Living in Greece

Collecting U.S. retirement benefits while abroad

April 29, 2007 at 14:44 ·

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Mmmm.. is there any way we can get an application in for me.

True, I’m not American. I’ve not lived in America. I’m not of retirement age…

BUT

This sounds really cool so I want in on it. Surely someone’s got connections somewhere?

Kat Reply:
May 2nd, 2007 at 18:08

ED – Sure, you don’t qualify, but I’m sure your Greek pension will be more than sufficient.

I recently called the SSA “800″ number on my mother’s behalf (who is a permanent US resident with only Greek citizenship) and was pleased to find out that even by moving back to Greece (and therefore loosing her US residence) she can still receive her SSA income my merely making a change of address.

This in contrast to your article claiming a need to show a continual residence in the U.S.A and or with making appearance(s) to the US embassy.

Thoughts ?

Kat Reply:
June 3rd, 2008 at 22:09

V – My thoughts are that you’ve misread the article. Nowhere do I say you must show a continual residence in the USA or appear at the embassy on a regular basis. It says clearly that you can collect while living abroad with no problem at all, even have the payment direct deposited to a bank account, as long as you qualify. You only need to send in periodic questionnaires, which is the reason I also say a person’s address must be up to date.

As I state clearly, I do not represent the SSA, the information was taken directly from the SSA site, and people should consult directly with them to get pertinent information specific to their case.

A very good posting. My wife and I have thought about retiring to western Europe. Your’s is the first article I’ve found with any information for U.S. Social Security receipients other than about settling in mexico. Thanks.

Kat Reply:
October 18th, 2008 at 23:10

W – Hi there! Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. As long as you qualify for SS retirement benefits, you’ll have no problem receiving payments via bank transfer or by mail should you decide to retire somewhere in western Europe, since the majority (if not all) countries allow it. Visit the links I’ve provided for more complete information. My article was an informational summary provided for the convenience of my readers.

I would like to know where to go for a previous authorization for montly payment while the applicant is living in South America.

I thought that after the individual has worked/completed the 45 or plus credits, has completed the application, and has been fully qualified that given person did not have to remain in US in order to continue receiving the monthly payment. Am I missing anything in here?

Kat Reply:
January 5th, 2009 at 21:11

MH – That’s true. In the first section, I say that you can collect while abroad if you set it up with them, even have SS payments wired directly to your bank account as long as you’re in a country where that’s not forbidden. If you have questions or concerns, you should contact SSA directly about your case or an American consulate nearest you. There’s a link in the first section that helps you find one, should you not know where to go.

Great site!

My mother is a dual Greek/American citizen also and is living in the States but want’s to move to Greece. She is getting SSI from the SSA and was told that she cannot receive benefits if moved to Greece. Is that true and if it is do you know of a way to bypass this?

I’m a Greek/American dual citizen and my situation is a bit complicated. I need lots of info and was wondering if you can recommend me to a lawyer who is familiar with expat concerning dual citizens for good solid advises.

Thank you

PS Also, do you know what our rights are as far as buying a used car with foreign EU plates from Greece or from another EU country? And if you know of any foreign plates used car lot in Athens? I used to know of one but closed down.

Kat Reply:
February 2nd, 2009 at 20:11

T – Your mother cannot continue receiving these benefits abroad because Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are funded by U.S. taxpayer money, not the Social Security Admin. These are supplemental payments to assist the blind, elderly, low income and disabled in paying basic needs. See “SSI benefits” if you have further questions. Once she voluntarily leaves the United States, the USA and its taxpayers are not obligated to keep supporting her. She would then be in the hands of the Greek state and should apply to Greek authorities for assistance.

SSA retirement benefits — which is the subject of this article — can be received abroad because the recipient or qualifying family member made nearly lifelong contributions to be eligible. Therefore, these are payments funded from their decades of work.

There is really no need for a lawyer with regards to handling bureaucracy, as many hyphenated Greeks do just fine; I’ve also managed fine as an expat for 11 years without one and don’t even have the benefit of being Greek. Many lawyers come to my website for advice and are really only needed when you go to court. I cannot recommend an attorney per my policy in “Comments, Questions and Contacting Me.”

I regret that I do not know of any foreign plates used car lots in Athens. However, if you open the Chrysi Efkairia (x-e.gr), you may find a lead.

My question is about the dual citizen and retirement.

1) Can I stay in the Philippines as long as I want? I have my Auntie and planning to retire and plan to stay in the Philippines. Can she stay in the Philippines as long as she want? Is there any limit years to stay in the Philippines.
2) What will happen to her US SS pension? She’s planning to have a direct deposit on her bank but the question is – is her pension will be continued as long as she want to stay in the Phil.?
3) Is there any taxes required if she will stay permanent in the Phil.?
4) What will happen if she stayed in the Phil. without returning to US and what will happen about her SS pension?

So, my questions are about dual citizen, if she can stay as long as she wants without limits, her SS pension will not stop. if she will permanently in the Phil.

Kat Reply:
April 9th, 2009 at 20:14

Questions #2 and #4 are already answered in the article. The other questions cannot be answered because you didn’t provide enough information for me to help you, plus this website is about Greece not the Philippines. I recommend you contact the Philippine Consulate nearest you, which I believe is:

http://www.philippinessanfrancisco.org/

My wife and I are considering retiring in South Africa, either temporary or semi-permanent or even permanently. We are registered aliens and have resided in the USA since 1971 as a fully employed tax paying non-citizen. We have been receiving Social Security payments since approximately 1995.

We are both on Medicare and understand that once abroad, we will no longer receive any Medicare benefits. My question is, will we continue to receive our monthly Social Security checks no matter how long we are out of the States?

Kat Reply:
October 8th, 2009 at 21:15

You did not provide enough information for me to help you. However, I encourage you to use the links ‘Payments Abroad Screening Tool” or “Your Payments While You are Outside the USA” from the article, “If I leave the U.S., can I continue to receive benefits?” for information specific to your situation.

I have some one that is 80 years old. has lived in the US for 50 years but was born in Greece. owned a small mechanic shop for a few years. was in the Greek Navy before coming to the states. he wants to go back to Greece to retire and doesn’t know what he does to obtain health insurance. Any guidance would help
Thanks
Elaine

Note from Kat: Answered privately.

Would a US citizen and retiree, living in Greece and receiving Social Security Retirement Benefits have to pay taxes to the Greek government?

Pam

Kat Reply:
April 9th, 2010 at 14:07

Unfortunately, you did not provide enough information for me to answer your question, as taxation and tax filing involves more than just income and origin. I recommend consulting the SSA website or calling their hotline, where staff can adequately answer your question about double taxation and social security agreements between Greece and the USA.

Also be aware that tax laws are changing, so what applies today may not apply if/when you arrive in Greece.

my husband who is american citizen can apply for an SSA benefits here in the Philippines , even though he marries someone in the United States, what about our children who had an SSN since they were young, are entitle too their fathers compensation.

Kat Reply:
June 18th, 2010 at 20:26

Dependents or survivors of U.S. citizens must determine if they are eligible to receive benefits, since birth alone isn’t enough. Please contact SSA to receive answers specific to your situation.

would like to know about my wife’s benefits

Kat Reply:
July 7th, 2010 at 01:02

Since you’re in Canada, you can find an answer online or contact SSA directly by mail or phone. See “Contact Us.”

I spend 14 years working in USA (legal permanent resident) and paying all taxes. If I decide to live in the USA, can I get back my social security and medicare money. J.B. Thank you.

Kat Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 01:03

According to my report, you’re already in the USA. Therefore, I don’t know what you mean by “get back” and don’t understand the question.

Social security contributions go toward your pension/retirement and can be combined with years of contributions made in other countries with bilateral agreements, and payments can be paid out as long as you’re in an eligible country and are eligible for payments. You need to use the links I provide above and consult SS directly, then consult Medicare on your specific situation and desires. http://www.medicare.gov/

Thanks very much for this article.
I’m a green card holder from England and am working in America now – but I want out. It’s good to know that I don’t have to become a US citizen to collect SS retirement money while living (permanently) abroad. So after leaving America, I will lose my permanent resident status and I won’t have to file US tax returns anymore. And if I understand correctly, when I reach retirement age I’ll be able to apply for Social Security payments and still won’t have to file US tax returns or have any other obligations to America. Sounds great! Please correct me if anything I wrote was wrong.
Thank you,
Ron

Kat Reply:
June 3rd, 2011 at 00:08

Hi Ron,

There was a delay in answering you because I needed to consult someone with several years expertise in handling cross-border cases involving taxes and SS retirement. He gave me permission to relay what he told me to help you.

It’s true that you will not need to file U.S. tax returns when you no longer have U.S. income related to business activities, earned income (as the IRS defines it) from the USA, and are no longer a permanent resident.

However, depending on what country you take up residence, whether it’s your native England or somewhere else, there is typically tax on U.S. social security or pension payments, even if you don’t file a U.S. tax return. In Greece, for example, a flat 30 percent tax is withheld from all U.S. payments, regardless of citizenship or tax filing status in the USA. In other countries, the percentage of withholding tax may be less or even nil, but U.S. social security payments are (under most conditions) still considered taxable income by laws in your country of residence and may be subject to taxation.

IRS publications 519 and 901 can explain most of what you need to know. Click and download at, “Publications and Notices.”

Thank you for your question.

Is VA Disability Compensation taxable income in Greece?

Kat Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 13:51

You didn’t provide enough information for me to help you. Please see my advice under, “Have a question?” and all best.

There is prohibition for receiving SSA payment while living in Russia. But there are exception if I would agree to visit US Embassy monthly and do ti in advance. In advance of what?:
1. Before I start to receive my benefits in USA
2. Before I start to live more than 30 days in Russia
3. Both
Are there any special conditions to get permission/agreement for this exception?

Kat Reply:
January 9th, 2012 at 10:12

Please refer to my advice under, “Have a question?” All best.

i am an american citizen age 60 and i want to know about my pention pension benefits now i leave live in greece would you please inform me and give me some details and what ever else you need to know about my social number etc i thank you so much

Kat Reply:
January 24th, 2012 at 20:53

As I say above in the section ‘Social Security Assistance in Greece,’ you need to call the U.S. Embassy in Athens Federal Benefits Unit. Use the information I provided and call them.

Can an American who lives abroad and collects SSDI take dual citizenship and continue to collect SSDI?

Kat Reply:
February 21st, 2012 at 17:58

Continuing to collect SSDI has more to do with one’s medical condition and ability to work, not whether you opt to take dual citizenship. You can contact the federal benefits unit at the American embassy/consulate nearest you in Jordan to confirm and take a look at the dedicated web page http://www.ssa.gov/disability/

I recieve social security disabilaty benefits and workers compensation in NYC. I would like to relocate to greece and live there. Do you forsee an issue in moving to greece and living there?

Kat Reply:
March 20th, 2012 at 21:32

Your question was vague (issue with what?), and you didn’t provide enough information about your background for me to customize an answer.

You need to be an EU citizen or have dual citizenship with the EU in order to move to Greece. Otherwise you need to qualify for a residence permit, as explained in “How non-EU citizens can move and live in Greece.”

If you are a Greek male between the age of 19 and 45, you will be required to serve national service unless qualifying and leaping through bureaucratic hoops to declare an exemption as explained in “Mandatory military service in Greece.”

Regarding social security, see the section ‘Have a question?’ in the article above. Regarding worker’s comp, inquire directly with NY WCB at http://www.wcb.ny.gov/

Good luck.

I was a permanent resident in the USA until my retirement. I still pay my taxes in the USA but now I am living in France. Getting old (80) it is getting very difficult for me to travel back as often as I wish.. Every time I go to the USA to visit my family I am subjected to a lot of questions, It is becoming an harrassment. Is the 6 months requirement still on. What can I do? Thank you. HLA

Kat Reply:
March 25th, 2012 at 21:38

Six-month requirement for what? Visa, residency, taxes??? Questions about what?

I’d love to help you, but I’m confused because your comment provides no background and this post is about collecting retirement while abroad.

I worked in the USA for approximately 4.5 years and paid into the social security system. I am of retiring age. I am a green card holder with a social security number. I was informed sometime ago that I would have to work at least 40 quarters in order to claim a pension or if not would get my money back that I paid in for the 4.5 years. Would I get any money from my American employers if they have a pension scheme. How do I go about getting in touch with the companies that I worked for. Most of the companies were taken over by others and difficult to trace them. Could you help ?

Kat Reply:
April 24th, 2012 at 18:42

Please see my advice under ‘Have a question.’ All best.

I am 53. I am a green card holder lived in America for 32 years worked for 30 years and now live in South Africa will I be able to receive my social security when I am 65 years old but living in South Africa.

Kat Reply:
July 6th, 2012 at 23:14

Please see my answer in the section, “Have a Question?” Thank you.

Sirs,
I have lived and worked in the U.S. as a legal permanent resident, Green Card Holder, for 55 years. Life is getting a little expensive in the States and I am considering moving to the Philippines because living is cheaper. Could I still claim my SS and have it paid into my U.S. bank account? Last question, would I still be eligible for Medicare?

Thank you for your help

Kat Reply:
July 6th, 2012 at 23:49

Please see the section, “Have a question?” Thank you.

hi we are planning to move to USA from uk because my husband is USA ciziten citizen and works there but my child is autism so is she eligible for ssi or not.

Thank you.

Kat Reply:
August 1st, 2012 at 21:17

There is no way I (or anyone) can help you based on the little information you provided. Please use the link I provide under ‘SSI’ or see the advice I give under “Have a question?” and be prepared to answer detailed questions.

hello. i was born in greece but my parents lived for a long time in usa and after they came back to greece they got me a usa passport at 1986.it expired at 1992, they renewaled it and then expired back at 1997. can you tell me if back then they got me a ssn too? because i want to renewal my passport again and i don’t now if i have one. and if not how can i get one.

ps. sorry if my english aren’t too good!

Kat Reply:
October 2nd, 2012 at 17:47

I’m a private citizen, not a representative of the U.S. government. As it says in ‘Have a question?’, you need to contact the SSA directly or the Federal Benefits Unit at the U.S. embassy; your English is fine, but they have multilingual representatives to assist you. http://www.ssa.gov/

Hello– I was born in Greece, served in the navy and came to the usa when I was 36 years old and married an american citizen. I was a permanent resident in the usa for 30 years and paid into the system for that time. I returned to Greece 3 years ago, am now 63 and would like to know if I am able to collect social security but more importantly how would I get healthcare from the usa. I can not get healthcare from Greece because I haven’t paid into the system long enough since I was working 30 years in the usa. Thank you.

Kat Reply:
October 8th, 2012 at 11:08

First, there’s no way I can know if you’re eligible to collect SS benefits based on so little information. Read the first section, ‘Do I qualify?’ and follow the link given, or contact SSA directly. In ‘Social Security Assistance in Greece,’ I also give information on how to contact someone in Athens.

The information can only help you if you help yourself.

Second, as I’ve said to previous commentators with the same question, the United States has no responsibility to extend health insurance to anyone who willingly leaves its borders. The only U.S. insurance with validity in Greece is Tricare for ex-military and their families, and private insurance you purchase yourself. You can also buy health/medical coverage from private insurance companies, banks, etc. in Greece.

Hello-
Recently an uncle of mine who resides in Greece since 1974 (but a naturalized US citizen) has been granted OGA agricultural retirement benefits and has asked me if he is eligible for a SSA benefits- as he did work here for more than 12 years and paid into the system . Does receiving benefits in a forein foreign country automatically bar one from US benefits. I believe the Greek prohibits benefit accrual if one collects one in the US. Many thanks
Gust

Kat Reply:
February 10th, 2013 at 23:57

I can give a general answer, but it wouldn’t necessarily apply. There’s no way I or anyone can accurately answer that question, given so little information. He needs to contact SSA directly, as it says in ‘Have a question?’, and OGA.

Hello,
My father is a green card holder for 25 years, he has worked and paid taxex in US, now he is sick and he wants to go to Romania permanently.how can he collect social security in Romania if he looses his green card because he can’t came to US every 6 months?

Kat Reply:
February 28th, 2013 at 21:19

There’s no way for me or anyone to answer your question given so little information. As it says in ‘Have a question?’, all questions and inquiries should be directed at the SSA.

1:
Hi there,
I am a US citizen on social security disability and I get SSI payments. What happens when I reach retirement age and what is considered as such in my case, is it 62 or 66? Is there such a condition that one benefit supplements the other? Thanks.

2:
Easy to say! I spent two hours on the phone last year with a couple of SSA sections and a related agency. The result: you have to create an email account with the SSA first, before you can register to contact them. But you can not register if you live abroad!

Kat Reply:
March 4th, 2013 at 09:02

1:
As it says in ‘Have a question?’, all questions must be directed at SSA for answers specific to your situation.

2:
As it says in the article (twice), Federal Benefit Units at American embassies abroad can assist you. A link to all of them is provided, as well as the phone number and operating hours for Athens.

There’s no way I or anyone can answer the questions you posed based on so little information, unless you want someone to guess and give info that may not apply to your specific case. Therefore, it makes more sense to consult a specialist who is familiar with the law and can access your records.

Good day! This is an inquiry of my sister-in-law. Is it possible for her to know if who is the real beneficiary of her husband who is a retired U.S. citizen. Her husband is a US SS pensioner for almost 5yrs now but currently staying in the Philippines. My sister-in-law believe that her husband married someone in the U.S.

Looking forward for your reply.

Thanks.

Kat Reply:
May 15th, 2013 at 12:26

This is a matter of trust and disclosure between your sister-in-law and her husband. It has nothing to do with American social security.

Hello,

My mother receives a SS check each month. She is a 62 year old widow and lives in Greece. She is an American citizen and would like to know-does she need to claim this income when she files taxes in Greece?

Many thanks

Kat Reply:
May 25th, 2013 at 13:45

There’s no way I or anyone can answer that question based on so little information. Many factors are taken into consideration, and an accountant familiar with Greek and U.S. tax laws must be consulted as it says in section, ‘Have a question?’

Is there any exception at all so that my mom can continue to receive SSI when living in India ? She is 66, receives food stamps, medicaid and state funded medicare and SSI.

Kat Reply:
June 12th, 2013 at 22:45

In a word, no. Also, as it says in ‘Have a question?’ you can verify my answer by contacting the relevant authorities.

Sir/Madam,

My mother a US Citizen used to get retirement benefits when she was in USA. After my Dad’s demise in the year 2004 she left to India and her Social Security retirement benefits were stopped. My uncle and aunty both US citizens who are residing in India are getting their benefits.

My mom came back to US few days ago. Is she eligible to get her social security amount after 30 days? Is she also eligible to get back her social security amount due from 2004 to till date if applied? Please help me in answering my questions.

Thanks,

Viola.

Kat Reply:
June 13th, 2013 at 08:17

As it says in ‘Have a question?’ your mother needs to contact them directly and provide much more information than you gave me to receive assistance. All best.

Can being a permanent resident of Mexico lose any of my benifits benefits from the United States, i have lived here in Mexico for 10 years and paid the government here every year over 300 dollars for a Visitard permit. now i can apply for a permanent permit and dont have to pay every year for this card., no payment never more.

Kat Reply:
July 10th, 2013 at 11:20

Besides not providing enough information for me to answer your question, I highly recommend contacting SSA directly as it says in section, ‘Have a question?’

my mother-in-law is an american citizen, but unfortunately she died, in she died outside of america, her husband is the survivor is not american citizen nor had an entry to united states, is he qualified to claim on survivor benefit. thanks

Kat Reply:
September 2nd, 2013 at 09:16

Please see section, ‘Have a question?’

I asked the US embassy in Athens Greece about the SS benefits I will be receiving at the age of 62 based on my contributions. I was told I will be receiving about 350 dollars per month. I worked in USA for 8 years, but I need 10 years of work to be entitled to SS benefits. I have come back to US and worked during 2012 and 2013. I will also work next year to fulfill the 10 year requirement. Based on the SS benefits calculator, my monthly benefits are estimated at 560 dollars. Why did the Greek personnel at the US embassy of Athens Greece give me misleading information about my future SS benefits?

I would also like to touch upon another issue of great concern, regarding the US Embassy in Athens. It seems those Greek people handling SS issues for American citizens never answer the phone, the phone rings and no-one picks it up, till the line gets disconnected. They do not permit US citizens to enter the embassy grounds and ask questions in person about a vital issue like SS benefits and to top it all, they provide erroneous information to US citizens. Why don’t the Americans in charge supervise the work of the Greek personnel in the embassy? I am really stunned, very disappointed by the service and greatly concerned! Could you please be kind enough, if in any way affiliated with Americans living in Greece and working in the US Embassy of Athens to help rectify an unacceptable situation. Your intervention would be highly appreciated. Thank you.

Kat Reply:
December 28th, 2013 at 15:50

Exact calculations can only be made based on looking at all your confidential records. I don’t know what the U.S. embassy staff were looking at, but I do know that the SS calculator states very clearly that it is an estimator (aka, it’s not precise).

I am in no way affiliated with the U.S. embassy. I am a private citizen and assume no responsibility for other people’s actions, only my own. However, you can file a complaint if so inclined. Complaints: U.S. embassy or consulate. They are taken seriously. I know this because I filed one of my own.

Hi:

This article is all about American applicants who are interested to move to Greece, how about Canadians?

Is there anything to refer to for Canadian citizens?

Thanks,

farah

Kat Reply:
January 11th, 2014 at 10:46

Actually, it’s not all about American applicants. As the title states, the article pertains to U.S. retirement benefits and how anyone (all nationalities) entitled to receive them can collect while living abroad.

If you’re inquiring about being Canadian and moving to Greece, see “How non-EU citizens can get a permit to move, live and work in Greece.” Rules are the same for all non-EU citizens.

If you’re inquiring about collecting Canadian pension benefits while living abroad, see GC’s “Living outside Canada.”

My friend has a dual UK / USA citizenship . She has worked and lived in the USA for 20 years. Due to a bad illness she cannot work and is currently recieving Disability Benefits every month.

She has friends /family in Greece and was thinking she might like to go there and live. Maybe not permanetly but say 3-6 months. Can she still get her Disability Benefits if only away for 3-6months and then comes back within a certain timeframe if there is any. Or if she did decide to move there permenently would she still be able to get her disability benefits and are these benefits called SSI.

Also what is the retirement age for a woman born in December 1953 and does her disablity benefits she gets now turn into retirement benefits once she reaches retirement age. She is 60 years old now . If she was then receiving retirement benefits and wanted to move to Greece would she be allowed to receive her retirement benfits un that country.
Thank you

Kat Reply:
February 14th, 2014 at 10:20

Please see advice in section ‘Have a question?’ of the article above. All best.