Is it possible to collect Social Security Disability benefits if I live overseas?
One question many people inquire about is whether Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are paid to people living outside the United States of America. You might be able to continue to receive SSDI if overseas, but you wont be able to do so if you are receiving SSI.
Receiving SSDI Benefits While Overseas
The Department of the Treasury prohibits SSA from sending disability payments to either Cuba or North Korea. If you move to a different country, that is not prohibited, SSA can send payments there. In addition, SSA will send payments that they withheld while the recipient was in one of these countries. There are other countries, besides Cuba and North Korea where a recipient cannot receive payments. Those countries are: Azerbaijan; Belarus; Georgia; Kazakhstan; Kyrgyzstan; Moldova; Tajikistan; Turkmenistan; Ukraine; Uzbekistan; and Vietnam.
Receiving SSI Benefits While Overseas
SSI benefits differ from SSDI with regards to when you live overseas. SSI will completely stop for a citizen or legal permanent resident once they live outside the U.S. for 30 days. If you move back to the US, SSA will begin paying your SSI benefits again, but you have to be back in the US for 30 days first before SSA can issue payment again. An exception to this rule is children of military personnel receiving SSI. Military children who leave the U.S. because of their parents’ military service will continue to receive their SSI payments. Note: Even if you move to Puerto Rico, that is considered out of the US and you will lose your SSI benefits.