Retirement Social Security

Moving Abroad Could Cost You Your Social Security - Here’s Who’s at Risk

Some retirees could lose Social Security by moving outside of the U.S.

By Stacy Garrels

Edited by Amanda Machado

Updated Jan. 22, 2026

For many remote workers and retirees, living abroad means living the dream. The experience can offer a lower cost of living, slower pace of life, and the freedom to start traveling more while stretching budgets much further.

But if you draw Social Security, collecting benefits overseas is not automatic. The rules around collection surprise many people after they move, and certain individuals risk losing their Social Security if they move abroad in retirement.

Here's what to know about why benefits can stop when it comes to relocating outside of the U.S.

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Non-U.S. citizens who don't meet eligibility exceptions

If you are not a U.S. citizen, Social Security generally stops payments after you have been outside the United States for six full calendar months.

To keep benefits flowing, you must qualify for a specific exemption or return and remain lawfully present in the U.S. for an entire calendar month.

Short visits do not always reset the clock. In some cases, you must be physically present for every hour of an entire month to restart payments.

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Anyone living in restricted or sanctioned countries

Social Security payments cannot be sent to people living in certain countries due to U.S. Treasury restrictions. These include Cuba and North Korea, along with several former Soviet republics, where payments are generally withheld.

If you move to one of these countries, benefits may be suspended until you relocate to a country where payments are allowed.

Noncitizens who fail residency or work credit rules

Some noncitizens can receive benefits abroad if they meet minimum U.S. work or residency requirements. In many instances, that means at least 40 Social Security credits or 10 years of U.S. residence.

If these requirements are not met, payments can stop after six months abroad and may not resume until the individual qualifies again or returns to the U.S. under strict rules.

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Dependents and survivors who don't meet residency requirements

Dependents and survivors can face additional residency hurdles. In some cases, they must prove they have lived in the United States for at least five years while in a qualifying family relationship.

If those residency requirements are not met, benefits may be suspended while living abroad, even if the primary worker paid into Social Security for decades.

Beneficiaries who fail to respond to SSA questionnaires

The Social Security Administration regularly sends questionnaires to beneficiaries living outside the U.S. These forms are to confirm continued eligibility.

Failing to comply can cause payments to stop, even if you otherwise meet all eligibility rules. Benefits typically resume only after the SSA receives the required information.

Some dual citizens

Holding dual citizenship can complicate Social Security payments. If you retain your citizenship, it's generally straightforward, as you are treated as a U.S. citizen for payment purposes.

However, if you reside in a restricted country such as Cuba or North Korea, or fail to meet reporting and residency rules, payments can still be suspended. Dual citizenship only protects eligibility when all other requirements are met.

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Certain instances where you renounce U.S. citizenship

Renouncing U.S. citizenship does not erase previously earned Social Security credits, but it does change how eligibility is evaluated. Once citizenship is renounced, you are treated as a non-U.S. citizen.

That means payment eligibility depends on country of residence, work credits, residency history, and whether an international agreement applies. Payments can stop if no exception applies.

You are incarcerated abroad

Social Security benefits are generally suspended during incarceration following a criminal conviction, and this includes imprisonment outside of the United States.

Payments typically resume after release, assuming the individual still meets citizenship, residency, and country eligibility requirements.

You are skirting tax obligations

Living abroad does not exempt U.S. citizens and even some noncitizens from tax obligations. Failure to report required information or income can result in penalties and interrupt benefits.

The SSA requires timely reporting of any changes that impact eligibility. Failure to comply can lead to overpayments, suspensions, or recovery actions.

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You have unresolved tax debt

Social Security benefits can be reduced to collect unpaid federal tax debt through federal offset programs. While moving or living abroad does not trigger collection on its own, unresolved tax debt can reduce monthly payments as the SSA can garnish or caption a portion of your monthly benefit.

This reduction can complicate budgeting for retirees relying heavily on Social Security income overseas.

Bottom line

Retirement abroad does not automatically mean keeping or losing Social Security benefits. Citizenship status, country of residence, work history, and reporting compliance all matter. Many suspensions in benefits stem from good-faith efforts and not a willful flouting of the law.

Before relocating, make sure to confirm eligibility rules and plan your move accordingly.

And remember, relocating abroad isn't the only way to enjoy a change of scene. With greater flexibility on flight dates and stellar senior travel discounts, long vacations abroad can be economical and enjoyable.

In fact, if you're contemplating a full-time move, starting with a three-month holiday may be a good way for you to first kick the financial tires.

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