Social Security benefits when living outside USA?

[Penguin_ie 5,985]

I am not planning this, but the question came up because I know I can get my Irish pension here in the USA once I am old enough:

If someone does not live in the USA anymore, are they entitled to pension/ social security etc once they are old enough? I know veterans benefits can be gotten while living abroad but that is a bit different.

If one is entitled to a state pension even if living abroad, does it depend on whether they are a US citizen or (expired) greencard holder? How long does one have to work in the USA to receive such benefits when abroad?

[Ban Hammer 12,836]

you might ask in Working & Traveling During US Immigration as that's where the ss expert hangs out.

[Penguin_ie 5,985]

***** Moving my own topic as per Deputy Mod recommendation *****

[milimelo 4,196]

ssa.gov has all the answers - and it's a yes if you qualify by age and status (USC, LPR) - they have a list of countries in which you can continue to receive your benefits.

[I'm Gone 60]

An individual’s eligibility to receive Social Security benefits while outside the U.S. will depend on his or her country of citizenship and residence.

Payments Abroad Screening Tool:

http://www.ssa.gov/international/payments_outsideUS.html

Payments While You Are Outside The United States,” publication number 05-10137:

http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10137.html

An agreement between the United States and Ireland improves Social Security protection for people who work or have worked in both countries. It helps many people who, without the agreement, would not be eligible for monthly retirement, disability or survivors benefits under the Social Security system of one or both countries:

http://www.ssa.gov/international/Agreement_Pamphlets/ireland.html

Call 410-965-0144 if you have questions on benefits under the agreement or call 410-965-3549 or 410-965-7386 for questions on the coverage rules of the agreement. You can call Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. (Eastern U.S. Time) or write to:

Social Security Administration

Office of International Programs

P.O. Box 17741

Baltimore, Maryland 21235-7741

[Ban Hammer 12,836]

^^^^ and there is the expert!

[Brother Hesekiel 2,235]

Agreed. Just keep also in mind that the US and Ireland talk to each other in regard to social benefits. I have a brain blockage regarding the exact term they use for that, but since I just received a letter from my former home country regarding my retirement benefits I looked it up and learned once more that I can't play 'em both for double cashout.

[I'm Gone 60]

Agreed. Just keep also in mind that the US and Ireland talk to each other in regard to social benefits. I have a brain blockage regarding the exact term they use for that,

Totalization Remembering that Social Security stuff isn't so easy, is it? LOL

[Ironman140 45]

Shucks

I guess I move on to plan B .

Agreed. Just keep also in mind that the US and Ireland talk to each other in regard to social benefits. I have a brain blockage regarding the exact term they use for that, but since I just received a letter from my former home country regarding my retirement benefits I looked it up and learned once more that I can't play 'em both for double cashout.

[ScottThuy 140]

Edited June 9, 2011 by ScottThuy