Introduction
This booklet explains how being outside the United States may affect your Social Security payments. It also tells you what information you need to report to us. That way, we can make sure you receive all Social Security paments you are entitled to. Page 14 lists the information you must report. Pages 14 and 15 explain how to report.
When you are “outside the United States”
When we say you are “outside the United States,” we mean you are not in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands or American Samoa. Once you have been outside the United States for at least 30 days in a row, we consider you to be outside the country. You remain in that status until you return and stay in the United States for at least 30 consecutive days. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you also may have to prove you were lawfully present in the United States for that 30-day period. For more information, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy, consulate or Social Security office.