Special statement from SSA and US government: half of America is on alert

The Social Security Administration (SSA) and the US Government have issued an important clarification regarding the use of direct deposit for people living outside the US. If you are an SSA beneficiary and reside in another country, this is relevant to you, especially if you want to use direct deposit to receive your payments.

The SSA explains that if you live outside the United States, you can choose to receive your retirement, survivor, or disability benefits through direct deposit. This is possible as long as the country where you reside is on the list of nations with an agreement for international direct deposit.

Pay Attention to This About Direct Deposit: US Social Security Is Clear

You can also send the money to a financial institution in the US, even if you don't have a bank account abroad. For many, direct deposit offers key advantages: it's safe, fast, and avoids the delays or losses that can occur with paper checks.

Additionally, by using an accepted US or foreign financial institution, you can save on currency exchange fees and speed up access to your money.

Special Rules for Those Living Outside the Country

The SSA notes that if you are not a US citizen, there are additional conditions. For example, non-citizens can only keep receiving payments for up to six full months outside the US, unless they meet certain requirements or live in a country with a bilateral agreement.

If you exceed that period without complying with the rules, payments will stop until you return and are present for a full calendar month in the US. The SSA also requires you to keep your residential address updated, even if the money goes to a bank account. If you don't do this, you could stop receiving payments or experience delays.

About Payment Delivery, This Is Important for You

Regarding where payments can be sent, you can choose between a US financial institution, such as a bank or credit union, and a foreign institution with an international agreement, in any country that has an agreement with the SSA.

To find the list of eligible countries, check the SSA's "Payments Abroad Screening Tool" and the informational publication "Your Payments While You Are Outside the United States." You must also complete the SSA-1199 form corresponding to the country where you reside.

The instructions for using direct deposit are clear and beneficial. The process begins by requesting direct deposit (or a Direct Express® card if you don't have a bank account). Then, if you reside outside the US, you must complete the SSA-1199 form, choose the bank, and make sure to keep your address updated. All this allows you to enjoy the benefit without worries.