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What Happens to Your Social Security Check If You Live Abroad?

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What Happens to Your Social Security Check If You Live Abroad?
Before you pack your bags and head to some foreign land to live, read up on the relevant Social Security rules. Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock
Tom Margenau
Updated:

Maybe it’s because COVID-19 restrictions are easing up a bit. And some people probably have a bad case of wanderlust. I’m sure others are just thinking about retiring and returning to their homeland. Or perhaps still others see some of the same websites I do that entice you with headlines similar to this one I recently read: “Live like royalty on your Social Security check in Belize!”

Anyway, I’ve received more than a few emails lately from folks who want to know what happens with their Social Security benefits once they pack their bags and head to some foreign land to live.

Tom Margenau
Tom Margenau
Author
Tom Margenau worked for 32 years in a variety of positions for the Social Security Administration before retiring in 2005. He has served as the director of SSA’s public information office, the chief editor of more than 100 SSA publications, a deputy press officer and spokesman, and a speechwriter for the commissioner of Social Security. For 12 years, he also wrote Social Security columns for local newspapers, and recently published the book “Social Security: Simple and Smart.” If you have a Social Security question, contact him at [email protected]
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