Generally, the Social Security Administration (SSA) does not pay Retirement, Survivors, and Disability Insurance benefits to non-citizens outside the United States for more than six months. However, some exceptions may allow you to continue receiving benefits without returning to the U.S.
How the Six-Month Rule Works
- Initial Absence Period: SSA starts counting the months of absence after you’ve been outside the U.S. for 30 consecutive days.
- Interrupting the Absence: If you return to the U.S. for any part of a day before completing 30 consecutive days abroad, the counting restarts.
- Maintaining Benefits: To avoid interruption, you must return to the U.S. for at least 30 consecutive days before the end of the sixth calendar month after you leave.
Example Scenario:
- Left U.S.: January 15
- 30-Day Absence Ends: February 14
- Return Required: By July 1, complete a 30-day stay in the U.S.
Resuming Benefits
If your benefits stop because you didn’t return in time, you must stay in the U.S. for an entire calendar month to restart them. A whole calendar month means being present for every hour of every day of that month.
Example Scenario:
- Return to the U.S.: July 31
- Leave U.S.: September 1
Proving U.S. Presence
When you visit the U.S., you must provide proof of your physical presence. This proof can include:
- Official U.S. Government Documents: From the Department of Homeland Security.
- Receipts: Showing your name, date, and U.S. location.
- Signed Statements: From someone who can verify your presence.
For One-Day Visits:
- Provide at least one proof document or a signed statement from someone knowledgeable about your visit.
For 30-Day or Full Calendar Month Visits:
- Submit a statement with entry and exit dates, your stay address, and your signature.
- Include official documents or receipts. If unavailable, provide two signed statements—one from your host and one from another person who knows about your visit.
Conclusion
While receiving Social Security benefits as a non-U.S. citizen living abroad can be challenging, understanding the rules and keeping accurate records can help maintain your benefits. Consulting with an expert in Social Security law is advisable for complicated cases.
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