Question about Social Security Benefits

[slw268]

Can one apply for SS while living abroad?

[warpedbored]

You can collect SSA benefits no matter where you live. There are some banking issues. I would keep a bank account and address in the states just to avoid problem.

[slw268]

Thanks.

What I am asking though is can you, say be living in . . . oh let's say China

and actually apply for SS benefits.

Or, do you have to apply while living in the good ole' USA?

[TLB]

Can one apply for SS while living abroad?

 

Here is some info from the SSA; also, you didn't ask this, but there are also special considerations for surviving spouses who are not US citizens and living abroad. Some of that is touched on here as well (I've been looking into that for my non-USA citizen soon-to-be spouse):

 

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10137.html

[TLB]

Thanks.

What I am asking though is can you, say be living in . . . oh let's say China

and actually apply for SS benefits.

Or, do you have to apply while living in the good ole' USA?

 

 

Not sure, but I know you can apply online:

https://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/iClaim/rib

 

oops, just found this, so go here instead:

 

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/foreign/

[dnoblett]

Thanks.

What I am asking though is can you, say be living in . . . oh let's say China

and actually apply for SS benefits.

Or, do you have to apply while living in the good ole' USA?

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/foreign/

[Randy W]

As it stands now, a USC only needs to be breathing - and have a bank account in the US. SSA won't mail a check internationally or deposit to a foreign bank.

 

 

They will, however, mail to a US consulate or embassy abroad. You can pick the check up there every month. The US bank acct is a better idea.