Most retirees should have no problem receiving their Social Security benefits when they live abroad. There are just a few exceptions. However, Medicare coverage is only for those living within the U.S. So if you're not going to be living in the U.S., you can cancel your Medicare coverage to save some money. Here's more...
*Social Security Benefits abroad:
If you're a U.S. citizen, once you have been out of the U.S. for at least 30 days in a row, you're considered to be outside the country until you return and stay in the U.S. for at least 30 days in a row. You can live in most countries, but Social Security won't send payments to you if you live in Cambodia, Vietnam or areas that were in the former Soviet Union (other than Armenia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Russia). Exceptions can be made but you'll have to pick up your payments at the local U.S. Embassy.
If you're not a U.S. citizen, then you may still receive benefits while living outside the U.S. but either further requirements are demanded of you or you must live in certain countries - or both.
As an example if you're not a U.S. citizen but you are a citizen of one of the well-known (listed) western European countries - and some others - you'll always receive benefits as long as you qualify for them. But if you're receiving benefits as a dependent or survivor you'll have to meet further requirements.
So, if you're not a U.S. citizen or receiving benefits as dependent or survivor, you'll have to check with what Social Security's requirements are for you. You can do that by calling Social Security them or checking the SS website on 'living outside the U.S.
*Medicare:
Medicare generally doesn't cover health services you get outside the U.S. but the hospital insurance part of Medicare is available to you if you return to the U.S at no charge.
If you'll remain outside the U.S. you may decide not to pay the deducted premiums for the medical insurance part. But be aware that your premium, when you do sign up, will be 10 percent higher for each 12-month period you could have been enrolled but were not.
So, if you're now receiving medical insurance, please notify Medicare if you want to cancel it. The insurance premiums - and coverage - will then continue for the month following the month you notify them that you want to cancel.
*Social Security Benefits abroad:
If you're a U.S. citizen, once you have been out of the U.S. for at least 30 days in a row, you're considered to be outside the country until you return and stay in the U.S. for at least 30 days in a row. You can live in most countries, but Social Security won't send payments to you if you live in Cambodia, Vietnam or areas that were in the former Soviet Union (other than Armenia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Russia). Exceptions can be made but you'll have to pick up your payments at the local U.S. Embassy.
If you're not a U.S. citizen, then you may still receive benefits while living outside the U.S. but either further requirements are demanded of you or you must live in certain countries - or both.
As an example if you're not a U.S. citizen but you are a citizen of one of the well-known (listed) western European countries - and some others - you'll always receive benefits as long as you qualify for them. But if you're receiving benefits as a dependent or survivor you'll have to meet further requirements.
So, if you're not a U.S. citizen or receiving benefits as dependent or survivor, you'll have to check with what Social Security's requirements are for you. You can do that by calling Social Security them or checking the SS website on 'living outside the U.S.
*Medicare:
Medicare generally doesn't cover health services you get outside the U.S. but the hospital insurance part of Medicare is available to you if you return to the U.S at no charge.
If you'll remain outside the U.S. you may decide not to pay the deducted premiums for the medical insurance part. But be aware that your premium, when you do sign up, will be 10 percent higher for each 12-month period you could have been enrolled but were not.
So, if you're now receiving medical insurance, please notify Medicare if you want to cancel it. The insurance premiums - and coverage - will then continue for the month following the month you notify them that you want to cancel.
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