Do you lose your social security if you move to another country?

Oct 27, 2025 3 min read •

Healthy Aging Senior Finance Expatriate Living

The Social Security Administration sends over 700,000 benefit payments to retirees living overseas each year, confirming that it is possible to live abroad and collect your U.S. benefits. The question, "Do you lose your social security if you move to another country?" requires a nuanced answer that depends heavily on your citizenship and destination.

Quick Summary

Most U.S. citizens can continue receiving Social Security benefits while living in another country, with payments ceasing only in a few restricted nations. For non-U.S. citizens, different rules apply, often hinging on residency duration, country of citizenship, and special agreements. Payments for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) stop if you are outside the U.S. for an extended period, so understanding the specifics is critical for planning.

Key Points

Citizenship Matters: Your ability to receive Social Security benefits abroad largely depends on your citizenship, with U.S. citizens facing fewer restrictions than non-U.S. citizens.
Country Restrictions Exist: U.S. citizens cannot receive payments in certain sanctioned countries like Cuba and North Korea, while additional restrictions apply to countries like Azerbaijan and Belarus.
Non-Citizens Have Limitations: Non-U.S. citizens typically have payments suspended after six consecutive months outside the country, unless an exception via a totalization agreement or other rule applies.
SSI is Different: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is almost always terminated if you are outside the U.S. for more than 30 consecutive days, with very few exceptions.
Direct Deposit is Best: To ensure reliable payment delivery overseas, using direct deposit to a U.S. or international bank with an agreement is the safest method.
Reporting is Required: All beneficiaries living abroad must regularly report changes in address, marital status, or work activity to the Social Security Administration to prevent payment suspension.

Can U.S. Citizens Get Social Security Payments Overseas?

For U.S. citizens, the answer is generally yes. You can live in most foreign countries and continue to receive your Social Security benefits without interruption.

Restrictions for U.S. Citizens

While most countries allow payments, restrictions exist for beneficiaries residing in Cuba or North Korea due to U.S. Treasury Department prohibitions. In these cases, payments are withheld until you move to an unrestricted country, at which point you can receive the full amount withheld. Certain other countries, including Azerbaijan and Belarus, have general restrictions, but exceptions may be possible. Contacting the SSA or a Federal Benefits Unit is advised if you plan to move to one of these countries.

Rules for Non-U.S. Citizens Living Abroad

Non-U.S. citizens face stricter rules. Payments are suspended for those outside the U.S. for more than six consecutive months unless an exception applies.

Exceptions enabling non-U.S. citizens to receive payments abroad include:

Totalization Agreements: Agreements with many countries coordinate Social Security coverage.
Country of Citizenship: Eligibility may depend on your country of citizenship and international agreements.
5-Year Residency Rule: Non-citizen dependents and survivors may need to meet a five-year U.S. residency requirement, with potential exceptions.

Impact on Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI benefits are need-based and have stricter rules for living abroad. SSI payments stop if you are outside the U.S. for more than 30 consecutive days and will not resume until you return for at least 30 consecutive days. Exceptions are limited to certain military dependents and students.

Managing Your Social Security Payments Abroad

Effective management is vital if you plan to live abroad to prevent payment interruptions. Direct deposit is the most secure way to receive payments abroad. Beneficiaries living abroad must report certain changes to the SSA.

Comparing Social Security Rules: U.S. Citizens vs. Non-Citizens

Understanding the differences based on citizenship is crucial. The table below highlights key distinctions for receiving benefits while living abroad.


Feature	U.S. Citizens	Non-U.S. Citizens
General Eligibility	Can receive benefits in most countries indefinitely.	Benefits suspended after six months abroad, unless an exception applies.
Country Restrictions	Payments withheld in sanctioned countries like Cuba/North Korea, can be received retroactively upon leaving.	Payments withheld and lost for time spent in sanctioned countries like Cuba/North Korea.
Totalization Agreements	Generally covered.	Can use agreements if citizen or resident of an agreement country.
SSI Eligibility	Payments stop after 30 days outside the U.S..	Same rules as U.S. citizens; SSI stops after 30 days abroad.
Reinstating Payments	If withheld due to sanctioned country, reinstated upon moving to eligible location.	Must return to U.S. for a full calendar month to reinstate payments.

Conclusion: The Bottom Line

The idea that you automatically lose your social security if you move to another country is incorrect. U.S. citizens can generally receive benefits abroad with limited exceptions, while non-U.S. citizens face more complex rules related to residency and international agreements. Anyone planning to live abroad should research the specific rules for their situation, use the SSA's tools, and set up direct deposit to ensure smooth benefit continuation.

For more detailed information, consult the Social Security Administration's website: {Link: ssa.gov https://www.ssa.gov/international/}

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, yes, as long as you are eligible for payments and are not living in one of the few restricted countries like Cuba or North Korea. Payments for citizens in sanctioned countries are typically withheld until they move to an unrestricted country.

Not necessarily, but payments are often suspended. For most non-U.S. citizens, benefits are stopped if they are outside the United States for more than six consecutive months, unless they meet specific exceptions like residing in a country with a totalization agreement.

A totalization agreement is a bilateral pact between the U.S. and another country that coordinates Social Security programs. These agreements help eliminate dual taxation and can allow non-U.S. citizens residing in that country to continue receiving benefits.

No. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments stop if you are outside the United States for more than 30 consecutive days. Benefits will not restart until you return to the U.S. for at least 30 consecutive days.

If you are a U.S. citizen, your payments will be withheld while you reside in the sanctioned country (e.g., Cuba, North Korea), but you can receive the withheld funds once you move to a country where payments can be sent. Non-citizens residing in Cuba or North Korea lose payments for those months.

The most reliable method is direct deposit to a U.S. bank or a bank in a country with an international direct deposit agreement. This avoids the risks associated with paper checks.

Yes. U.S. citizens and green card holders are subject to U.S. income tax law regardless of where they live. Up to 85% of your Social Security benefits may be taxable, and you will also need to consider any potential taxes in your country of residence.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.