Yes, you can collect Social Security while living abroad — and for the vast majority of countries Americans retire to, including all of Latin America, it works without issue. Social Security payments follow you abroad with no reduction in benefit amount.
| Can you collect SS abroad | Yes — in most countries, including all of Latin America |
| Does the amount change | No — same benefit amount regardless of where you live |
| How payments arrive | U.S. financial institution or foreign financial institution in a participating country |
| Are SS benefits taxed | Depends on your total income and whether you have FEIE coverage |
| Countries where SS is blocked | Cuba and North Korea primarily; check SSA’s Payments Outside the US page for current exceptions |
| Medicare abroad | No — Medicare does not travel with you |
2026 note: If you live outside the United States, SSA can pay you electronically to a U.S. financial institution or, in participating countries, to a foreign financial institution through International Direct Deposit. Keep your address current and use the SSA-1199/your Federal Benefits Unit if you need to set it up from abroad.
Which Countries Allow Social Security Payments
The Social Security Administration (SSA) pays benefits to residents of almost every country in the world. The main exceptions are Cuba and North Korea, where US law prohibits most financial transactions. A handful of other countries have restrictions — you can check the SSA’s “Payments Abroad Screening Tool” at ssa.gov for a specific country.
Every major Latin American expat destination — Mexico, Colombia, Panama, Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, Uruguay, Costa Rica, Paraguay, Dominican Republic — receives Social Security payments without restriction.
How Payments Work Abroad
Social Security deposits directly to your US bank account, same as if you were in the US. You then transfer money to your local account as needed using Wise or another low-cost transfer service.
The SSA does not pay directly to most foreign bank accounts (it will to accounts in certain countries under specific agreements, but for simplicity, maintaining a US bank account and transferring is the standard approach). See our banking guide: Banking for Expats.
Reporting Your Address to the SSA
Your address matters for more than mail. SSA uses it to route notices, determine whether direct deposit setup needs to go through a Federal Benefits Unit, and keep your file aligned if you move countries.
You are required to notify the SSA when you move abroad and provide your foreign address. Do this through your “my Social Security” account at ssa.gov or by calling the Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) at the US Embassy in your host country. Some countries have local SSA representatives at the US Embassy who handle benefit-related questions.
The SSA will occasionally send questionnaires to verify you are still alive and eligible. Respond promptly — failure to respond can result in benefit suspension.
Totalization Agreements
The US has social security totalization agreements with several countries that prevent dual taxation of social security contributions for workers who have worked in both countries. For retirees collecting US Social Security, these agreements generally do not change your benefit amount, but they matter if you have worked abroad and want to combine work credits. Countries with US totalization agreements include Italy, Germany, UK, Japan, and others — but not most LatAm countries.
Tax Treatment of Social Security Abroad
Benefit taxation depends on your overall income and filing picture, not just the fact that you live abroad. Pair this with the US expat tax guide if you want the full federal-income context.
Social Security benefits may be taxable at the US federal level depending on your combined income. The FEIE does not shield Social Security from US taxation — SS benefits are not “earned income” and are taxed under different rules. Up to 85% of your Social Security benefit may be taxable if your combined income (SS + other income) exceeds $34,000 (single) or $44,000 (married). Consult a US expat tax professional for your specific situation.
Some countries also tax Social Security under totalization agreements or bilateral tax treaties — Panama, for instance, does not tax Social Security for residents. Paraguay’s territorial tax system means foreign income including SS is generally not taxable there either. These can be meaningful tax advantages for retirees.
Related: US Taxes for Expats · What Happens to Your US Taxes When You Move Abroad?
Related Guides
- How to Leave the USA: Full Guide
- US Taxes for Expats
- Healthcare for Americans Abroad
- Best Countries for Americans Moving Abroad
- Panama Pensionado Visa
Plan for Medicare Gaps
Medicare generally does not pay for routine care received outside the United States, so an overseas retirement plan needs a separate health-care budget. Before leaving, request copies of prescriptions, diagnoses, vaccination records, and recent test results. Ask your doctors which medications have an equivalent name or formulation in the destination country, and carry enough supply to bridge the first appointment.
Compare international insurance, local private coverage, public enrollment, and self-pay options. Check exclusions for pre-existing conditions, evacuation, United States treatment, age limits, deductibles, hospital networks, and renewal terms. A low premium is not useful if the policy excludes the treatment you are most likely to need.
Other Retirement Logistics
Social Security payment, banking, mail, powers of attorney, and tax filings should be planned together. Confirm how your benefit will be deposited, how you will access a replacement card or tax form, and who can act for you if you become ill. A totalization agreement may coordinate credits, but it does not automatically provide health coverage or settle every tax question.
Also confirm whether your destination taxes Social Security, how treaty rules apply, and whether US state-tax residency remains an issue. Tax treatment can change with other income, so use current official guidance and coordinated advice rather than relying on a country comparison alone.
Before departure, make a list of the nearest hospitals, your insurer’s assistance number, and the person who can help manage US paperwork. Revisit the plan annually as premiums, health needs, and residence change.
Keep the plan current.
Update this file whenever your insurer, destination, or health needs change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Americans receive Social Security while living abroad?
Many eligible recipients can, but payment rules depend on citizenship, country of residence, benefit type, and applicable restrictions.
Does Medicare cover routine healthcare abroad?
Generally no. Medicare has limited exceptions, so long-term residents usually need a separate healthcare plan.
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