Can U.S. Expats Claim Spousal Social Security Benefits While Living Abroad?

When retirement planning involves two passports, two careers, and possibly a few countries along the way, the details can get muddled rather quickly. One spouse may have a full U.S. Social Security record, while the other has a work history spent mostly outside the American system. Luckily, spousal Social Security benefits can be just the thing to clear things up. 

Spousal Social Security includes benefits that may allow a married partner to receive a portion of their spouse’s retirement benefit. But for many American expats, the real question is whether those benefits actually travel with you. In many cases, they do—but a few rules around citizenship, residency, marital status, and payment logistics can affect how things work overseas. 

Let’s break down the essentials so you can see how spousal benefits fit (and travel) with your retirement strategy. 

How spousal Social Security benefits work

Social Security spousal benefits allow a married person to receive a monthly payment based on their spouse’s record, even if they did not build enough earnings through their own work record to qualify for a full retirement benefit.

The maximum spousal benefit is generally up to 50% of the spouse’s full retirement benefit, which is calculated from their primary insurance amount (PIA), at full retirement age. 

The exact benefit amount depends on the worker’s earnings record as well as on additional factors, including: 

• The spouse’s age when claiming benefits
• Whether the spouse qualifies for a benefit based on their own work record

In most cases, spousal benefits become available once the higher earner has filed for Social Security. 

You generally become eligible to claim spousal benefits if: 

• Your spouse has filed for Social Security benefits 
• You are at least age 62, or you are caring for a qualifying child (a child under age 16, or a child receiving Social Security disability benefits) 
• You have been married for at least 1 year

Claiming before normal retirement age can reduce the monthly benefit. Unlike retirement benefits, delayed retirement credits do not increase the spouse’s benefit beyond 50% of the worker’s PIA. 

Benefits for divorced or surviving spouses

Social Security benefits tied to a worker’s earnings record are not limited to a current spouse. In certain situations, ex-spouses and surviving spouses may also qualify for benefits. 

Divorced spouse’s benefits

A divorced spouse may be able to claim benefits based on a former spouse’s earnings record if: 

• The marriage lasted at least 10 years
• The applicant is age 62 or older
• The applicant is not currently remarried (with some exceptions)

In these cases, the benefit amount is generally calculated using the same formula as the other spouse’s benefits, based on the worker’s primary insurance amount (PIA). 

Survivor benefits 

If a worker passes away, a surviving spouse may qualify for survivor benefits based on the deceased spouse’s work record. In some cases, these benefits can be claimed earlier than standard retirement benefits, depending on age and eligibility. 

A surviving spouse may also have the option to switch between their own benefit and a survivor benefit later, depending on which provides a higher monthly payment. 

Can you receive spousal benefits while living abroad? 

In most cases, U.S. citizens can continue receiving Social Security benefits while living abroad, including retirement and spouse’s benefits. This means that many expats who qualify can still receive payments based on their spouse’s earnings record while living outside of the U.S. 

For non-U.S. citizen spouses, additional rules apply. Social Security may suspend payments if a non-citizen spouse lives outside the U.S. for more than six consecutive months, unless they qualify for an exception. One common exception is the five-year U.S. residency rule, which requires that the couple lived together in the U.S. for at least five years during the marriage (the years do not need to be consecutive).

Before retiring abroad, beneficiaries can also check eligibility using the SSA’s Payment Abroad Screening Tool or by contacting a local Social Security office or a U.S. embassy’s Federal Benefits Unit. Meeting these requirements allows a non-U.S. citizen spouse to continue receiving Social Security payments while living abroad.

How Social Security payments are received overseas

Most expats receive Social Security benefits through electronic direct deposit. 

The Social Security Administration (SSA) can send payments to: 

• A U.S. bank account, or 
• A foreign financial institution in countries that participate in international direct deposit programs

Payments are issued in U.S. dollars, so exchange rates may affect how much those funds are worth in your local currency.

Beneficiaries living outside the U.S. may also periodically receive questionnaires from the SSA confirming they remain eligible for benefits. Failure to return these forms can lead to payments being suspended. 

How to apply for spousal benefits while living abroad

When applying for benefits abroad, you may need to provide supporting documents such as: 

• A birth certificate or other proof of birth
• A marriage certificate
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status (if you were not born in the U.S.) 
• W-2 form(s) and/or self-employment tax returns for the previous year
• Final divorce decree, if applying as a divorced spouse

Applications can be submitted: 

• Online through the Social Security Administration website 
• By contacting a Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) at a U.S. embassy or consulate
• Through certain international Social Security offices that assist U.S. beneficiaries

In some cases, the SSA may request additional verification of date of birth, residency status, or eligibility before approving benefits. Responding promptly with the requested documentation helps avoid delays in receiving payments. 

Making sense of retirement taxes abroad

You’ve spent time and energy creating an exciting life abroad—so don’t let unexpected tax rules ruin the fun. Social Security, foreign pensions, tax treaties, and international reporting requirements can all affect how your retirement income is taxed. 

At Bright!Tax, we specialize in helping Americans abroad understand their U.S. tax obligations and plan for life overseas. Whether you’re preparing to retire or already collecting Social Security abroad, our team can help ensure your global finances stay compliant and efficient. Reach out today to file and move forward with confidence.

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