Can a US citizen collect Social Security benefits and Medicare but live outside the US?
Asked by: Elna Glover MD | Last update: August 6, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (15 votes)
How long can you live outside the U.S. and still collect Social Security?
If you leave the U.S., we will stop your benefits the month after the sixth calendar month in a row that you are outside the country. You can make visits to the United States for specific periods of time, depending on how long you've been outside, to continue receiving your benefits.
Can I live outside the U.S. and get Medicare?
Eligibility for Medicare enrollment for U.S. citizens living abroad – As long as you live outside of the U.S. and don't qualify for Social Security benefits, you can't enroll in Medicare. Medicare enrollment periods – You can only enroll in Medicare during certain enrollment periods.
Do you lose your Social Security if you become a citizen of another country?
Renouncing your US citizenship does not automatically disqualify you from receiving Social Security benefits, but it can complicate the process. Your eligibility to continue receiving these benefits depends on whether the US has a totalization agreement with the country where you reside.
Do I have to pay taxes on Social Security if I live in another country?
Key Takeaways. Most expats are able to receive US Social Security payments while living abroad (if otherwise eligible). Social Security payments are considered taxable income and must be reported on a US income tax return. Totalization Agreements can help expats avoid double taxation and reduce their US tax burden.
Expat, Living Overseas, Living Abroad AND Social Security AND Medicare; AND Q&A
What countries can you live in and still collect Social Security?
If you are a resident of a country that has a U.S. social security agreement, (other than Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, or Switzerland), we will continue your U.S. Social Security payments.
What are the three ways you can lose your Social Security?
- No. 1: Keep working while taking benefits early. ...
- No. 2: Be a substantially lower-earning spouse. ...
- No. 3: Be alive in 2034. ...
- Social Security still provides an important foundation for retirement.
How long can you live outside the US without losing citizenship?
While there is no set limit, extended periods of absence, especially when combined with other factors, can trigger inquiries from U.S. authorities. Factors such as maintaining ties to the United States, filing taxes, and participating in U.S. elections can demonstrate a continued commitment to citizenship.
How do I get the $16728 Social Security bonus?
Specifically, a rumored $16,728 bonus that had people wondering if it was true or not in 2024? Sadly, there's no real “bonus” that retirees who receive Social Security can collect.
When my husband dies, do I get his Social Security and mine?
You cannot claim your deceased spouse's benefits in addition to your own retirement benefits. Social Security only will pay one—survivor or retirement.
What happens to my Medicare if I move out of the country?
Remember, you can have Medicare while you live abroad, but it will usually not cover the care you receive. Most people qualify for premium-free Part A, meaning you will pay nothing for coverage. If you must pay a premium for Part A, be aware of the high monthly cost for maintaining Part A coverage.
How many doctor visits does Medicare cover for seniors?
Medicare does not limit the number of times a person can consult their doctor, but it may limit how often they can have a particular test and access other services. Individuals can contact Medicare directly at 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227) to discuss physician coverage in further detail.
Do I need US health insurance if I live abroad?
The US government strongly recommends that all Americans carry private health care insurance when traveling or living overseas. They also warn that their national coverage will not protect them in other countries.
Does Social Security know when you leave the country?
SSI recipients are required to tell SSA when they leave the U.S. for 30 or more consecutive days or a full calendar month. Although most recipients do report when they leave the U.S., some do not, and continue receiving SSI payments while they remain out of the country.
At what age is Social Security no longer taxed?
Social Security income can be taxable no matter how old you are. It all depends on whether your total combined income exceeds a certain level set for your filing status. You may have heard that Social Security income is not taxed after age 70; this is false.
How long can a retired U.S. citizen stay out of the country?
Key Takeaways. U.S. retirees can receive Social Security benefits while living abroad, with some exceptions. There is no time limit on how long a person can live outside the country and receive benefits. Foreign citizens with a U.S. work history may also qualify for Social Security benefits under certain agreements.
How to get $3000 a month of Social Security benefits?
Exactly how much in earnings do you need to get a $3,000 benefit? Well, you just need to have averaged about 70% of the taxable maximum. In our example case, that means that your earnings in 1983 were about $22,000 and increased every year to where they ended at about $100,000 at age 62.
Can two wives collect Social Security from one husband?
Each survivor benefit can be up to 100% of your benefit. The amount may be reduced if the women start benefits before their own full retirement age, but they don't have to share — the amount isn't reduced because you've had more than one spouse.
What is the 5 year rule for Social Security?
The Social Security 5-year rule refers specifically to disability benefits. It requires that you must have worked five out of the last ten years immediately before your disability onset to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
What happens if I stay more than 6 months outside US for citizenship?
The immigration law states that if a Legal Permanent Resident is outside of the U.S. for 180 days in a row (but less than 1 year), without permission from the U.S. government, then it will be presumed that the person has lost or abandoned their residency, and therefore can no longer apply for U.S. Citizenship / ...
Can you collect social security if you renounce U.S. citizenship?
Will I still receive my Social Security benefits after renouncing? Even after renouncing your US citizenship, you can still receive Social Security benefits if you qualify. However, the ability to receive these benefits depends on the country you move to after renunciation.
Can a U.S. citizen lose residency?
U.S. citizens are protected from grounds of deportability. In other words, criminal convictions that would result in deportation for a permanent resident do not apply to a U.S. citizen. Generally, the only way immigration officials can remove a U.S. citizen is if they fraudulently obtained a green card or citizenship.
What is the Social Security 10 year rule?
If you've worked and paid Social Security taxes for 10 years or more, you'll get a monthly benefit based on that work.
What is the $1800 Social Security check?
About the $1800 Social Security increase:
However, the increase is not for everyone; it is dependent on various factors such as your earnings and eligibility criteria, all of which will determine whether this $1,800 is the monthly amount increase for COLA and the delayed retirement credits.
How do you get extra money added to your Social Security check?
- Work for 35 Years. ...
- Wait Until at Least FRA to Collect Benefits. ...
- Collect Spousal Benefits. ...
- Receive Dependent Benefits. ...
- Monitor Your Earnings. ...
- Watch Out for Tax Bracket Creep. ...
- Apply for Survivor Benefits.