International Agreements, Payments Outside the United States, and Social Security in Other Countries

This site provides information about the United States program of international Social Security agreements, about receiving your U.S. Social Security benefits outside the United States and about Social Security programs in other countries.

The Social Security Administration is required to withhold nonresident alien tax from the monthly Retirement, Disability or Survivor benefits of anyone who is not a U.S. citizen or U.S. resident (according to the Internal Revenue Service’s definition). Residents of certain countries may meet an exemption or reduction of this tax. This tool will help you determine if nonresident alien tax applies to your benefits.

Here you will find specific information explaining the effects of citizenship and residency on receiving payments while you are outside the United States.

If you are outside the United States or are thinking about moving from the United States to another country, you should read Social Security—Your Payments While You Are Outside the United States (Publication No. 05-10137), which explains how your benefits might be affected. You can also learn how to conduct Social Security business while outside the United States.

For information about other countries' Social Security programs, check the latest version of "Social Security Programs throughout the World".

We've also provided Links to Social Security Web Pages of other Countries and International Organizations.

If you have questions about your individual claim and you are in the United States, please call or visit your local Social Security office. If you are outside the United States, see our list of Contacts for Services outside the United States.