Filing & Enrollment
Social Security Benefits for U.S. Citizens Living Abroad: Key Rules and Requirements
Verified against SSA POMS as of September 18, 2026
The short answer
Temporary absences from the U.S. for less than 6 months do not affect Social Security Retirement, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (RSDI) benefits. However, non-U.S. citizens abroad for more than 6 months may be affected by the Alien Non-Payment Provisions (ANPP). Work outside the U.S. could subject individuals to the Foreign Work Test.
Temporary Absence and Benefit Payment
Temporary absences from the United States for less than six months have no effect on Retirement, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (RSDI) benefits. However, after three months, the address must be reported as foreign. Beneficiaries planning to stay outside the U.S. for over three months must complete an SSA-21 form (GN 02605.210).
GN 02605.210 View source ›Taxation of Benefits While Abroad
Benefits paid to nonresident aliens may be subject to a withholding tax according to the 1983 amendments. U.S. citizens are exempt from this tax while outside the United States (GN 02605.210).
GN 02605.210 View source ›Alien Non-Payment Provisions (ANPP)
Non-U.S. citizens who are outside the United States for more than six consecutive calendar months are not paid benefits beginning the seventh month of their absence, unless they meet an exception (GN 02605.210).
GN 02605.210 View source ›Foreign Work Test (FWT) Applicability
The Foreign Work Test applies to non-covered work or self-employment performed outside the United States. It applies to those who work more than 45 hours in a month before reaching full retirement age (GN 02605.210).
GN 02605.210 View source ›Claims and Development Outside the U.S.
No Social Security field offices exist outside the U.S. Claims from abroad are developed in partnership with the Department of State and managed by Foreign Service posts and Federal Benefit Units (GN 00904.200).
GN 00904.200 View source ›Frequently asked
What happens to my Social Security benefits if I live abroad for more than six months?
As a non-U.S. citizen, you may not receive benefits beyond six months unless you qualify for an exception under the Alien Non-Payment Provisions.
Are U.S. citizens taxed on Social Security benefits while living abroad?
No, U.S. citizens are not subject to the withholding tax on Social Security benefits while living outside the United States.
How do I change my address from domestic to foreign for Social Security purposes?
Use the SSA-21 form to report a change from a domestic to a foreign address if you expect to be outside the U.S. for more than three months.
Can I receive Social Security benefits in a Treasury barred country?
No, U.S. government checks, including Social Security, cannot be delivered to individuals in Treasury barred countries.
How does working while abroad affect my Social Security benefits?
You may be subject to the Foreign Work Test if you engage in work outside the U.S. that is not covered by Social Security and exceeds 45 hours a month.