Can U.S. Citizens Receive Social Security Payments Abroad in 2025? Find Out the Truth

Get Social Security Benefits Outside The United States In 2025: If you are a U.S. citizen residing abroad or retire abroad, you may be thinking: Can I still get my Social Security benefits? The response is yes—but with some stipulations. The Social Security Administration (SSA) permits qualified citizens to receive benefits while living in most foreign nations, but some rules and limitations apply.
To assist you in understanding how Social Security payments are received outside the United States, we have simplified the most important information, eligibility criteria, and best practices to enable you to receive your benefits without any interruptions. This guide includes eligibility requirements, payment options, possible tax implications, and frequently asked questions.

Receive Social Security Payments Outside The U.S. In 2025

Aspect	Details
Who Can Receive Payments?	U.S. citizens eligible for Social Security benefits can receive payments in most countries.
Restricted Countries	Payments cannot be sent to Cuba, North Korea, and some other restricted nations.
How Payments Are Received	Direct deposit to a U.S. or foreign bank (if the country has an agreement with the U.S.).
Forms Required	SSA-7162 (Foreign Enforcement Questionnaire) must be submitted annually.
Tax Implications	U.S. taxes may apply depending on your income and residence country.
Medicare Considerations	Medicare coverage does not extend abroad, so alternative healthcare options may be needed.
Official Resource	SSA Payments Abroad Tool

For American citizens abroad in 2025, it is still possible to receive Social Security benefits—but you will have to follow eligibility criteria, reporting rules, and taxation. By following the rules with SSA and having payments made by direct deposit, you can have a trouble-free retirement overseas. >

How Social Security Works for Americans Living Abroad

Eligibility for Receiving Social Security Abroad

The Social Security Administration (SSA) still makes payments to qualified retirees, survivors, and disabled people residing overseas. But it is subject to a number of conditions, such as: >

Residence country (Some countries are off-limits.)
Duration abroad (Some residency rules apply.)
Citizenship (U.S. citizens can usually receive benefits forever, but non-citizens might have varying rules.)

Countries Where Social Security Payments Are Allowed

All U.S. citizens are entitled to receive their Social Security benefits in more than 100 foreign countries, many of which are well-known expatriate countries such as Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Thailand. The U.S. Treasury Department forbids payment to Cuba, North Korea, and a limited number of other sanctioned countries.
If you relocate to an embargoed nation, your payments will be suspended until you relocate to a payment-permitted country.

Also, some non-citizens might only qualify for benefits for a short while before they must return to the U.S. to remain eligible. >

How to Get Social Security Payments Overseas

If you’re going to live overseas for an extended period of time, it’s important that you have a safe and trustworthy method of receiving your Social Security payments. Here’s how:

1. Direct Deposit to a U.S. Bank

The majority of expats opt to retain a U.S. bank account and have their Social Security deposited directly. Subsequently, you can draw down money worldwide through ATM machines or internet-based transfers. >

2. Foreign Bank Direct Deposit

The SSA has agreements with more than 50 foreign banks to offer direct deposit to recipients overseas. If the nation you reside in is listed, you can receive your payments in local currency, which minimizes conversion charges.

3. Paper Checks (Not Recommended)

Although the SSA can issue paper checks, it is not advisable because of longer processing times and possible loss during transit. Direct deposit is the most secure method.

Important Forms and Compliance

In order to continue receiving benefits overseas, U.S. citizens are required to periodically confirm their status. This is accomplished through the Foreign Enforcement Questionnaire (Form SSA-7162), which the SSA mails to some beneficiaries every one or two years.
Not returning this form may cause benefits to be suspended.

Tax Consequences for Social Security Payments Overseas

Just because you’re overseas doesn’t mean you get a free pass on U.S. taxes. Here’s the lowdown:

U.S. Taxes on Social Security

If your overall income (including Social Security) is above a specified amount, up to 85% of your benefits could be taxable.
The IRS taxes U.S. citizens no matter where they live, so you can still be taxed on your benefits.

Foreign Taxation

A few nations tax U.S. Social Security benefits, while others do not tax them.
The U.S. has double taxation agreements with many countries.

Filing Requirements

Americans abroad must continue to file U.S. tax returns.
Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) and Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) can potentially lower tax liability.
Speak with a tax professional to learn your tax requirements.