.g., Germany, Japan, Switzerland)