Social Security Abroad Calculator
See how your US retirement benefits work in your destination country
Step 1: Your Social Security
Step 2: Destination Country
Step 3: Financial Details
About this calculator: Estimates are based on 2026 Social Security rules, published tax treaties, and cost-of-living indices. Actual benefits may vary based on your specific earnings record and circumstances. This tool provides general guidance only and is not tax or legal advice. Consult with a qualified expat tax professional and the Social Security Administration for personalized guidance. Suggest a correction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I receive US Social Security while living abroad?
Yes, in most countries. The Social Security Administration can send payments to banks in over 190 countries. However, payments cannot be sent to Cuba, North Korea, and several former Soviet states (Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan). If you are a US citizen, you can generally receive benefits regardless of where you live. Non-citizens may face additional restrictions depending on their country of citizenship and residence.
What is the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP)?
The WEP reduces your US Social Security benefit if you also receive a pension from work not covered by Social Security — such as a foreign government pension. The maximum WEP reduction is $587.50 per month in 2026. If you have 30 or more years of "substantial earnings" under US Social Security, you are exempt from WEP. The reduction decreases for each year of substantial earnings between 20 and 30 years.
What is a totalization agreement?
A totalization agreement between the US and another country lets you combine work credits earned in both countries to qualify for Social Security benefits. The US currently has agreements with about 30 countries. For example, if you worked 8 years in the US and 4 years in Germany, the agreement lets you count all 12 years toward the 10-year US minimum. Without the agreement, those 8 US years alone would not qualify you for benefits.
Will I lose my Medicare if I move abroad?
Medicare generally does not cover healthcare services outside the United States. You can keep paying Part B premiums to maintain coverage for when you visit the US, but you will need local health insurance or private international insurance abroad. Some countries with retirement visa programs offer affordable public healthcare options for legal residents. It is important to factor healthcare costs into your retirement-abroad budget.
How is Social Security taxed abroad?
It depends on the tax treaty between the US and your country of residence. Some treaties specify that Social Security is taxed only by the US, others only by the residence country, and some allow both countries to tax with a foreign tax credit to avoid double taxation. Up to 85% of your Social Security benefits may be subject to US federal income tax depending on your combined income. If there is no tax treaty, you may face taxation by both countries.
