Can you collect social security with dual citizenship?
Asked by: Mrs. Maiya Bogisich | Last update: February 2, 2026Score: 4.7/5 (20 votes)
Yes, dual citizens can collect U.S. Social Security, as your additional citizenship doesn't usually prevent it; however, working in both the U.S. and another country (especially one with a Social Security agreement) affects eligibility and potential benefit amounts, sometimes leading to payments from both systems or benefit reductions under specific rules like the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). The main factors are where you worked, earned credits, and if you qualify for benefits under U.S. rules or bilateral agreements.
Will I lose my Social Security if I have dual citizenship?
The United States generally considers a person with dual U.S. and foreign citizenship a U.S. citizen for Social Security purposes. This may not apply if you're a U.S. citizen and a citizen of a country the United States has an international social security agreement with.
What benefits do you lose with dual citizenship?
Double Taxation: You may be subject to double taxation, meaning you could be taxed on your income in both countries of citizenship. This can be a significant financial burden. Military Service: You may be required to fulfill military service obligations in both countries of citizenship.
Can a U.S. citizen live abroad and still collect Social Security?
Yes, most U.S. citizens can collect Social Security benefits while living in most other countries, but rules depend on your citizenship, the country's location, and if you're a non-citizen. U.S. citizens generally receive payments indefinitely, while non-citizens might have benefits stop after six consecutive months abroad unless exceptions apply. You must report your worldwide income, and direct deposit is available in many places, though some countries have restrictions, and you'll need to confirm your eligibility annually.
Who is not eligible to receive social security benefits?
People ineligible for Social Security often lack sufficient work credits (40 needed for retirement), aren't U.S. citizens or lawfully present, are government employees with separate pensions (like police/teachers), or are fleeing prosecution; even those paying taxes might miss eligibility due to insufficient earnings or specific non-citizen/legal status issues.
Can You Get Social Security If You Move Out Of Country? Benefits Abroad? | Complete Guide
Can a US citizen get Social Security if they never worked?
People who have never worked may still be eligible for certain Social Security benefits, primarily through the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. SSI is a federal assistance program designed to provide financial aid to people who are over 65, blind, or disabled and have limited income and resources.
What are the three ways you can lose your social security benefits?
You can lose Social Security benefits by being incarcerated, exceeding earning limits while working before full retirement age (causing benefits to be temporarily withheld), or if you're on disability and your medical condition improves or you return to work above a certain income level. Other reasons include failing to report income, changes in marital status (like remarriage on a spouse's record), and having benefits garnished for federal debts, taxes, child support, or alimony.
How long can you live outside the U.S. before losing your Social Security?
U.S. citizens can usually live abroad indefinitely and keep their Social Security, but non-citizens generally lose benefits after six consecutive months outside the U.S., with exceptions for citizens of certain countries or those who return for a full calendar month to restart payments. Benefits are usually not paid in certain countries like Cuba or North Korea, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is generally restricted to U.S. residents.
What countries can I live in and still receive my Social Security?
You can generally move to most countries and still collect U.S. Social Security, but payments are restricted in Cuba and North Korea, and have specific rules for some former Soviet bloc nations like Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan; otherwise, use the SSA Payments Abroad Screening Tool to check your specific country and citizenship status, as most citizens can receive benefits electronically, though Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is usually limited to U.S. residents.
Can you collect Social Security if you are no longer a U.S. citizen?
Lawfully present noncitizens of the United States who meet all eligibility requirements can qualify for Social Security benefits. This rule also applies to noncitizens authorized to work in the United States who got a Social Security number after December 2003. For more information visit our Immigration page.
What is the downfall of having dual citizenship?
Disadvantages of dual citizenship include potential double taxation, mandatory military service obligations, and restrictions on certain high-level government or security jobs, plus complexities with complying with two legal systems, potential for identity struggles, and navigating differing benefits or rules in each country. These drawbacks vary significantly by the specific countries involved, so consulting legal advice is recommended.
Do I have to pay US taxes if I have dual citizenship?
Regardless of the path taken, dual citizenship creates ongoing tax obligations – US law requires citizens to file a tax return each year on worldwide income, even when living abroad or using a second passport.
Why do banks want to know if you have dual citizenship?
Knowing a customer's citizenship or dual citizenship can help banks assess risk, especially for international transactions.
What is the new law about dual citizenship in the USA?
The new dual citizenship bill, officially called the Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025, is a proposal that would ban dual citizenship for Americans and require individuals to choose one nationality. The bill is not law, and dual citizenship remains fully legal today.
What is one of the biggest mistakes people make regarding Social Security?
One of the biggest mistakes people make with Social Security is claiming benefits too early (at age 62), locking in a permanently smaller monthly check, rather than waiting until their Full Retirement Age (FRA) or even age 70 to receive significantly higher payments and larger cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) over their lifetime. This decision permanently reduces benefits by up to 30% and forfeits substantial annual increases, creating a lasting financial shortfall.
Can you renounce your U.S. citizenship and still collect Social Security?
Renouncing your US citizenship does not automatically disqualify you from receiving Social Security benefits, but it can complicate the process. Your eligibility to continue receiving these benefits depends on whether the US has a totalization agreement with the country where you reside.
Does having dual citizenship affect Social Security benefits?
Dual citizenship generally doesn't negatively affect U.S. Social Security benefits; in fact, it can help you qualify by counting work credits from another country through "totalization agreements," allowing you to potentially receive benefits from both countries, though you'll likely get a partial U.S. benefit based on U.S. credits. These international agreements prevent paying Social Security taxes to two countries for the same work and help bridge gaps in coverage, enabling eligibility for benefits you might not otherwise get.
What is the best country to retire to from the US on Social Security?
The best five places to retire abroad, according to various experts and insiders, are Portugal, Spain, Panama, Italy, and Costa Rica.
What happens if US citizens receiving Social Security leave the country?
Once you have been outside the U.S. for 30 days in a row, you will continue to receive benefits if you stay in the U.S. for 30 days in a row before the end of the sixth calendar month after the date you left.
What are three ways you can lose your Social Security?
You can lose Social Security benefits by being incarcerated, exceeding earning limits while working before full retirement age (causing benefits to be temporarily withheld), or if you're on disability and your medical condition improves or you return to work above a certain income level. Other reasons include failing to report income, changes in marital status (like remarriage on a spouse's record), and having benefits garnished for federal debts, taxes, child support, or alimony.
Can I live overseas and collect Social Security?
Yes, most U.S. citizens can collect Social Security benefits while living in most other countries, but rules depend on your citizenship, the country's location, and if you're a non-citizen. U.S. citizens generally receive payments indefinitely, while non-citizens might have benefits stop after six consecutive months abroad unless exceptions apply. You must report your worldwide income, and direct deposit is available in many places, though some countries have restrictions, and you'll need to confirm your eligibility annually.
What happens to Medicare if I move abroad?
Medicare generally does not cover health services outside the United States. If you move outside the United States: Medicare Part A (hospital insurance), is available to you if you return. No monthly premium is withheld from your Social Security benefit payment for this protection.
How much Social Security will you get if you make $60,000 a year?
If you consistently earn $60,000 annually over your career, expect roughly $2,300 - $2,500 per month at your Full Retirement Age (FRA) in today's dollars, but your actual benefit depends heavily on your earnings history (highest 35 years, indexed), birth year, and when you start benefits; for a precise figure, use the Social Security Administration (SSA)'s online tools. Benefits are calculated using bend points on your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME), and starting early (age 62) or late (age 70) significantly alters the monthly amount.
What disqualifies you from Social Security retirement?
In general, you'll need to be at least 62 years old to receive retirement benefits. If you owe back taxes or haven't paid Social Security taxes, your benefits could be garnished or you may not qualify at all. This includes some government employees who don't pay into the Social Security system through payroll taxes.
How do I get my $16728 Social Security bonus?
The $16,728 represents the maximum annual increase in Social Security benefits achievable through delayed retirement credits when you wait until age 70 to claim benefits.