SSA Bars Social Security Payments in 2 Countries, Restricts Benefits in 7 Central Asian States
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Jun 3
SSA Bars Social Security Payments in 2 Countries, Restricts Benefits in 7 Central Asian States
1 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Jun 3
Summary
Treasury rules block Social Security payments to anyone living in Cuba or North Korea, and SSA says benefits are withheld there until the person moves to an eligible country.
Seven other countries — Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan — also face payment limits unless a recipient qualifies for an exception.
Most Americans retiring abroad can still receive benefits normally if they meet standard rules, including U.S. citizenship or residency requirements, 40 work credits and the minimum claiming age.
International Direct Deposit is available in most countries and usually follows the U.S. payment schedule, while mailed checks remain a slower, riskier fallback.