Can a Foreign Spouse Receive Social Security Benefits?

If you’re planning to retire abroad with a non-US spouse, you may have questions about what Social Security benefits they can claim. Can a foreign spouse receive US Social Security benefits at all? Here’s what you need to know.

Can My Spouse Receive Social Security Benefits If They Are Not a US Citizen?

Yes. In most cases, non-US spouses can claim Social Security benefits. Your foreign spouse will typically qualify for survivor benefits and may also qualify for spousal or dependent benefits.

There are exceptions, though. To understand whether your non-US spouse is eligible to receive Social Security benefits, let’s take a look at the requirements.

Requirements for a Non-US Spouse to Receive Social Security Benefit

The rules surrounding Social Security benefits for non-US persons are complicated. The exact requirements can vary depending on which country you’ve chosen for your new home. However, there are some general rules to be aware of.

In order for your foreign spouse to claim Social Security benefits…

• You must have contributed to Social Security for at least 10 years. (Your spouse is not required to have a history of contributing.)
• Your spouse must be at least 62 years old.
• Your spouse cannot be a resident of Cuba or North Korea. (Although, if they have been a resident of Cuba or North Korea, they can receive Social Security back payments once they become residents of a different country.)
• Payments generally also cannot be sent to certain other foreign countries, such as Belarus and Uzbekistan. For a full list of countries that restrict Social Security payments from the US, please see the Social Security Administration website.

Again, the rules for claiming Social Security benefits can vary quite a bit depending on where you and your spouse live. For more information, we recommend consulting a qualified expat tax professional.