For SSDI recipients considering relocating abroad or spending extended time outside the United States in 2025, understanding how international residence affects benefits is crucial. While SSDI can generally be received internationally, important restrictions and considerations apply.
Payment Delivery Options
Most SSDI beneficiaries living abroad can receive payments through:
- Direct deposit to a U.S. financial institution
- Direct deposit to banks in many countries through the International Direct Deposit program
- Electronic payment through the Direct Express debit card program
- In rare cases, paper checks (though strongly discouraged due to delivery and security issues)
Country-Specific Restrictions
As of 2025, the SSA cannot send payments to certain countries, including:
- Cuba
- North Korea
- Ukraine (Crimea region only)
- Belarus
- Russia (with some exceptions)
Additionally, the SSA applies special restrictions for payments to beneficiaries in:
- Azerbaijan
- Belarus
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Moldova
- Tajikistan
- Turkmenistan
- Uzbekistan
In these countries, beneficiaries face additional requirements to receive accumulated funds.
Citizenship and Residency Considerations
For U.S. citizens, SSDI benefits generally continue indefinitely regardless of time spent abroad. However, non-U.S. citizens face additional rules:
- Some non-citizens lose eligibility after six consecutive calendar months outside the U.S.
- Exceptions exist based on specific citizenship status, treaties between countries, and whether you have 40 quarters of U.S. earnings
- Different rules apply to dependent or survivor beneficiaries
Medicare and Healthcare Considerations
Medicare generally doesn’t cover healthcare services outside the United States, with rare exceptions for emergency services in Canada or Mexico when a U.S. hospital is closer. SSDI recipients living abroad must consider:
- Maintaining Medicare enrollment by continuing to pay Part B premiums despite no coverage
- Suspending Part B to avoid premiums, understanding that penalties may apply for late re-enrollment
- Obtaining alternative health insurance in your country of residence
Reporting Requirements
SSDI recipients living internationally must report:
- Changes in address
- Changes in marital status
- Death of a beneficiary
- Inability to manage benefits
- Deportation or removal from the U.S.
- Work activity
- Improvement in medical condition
Most foreign residents must complete an annual questionnaire from the Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) that serves their region to maintain eligibility.
For personalized guidance, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy, U.S. Consulate, or the Social Security Administration’s Office of International Operations before relocating internationally.
