Over the course of this summer, many Georgia residents may be hoping to get away for awhile on a vacation. For some, these visits may be more permanent in nature, such as for individuals who may be traveling outside of the United States for an extended period of time. While these visits can be beneficial for a variety of reasons, they can also pose issues with a person’s SSDI claims.
There are over half a million people who receive some kind of Social Security benefit and who live outside of the United States. This includes not only retired persons, but disabled workers as well and their families. Under the federal regulations, a person can receive Social Security disability payments outside the country, so long as they remain eligible.
An individual’s disability benefits can be impacted if they travel outside the country for a long period of time. For instance, Supplemental Security Income can be affected when a person lives outside the country for more than 30 days. The Social Security Administration often sends questionnaires to benefits recipients in order to determine whether they are still eligible.
The person’s eligibility can involve a number of factors. For example, the residency status of the recipient may determine whether benefits can still be received, as the Social Security Administration may not be able to send checks to certain countries. The person’s work outside the United States can also impact their continued eligibility for disability benefits.
Accordingly, individuals should understand whether a prolonged absence from the country will impact their benefits. By knowing the law and keeping proper lines of communication open with the Social Security Administration, individuals can ensure their benefits are not disrupted or terminated.
Source: The Daily Courier, “Social Security: Social Security benefits U.S. citizens outside the U.S.,” J. Dyer, July 1, 2016
