Social Security benefits can continue despite your location, even in a different country.
Americans can continue to have Social Security rights and also may have benefits in a foreign country’s retirement plans, according to the article in Public Opinion “Social Security: Retiring overseas? What you need to know to get benefits abroad.”
If you have worked in the U.S., paid into the Social Security program and worked in a foreign country with a public pension program, then you may be eligible to combine payments from both programs when you retire.
The U.S. has treaties with 25 other nations that allow for this. The details differ depending on the country in question and there are provisions to make sure people cannot draw full benefits from both countries and get a windfall.
If you plan to move overseas after you retire, then you might still be eligible to receive your Social Security benefits. Most American citizens should be able to receive benefits wherever they go.
On the other hand, it is much more complicated for resident aliens who have lawfully paid into the system and wish to leave the country after retiring.
An elder law attorney can advise you on your rights.
Reference: Public Opinion (Sept. 4, 2016) “Social Security: Retiring overseas? What you need to know to get benefits abroad.”
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