How Long Can You Live Outside the U.S. and Still Collect Social Security?

You can live outside the United States indefinitely and continue collecting U.S. Social Security. There is no time limit for how long you can remain abroad.

1. Unlimited Collection Abroad

The U.S. pays Social Security benefits to eligible citizens living in:

• Costa Rica

• Almost all of Latin America

• All of Europe

• Most of Asia

• Most of Africa

There is no residency requirement to stay near the U.S.

2. You Must Still File U.S. Taxes

Even abroad, you must:

• File U.S. tax returns

• Report global income

• Keep your address updated with the SSA

3. What Could Stop Payments?

Only a few situations interrupt Social Security:

• Moving to sanctioned countries (not Costa Rica)

• Not responding to SSA verification letters

• Fraud or incorrect identity data

Costa Rica is 100% approved for long-term payments.

4. Medicare Doesn’t Work Abroad

This is important:

• Medicare does not cover healthcare in Costa Rica
  But Costa Rica’s CAJA and private system are extremely affordable.

Bottom Line

You can live abroad permanently and still receive Social Security for life — Costa Rica is fully eligible.

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