A record number of Americans moved abroad in 2025, and the Brookings Institution says the steady pace of departures is expected to continue. With more citizens leaving than arriving, many retirees and future retirees are asking what happens to their Social Security benefits once they settle overseas.
For most people, the answer is simple. U.S. citizens who earned the required 40 work credits and meet age requirements can continue receiving benefits while living in another country. Payments generally arrive just as they would in the United States.
There are limits. The Treasury Department does not send Social Security payments to people living in Cuba or North Korea. In several other countries, including Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, payments may be withheld unless the recipient qualifies for an exception. Any withheld benefits can be released once the person moves to an approved country.
Retirees abroad can receive funds through a U.S. bank account, international direct deposit in local currency, or in some cases by mailed check.
For the vast majority heading to destinations such as Spain, Costa Rica, or Thailand, Social Security remains a steady part of their retirement income.
My Take…
More Americans are packing bags and peacing out in 2025, and Brookings says the exit sign is still glowing. Apparently, we now export retirees like it is a Costco bulk item. The big question for the soon to be expats clutching their passports and blood pressure meds: does Social Security follow you, or does it ghost you?Relax. If you earned your 40 credits and hit the right birthday, your check can still land while you sip sangria in Spain or pretend you like humidity in Costa Rica. It usually shows up the same as back home.There are caveats, because of course there are. Cuba and North Korea are a hard no. A few others come with hoops. Move somewhere approved, the money flows again.Most retirees abroad get paid through a US bank, direct deposit in local currency, or sometimes an old school mailed check. So yes, you can chase sunsets in Thailand and still count on Uncle Sam. Not exactly fleeing the Empire Strikes Back, huh?
Click on the link below for the full article:
https://www.fool.com/retirement/2026/05/24/heres-what-you-can-expect-from-social-security-if/
