Yes. If you qualify for U.S. Social Security, you keep collecting it in almost any country. The SSA pays retirees in over 150 countries, usually with no change to your monthly amount, cost-of-living raises included.
The Only Places It Stops
Two countries can't receive payments: Cuba and North Korea. Payments there are held and paid once you move somewhere eligible. Everywhere most retirees actually go, such as Mexico, Portugal, Thailand, or Panama, you're fine. Check any country in seconds with the SSA's Payments Abroad Screening Tool.
How You Get Paid
Simplest option: keep a U.S. bank account, have your benefit direct-deposited as usual, and move money abroad yourself with a low-fee transfer service. Or use International Direct Deposit, where the SSA deposits into a local account in local currency, where that's available.
Taxes
The U.S. taxes your benefit the same as if you'd stayed home: up to 85% can be taxable depending on your total income. Some countries also tax it, but U.S. tax treaties usually stop you being taxed twice. Check your destination's treaty before you commit.
2025 update: The Social Security Fairness Act repealed the WEP and GPO rules, so a foreign or public pension no longer reduces your U.S. benefit.
The One Gap: Medicare
Social Security travels; Medicare doesn't. It almost never covers care outside the U.S., so plan on using your new country's healthcare system or private international insurance.
Bottom line: for almost everyone, retiring abroad doesn't change your Social Security check. Confirm your country is eligible, pick how you'll be paid, keep your address current with the SSA, and plan separately for healthcare.
Ready for the next step?
Check out our country-specific guides to see exactly how to apply these steps in your dream destination.
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