James R. Says:
I’m receiving a retirement check from Social Security and my railroad retirement. Both are combined into one check once a month. If I moved from the U.S. to Costa Rica, would I lose my retirement check?
IL Social Security Expert Steve Garfink Says:
Hi James,
For anyone eligible to receive Social Security benefits based on their own work record, living outside the U.S. generally doesn’t interfere with your right to collect those benefits.
In this day and age, many people simply use their debit card to access cash from ATMs that are widely available in most major and minor cities. Many banks offer debit cards for which they will reimburse you for any ATM fees that may be charged. Look online for what’s currently available. We’ve operated many years in Mexico this way without any problem.
Many people choose to have their Social Security payments deposited with their bank in the U.S., and then transfer money to their local bank outside the U.S. as they need it.
For countries with an international direct deposit agreement with the U.S. (and that’s most countries), your benefits can be paid directly to a corresponding bank in that country. Contact Social Security in advance and they can inform you which banks can accept direct deposit in the countries in which you are interested.
You will need to inform the Social Security Administration when you move out of the U.S.
It’s easy to inform the Social Security Administration of a change in address online or by phone at 800-772-1213. There is also a post on the Social Security blog that discusses this in more detail.
As for your railroad retirement payment, the Railroad Retirement Board offers International Direct Deposit (IDD) of benefit payments to beneficiaries in a number of countries, including Costa Rica. This is a safer method of receiving your payments outside of the U.S., as checks can be lost in the mail.
You will need to complete an enrolment form and mail it to the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board.
You can get that form, along with detailed instructions and the complete list of eligible countries, at this link.
Since you have both payments coming in the form of one check, you should coordinate with both organizations prior to your move.
I’d recommend speaking with the Social Security Administration at this number: 800-772-1213, and the Railroad Retirement Board at: 877-772-5772.
You can also pick up a copy of my book, Social Security Secrets, which has some useful information about claiming your Social Security overseas.
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