Can I still receive my U.S. Social Security payments in Belize, and if so, how?

You can receive your US Social Security benefits while living in Belize. You will either auto transfer to your Belize account or withdraw your money at a local ATM.

You can receive your US Social Security benefits while living in Belize. You will either auto transfer to your Belize account or withdraw your money at a local ATM.

Yes, you can receive your social security checks outside of the US.  If you are living in Belize (where we are), the best way to receive your social security checks would be to set up a US dollar bank account here in Belize and to have an account in US.  Have your social security checks deposited to the US account and then transfer those funds into your US dollar account here in Belize as needed.
  
Whomever comes to Belize as part of the retirement program can...

Yes, you can receive your social security checks outside of the US.  If you are living in Belize (where we are), the best way to receive your social security checks would be to set up a US dollar bank account here in Belize and to have an account in US.  Have your social security checks deposited to the US account and then transfer those funds into your US dollar account here in Belize as needed.
  
Whomever comes to Belize as part of the retirement program can open a US dollar account. Even If they don't come on the retiree program, they can still open a bank account here in Belize but it's not automatic. The banks today are not what they used to be; there are lots of questions and lots of documentation required.
 
Just because you're living in Belize, there's no reason that you can't continue to get your social security checks deposited to your US bank account.  You can choose to transfer the money or not, and it’s completely up to you.

 

(Belize dollar with Queen Elizabeth II of England, pictured.)

My expertise is real estate and when it comes to these matters, you should ask your accountant or lawyer but I believe you could still receive your US Social Security payments in Belize because being a resident of Belize does not require you to give up your US residency. The bottom line, in my opinion, is that you would just have your Social Security payments wired to your account in Belize. I am 95% sure that the answer is “yes, you can receive your Social Security payments in...

My expertise is real estate and when it comes to these matters, you should ask your accountant or lawyer but I believe you could still receive your US Social Security payments in Belize because being a resident of Belize does not require you to give up your US residency. The bottom line, in my opinion, is that you would just have your Social Security payments wired to your account in Belize. I am 95% sure that the answer is “yes, you can receive your Social Security payments in Belize”, but I know a lot of people who are doing it.
 

 

(Sidewalk in Placencia village, Belize, pictured.)

Yes, the Social Security Administration will send your payment directly to your account in Belize if you desire. It will save you the cost of a bank transfer. If you do not have an account in Belize, you can use the Direct Express® debit card or you can have your payment deposited in your US bank account and then use your bank debit card. You can even have the Social Security Administration mail your check to you in Belize, but then you will probably have some difficulty and...

Yes, the Social Security Administration will send your payment directly to your account in Belize if you desire. It will save you the cost of a bank transfer. If you do not have an account in Belize, you can use the Direct Express® debit card or you can have your payment deposited in your US bank account and then use your bank debit card. You can even have the Social Security Administration mail your check to you in Belize, but then you will probably have some difficulty and expense and time to receive the cash.

 

One of the most important and often one of the most misunderstood subjects for expatriate living is Social Security from the United States. Almost every week, I speak with someone who believes common myths about Social Security. The most common myth is that you can not receive Social Security if you live in a foreign country. That absolutely is false - YOU CAN RECEIVE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY IN ALMOST EVERY COUNTRY IN THE WORLD.

 

It is easy to get accurate information instead of believing your “friend” who thinks he knows everything. The Social Security Administration makes it easy by providing a brochure titled “Your Payments While You are Outside the United States”. This brochure is also available online. It is also easy to visit an office or the nearest US Embassy or consulate for more information. And if you like, you can Google Social Security and find the website and phone numbers for more information.

 

Here are a few facts:

• US citizens can receive payments in most countries (a few are restricted by US Treasury regulations).
• Your payment can be deposited directly in your foreign bank account in most countries (Belize, Mexico, Panama, and Portugal are included).
• Direct deposits are received much faster than check payments and are safer – you don’t need to worry about lost or stolen checks or delays in the mail. Even if the mail is not delayed, it takes longer to receive a check by mail in a foreign country.
• Direct deposits usually save on currency conversion fees and check cashing fees.
• The Direct Express® debit card is another option for receiving your benefits. Money is deposited directly into your debit card account. The card can be used to get cash, make purchases, and pay bills in many locations. Transactions are often free.
• You may not want to sign up for Medicare part B because Medicare benefits are available only in the United States. However, if you enroll later, you will receive higher premiums.
• Social Security benefits are calculated in US. dollars. International exchange rates do not change the amount you are paid.

 

As a reminder to those who are considering a move to a foreign country to take advantage of a lower cost of living, Yes, you can live on your Social Security and you can receive it in your new country.