Retiring Abroad While Collecting Social Security: What American Retirees Need to Know

The dream of retiring abroad has never been more appealing to Americans. Whether it’s the allure of lower living costs, a different lifestyle, or simply a fresh start in a new country, many U.S. citizens are exploring this possibility. But here’s the critical question that keeps potential expat retirees up at night: Will I lose my Social Security benefits if I move overseas?

The Good News: You Can Keep Your Checks

The straightforward answer is yes—in most situations, you can continue collecting your Social Security payments while living outside the United States. This applies to retirement benefits, disability insurance, and survivor benefits alike. The number tells the story: approximately 760,000 Americans are currently receiving Social Security while living abroad, a dramatic increase from the roughly 400,000 who did so in 2000. This 25-year growth reflects both the feasibility and attractiveness of this lifestyle choice.

However, there’s an important caveat for non-U.S. citizens and those on Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI is fundamentally different—it’s tied to your financial resources rather than your work record, making it largely unavailable to those residing outside America. For non-citizens, eligibility depends heavily on your home country and the duration of your overseas stay.

The Catch: Nine Countries Are Off-Limits

While most of the world is fair game, nine specific nations remain on the Social Security “no-payment” list. If you’re planning to retire abroad, these destinations won’t work for benefit collection:

The Restricted Countries:

• Azerbaijan
• Belarus
• Cuba
• Kazakhstan
• Kyrgyzstan
• North Korea
• Tajikistan
• Turkmenistan
• Uzbekistan

If you temporarily live in any of these countries, your missed payments can be recovered retroactively—except if you spend time in Cuba or North Korea, where any withheld amounts are forfeited permanently.

The Logistics: Forms, Proof, and Annual Requirements

Here’s what you need to handle to maintain your benefits while retiring abroad:

Annual Verification: You must submit proof-of-life documents annually (or biannually, depending on Social Security Administration requirements). This straightforward step confirms you’re still alive and eligible.

Form SSA-7162: This two-page form is your primary reporting tool. It captures changes to your residency status, marital situation, and other relevant information that could affect your benefits.

Tax Obligations: Don’t assume that living overseas exempts you from U.S. tax responsibilities. You’ll still need to file a U.S. tax return, even while collecting Social Security abroad.

Pension Considerations: If you receive foreign-based pension income, Social Security may reduce your benefits accordingly, so it’s worth running the numbers before committing to your move.

No Time Limit—But Stay Informed

One of the most reassuring aspects of retiring abroad on Social Security is this: there’s no expiration date. You can live overseas for months, years, or even your entire retirement without losing benefits, provided you maintain compliance with the annual reporting requirements.

The Bottom Line

For most American retirees, retiring abroad while keeping Social Security benefits is entirely feasible. Nearly three-quarters of a million Americans are already doing it successfully. The key is understanding the restrictions, staying organized with paperwork, and verifying that your chosen destination isn’t on the prohibited list. With proper planning and compliance, your retirement abroad can proceed without financial interruption.