If you plan to retire or live outside the United States, you might wonder what happens to your Social Security payments. The good news is, in most cases, you can keep receiving your benefits even if you live abroad. Moving overseas does not automatically stop your payments, but there are some important rules you must know to avoid losing your money.
Can You Receive Social Security Payments Outside the U.S.?
Yes, the Social Security Administration (SSA) allows most beneficiaries to get payments while living abroad. But there are restrictions based on the country where you live and the type of benefit you receive.
The SSA has a list of countries where payments cannot be sent. This mainly includes countries with U.S. economic sanctions or places with serious problems in banking or mail systems.
If you live in one of these countries, your payments may be stopped immediately. To start getting payments again, you must move to a permitted country and inform the SSA of your new address.
Countries Where Social Security Payments Are Suspended
Payments may be suspended if you live in:
- Cuba – Payments are held until you move to an allowed country.
- North Korea – No payments allowed at all.
- Belarus – Suspended due to sanctions.
- Iran – Direct payments prohibited except in special cases with Treasury approval.
- Specific Occupied Regions of Ukraine (Crimea, Donetsk, Lugansk) – Payments may be withheld.
- Russia – Payments may be suspended due to banking sanctions.
What Should You Do If You Move Abroad?
If you move to another country while receiving Social Security:
- You must report your new international address to the SSA.
- You can do this online via “My Social Security” account, by phone, or by visiting a U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Keeping your address updated helps avoid payment delays or stoppages.
Since 2011, most payments sent abroad are made by direct electronic transfer to your bank account. Paper checks by mail are only available in very few countries with reliable postal services.
When Will You Receive Your Social Security Payment Overseas?
If you live outside the U.S., you usually get your Social Security payment on the 3rd day of each month. If the 3rd is a weekend or a federal holiday, the payment comes on the last business day before.
This schedule is the same for:
- Beneficiaries receiving only Social Security
- Beneficiaries receiving both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) (SSI payments arrive on the 1st, Social Security on the 3rd)
- Beneficiaries whose first Medicare premiums are paid by the state
Living abroad does not mean you lose your Social Security benefits, but you must follow SSA rules carefully. Be aware of countries where payments are suspended due to sanctions or other reasons, and always update your address with SSA to avoid interruptions.
Social Security payments overseas are reliable and usually come on the 3rd of every month, helping you plan your finances even when far from home.
