What countries can you live in and still collect Social Security?

You can live in most countries and still collect U.S. Social Security, with exceptions like Cuba and North Korea, as payments can often be direct-deposited internationally, but rules vary by country, and you must report your location to the Social Security Administration (SSA) for direct deposit setup. Many nations, including Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, and most of Europe, allow this, especially with Social Security Totalization Agreements, though some restrictions or tax implications may apply, so checking the SSA's Payments Abroad Screening Tool is crucial for your specific situation.

Can you live in another country and still get your Social Security?

Yes, most U.S. citizens can collect Social Security benefits while living in another country, but eligibility depends on your citizenship, the country you live in, and specific Social Security Administration (SSA) rules, with restrictions for certain nations like Cuba and North Korea. You must meet the standard eligibility requirements, and while most countries allow payments, you should use the SSA's online tool to confirm if your specific location is covered or if there are time limits, as rules can change. 

What is the easiest country for American retirees to move to?

The easiest countries for US retirees often balance low cost of living, accessible residency/visas (like pension or investor visas), good healthcare, and proximity to the US, with top contenders including Panama, Costa Rica, Mexico, Portugal, and Malaysia, offering various perks from easy residency in Panama's Pensionado program to affordability in Latin America and quality of life in Europe. 

Can you have dual citizenship and still collect Social Security?

Social Security benefits for dual citizens. US dual citizens can still receive Social Security as long as they earn 40 work credits, and these benefits can be paid to most countries abroad without trouble. This makes retirement planning much easier for people who have lived and worked in more than one place.

Can I still collect Social Security if I move to Costa Rica?

Except for a small handful of exceptions (Cuba, North Korea, etc.), you can collect your Social Security retirement benefits while residing full-time in almost any country, including Costa Rica.

Social Security’s New Policy for Expats: No More “Proof of Life” Mail Hassles

Why are Americans moving out of Costa Rica?

1. Rising Cost of Living. Costa Rica's affordability used to attract retirees and remote workers, but that appeal is quickly fading. Housing, groceries, and healthcare have all become significantly more expensive, with some cities now rivaling U.S. prices.

What is the 5 year rule for Social Security?

The Social Security "5-year rule" has two main meanings for Disability Insurance (SSDI): first, to qualify, you generally need to have worked and paid Social Security taxes for at least 5 of the last 10 years before becoming disabled (20 credits); second, if you previously received SSDI, you can skip the 5-month waiting period if you become disabled again within 5 years of your last benefit. This rule ensures a recent work history for initial eligibility and helps those with recurring conditions quickly get benefits again. 

What countries have a Social Security agreement with the US?

The United States has Social Security Totalization Agreements (also called International Social Security Agreements) with numerous countries, including major partners like Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Australia, France, Italy, Spain, and Brazil, designed to prevent double taxation and coordinate benefits, allowing workers who split their careers between the U.S. and these countries to qualify for benefits from both systems. Key countries with agreements include Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, and Uruguay, with more countries constantly being added. 

What are the three ways you can lose your Social Security?

You can lose Social Security benefits by working while collecting early, leading to earnings limits; incarceration, which suspends payments; or through garnishment for federal debts like taxes, student loans, or child support, along with other factors like remarriage or changes in disability status. 

How long can a retired U.S. citizen stay out of the country?

U.S. citizens, including retirees, can generally stay out of the country indefinitely without losing citizenship, but receiving Social Security benefits has limits (usually 6 months before needing a physical return for payments unless exceptions apply). Key considerations are managing Social Security payments, U.S. tax obligations (worldwide income is taxable), and understanding foreign country entry rules (like Schengen limits) for tourism versus residency. 

Which country pays us to live there?

Yes, several countries and regions offer financial incentives, grants, or funding to attract new residents, often targeting rural depopulation or boosting specific sectors like tech, with examples in Italy, Spain, Japan, Chile, Canada (Saskatchewan), New Zealand, and Greece, offering programs for remote workers, entrepreneurs, families, or skilled individuals to relocate to specific towns or regions. These deals typically involve commitments to stay for several years and fulfill specific requirements, like starting a business or renovating property, notes this YouTube video and The Economic Times. 

What is the #1 retirement country?

While it varies by individual, Greece is frequently cited as the #1 country to retire for 2026 by sources like International Living and CNN, praised for its affordability, culture, climate, healthcare, and welcoming expat scene, while Portugal, Panama, and Costa Rica are consistently top contenders for their lifestyle and benefits. Other top-ranked nations often include Mexico, Italy, Spain, and Thailand, depending on the index.
 

What countries have the best healthcare?

Countries with top-ranked healthcare systems often include Taiwan, South Korea, Australia, Canada, and European nations like the Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, and Norway, consistently appearing across global indices for quality, access, and innovation, though rankings vary by report, with Taiwan leading in recent CEOWORLD data, while the U.S. lags in performance despite high spending. These systems excel through strong universal coverage, advanced infrastructure, skilled professionals, and a focus on preventive care, ensuring good outcomes and patient access. 

Do you lose your social security if you become a citizen of another country?

Social Security Disability Insurance

If you are a US citizen, you can continue to receive your SSDI benefit as long as you live in an eligible country. There are countries where Social Security (SSA) is not allowed to send benefits.

What is one of the biggest mistakes people make regarding social security?

Claiming Benefits Too Early

One of the biggest mistakes people make is claiming Social Security benefits as soon as they're eligible, which is at age 62. While getting money sooner can be tempting, claiming early has a significant downside: your monthly benefit will be reduced.

What happens to my medicare if I move to another country?

If you move to another country, your Medicare coverage generally stops paying for care overseas, but you can keep Parts A & B by paying premiums, which is often wise if you plan to return to the U.S. to avoid late enrollment penalties, though Medicare Advantage (MAPD) & Supplement plans usually end due to residency rules; you must notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) if you drop coverage. 

How much do you have to make to get $3,000 a month in Social Security?

To get around $3,000/month in Social Security, you generally need a high earning history, around $100,000-$108,000+ annually over your top 35 years, but waiting to claim until age 70 maximizes this amount, potentially reaching it with lower yearly earnings, say under $70k if you wait long enough, as benefits are based on your highest indexed earnings over 35 years. The exact amount depends heavily on your specific earnings history and the age you start collecting benefits. 

What disqualifies you from Social Security?

You can be disqualified from Social Security for insufficient work history (not enough credits), earning too much income (especially for SSI/Disability), having a non-disabling condition, failing to follow prescribed treatment, substance abuse as the primary cause of disability, incarceration, or moving to certain countries. Eligibility depends on the benefit type (retirement, disability, SSI), but common disqualifiers involve not meeting work credits or income/resource limits. 

What's changing with Social Security in 2025?

The COLA was 2.5 percent in 2025. Nearly 71 million Social Security beneficiaries will see a 2.8 percent COLA beginning in January 2026. Increased payments to nearly 7.5 million people receiving SSI will begin on December 31, 2025.

How long can you live outside the US before losing Social Security?

U.S. citizens can generally live outside the U.S. indefinitely and still collect Social Security, with no time limit as long as they meet requirements like returning Proof of Life forms. For non-citizens, benefits usually stop after six consecutive months abroad unless an exception applies or they are citizens of a country with a special agreement, with restrictions for certain nations like Cuba or North Korea. 

What countries can I live in and still receive my Social Security?

You can generally move to most countries and keep collecting U.S. Social Security, with payments sent in U.S. dollars, but exceptions include Cuba and North Korea. Some countries have specific rules (like collecting checks at embassies), while others (like Canada, UK, Mexico) have totalization agreements allowing work credit sharing. Use the SSA's Payments Abroad Screening Tool to check your specific situation, as rules vary for citizens/non-citizens and benefit types. 

What is happening on March 31, 2025 with Social Security?

At the conclusion of the transition period, on March 31, 2025, SSA will enforce online digital identity proofing and in-person identity proofing. SSA will permit individuals who do not or cannot use the agency's online “my Social Security” services to start their claim for benefits on the telephone.

How much Social Security will you get if you make $60,000 a year?

If you consistently earn around $60,000 annually over your career, you can expect a monthly Social Security benefit of roughly $2,100 to $2,300 at your full retirement age (FRA), but the exact amount varies by your birth year and claiming age; for instance, at FRA, it's around $2,311 based on 2025 bend points, while claiming at 62 yields less and claiming at 70 yields more, with an official estimate available on the Social Security Administration (SSA) website. 

At what age can you draw 100% of your Social Security?

You get 100% of your Social Security benefit at your Full Retirement Age (FRA), which is 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later, while for those born earlier, it gradually increases from 66 (for those born 1943-1954) up to age 67, with specific ages like 66 and 8 months for 1958 or 66 and 10 months for 1959, but delaying past FRA increases your monthly payment up to age 70. 

Can I retire at 60 and still get full state pension?

Everything's much more flexible now. While you currently have to wait until you reach 66 to get your State Pension, you can start drawing your workplace and private pensions from the age of 55 (increasing to 57 from April 2028) – typically recognised as early retirement age.