Social Security Abroad: Where You Can and Can't Collect Your Check
Watch on YouTube U.S. citizens can collect Social Security almost anywhere in the world — but two countries are hard blocked (Cuba, North Korea via OFAC), nine former Soviet republics have restrictions, and non-citizens face additional alien nonpayment provisions under 42 U.S.C. 402(t). This episode covers the general payment rule for citizens, the restricted-country list, International Direct Deposit (IDD) in 70+ countries, the 30-country Totalization Agreement network that prevents double Social Security taxation for workers who split careers internationally, and the U.S. tax rules for expat retirees (IRS Publication 54 and 915). Watch the next video in the Social Security playlist for non-citizen eligibility rules in depth. Always verify your specific situation at SSA.gov/international before relocating.
▶ Watch next: Social Security for Non-Citizens: Who Qualifies and Who Doesn’t - Social Security https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZIBRtCYsVw
📺 Full playlist: Social Security (US - 2026) https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlIAFxS296491LWfYsLp6anRyo6_DO_pI
Chapters
- 0:00 Social Security Across Borders
- 2:29 The General Rule: Almost Anywhere
- 4:37 Restricted Countries: Cuba and North Korea
- 7:14 Non-Citizen Rules and Alien Nonpayment Provisions
- 9:42 Totalization Agreements: Thirty Countries, No Double Tax
- 12:06 Your Practical Guide: Payments, Taxes, and Coming Home
- 15:09 Quiz Time
U.S. citizens can receive Social Security almost anywhere in the world — but there are exceptions (Cuba, North Korea, former USSR republics in some cases). Non-citizens face different rules. Totalization agreements with 30+ countries prevent double taxation and help workers who split careers across borders.
Key Topics
- The general rule: U.S. citizens get SS anywhere
- Restricted countries (Cuba, North Korea, currently)
- Non-citizen rules and the "alien nonpayment provisions"
- Payment methods: direct deposit to U.S. account, IDD (International Direct Deposit)
- Totalization Agreements with 30+ countries
- Reporting income tax on SS while abroad
- Returning to the U.S. and resuming benefits