My wife is a Russian-born citizen of the United States. She lived with me here in America for over 10 years, but has now moved back to live in Russia. She never worked here in the United States, but I have for over 20 years. I have just begun to collect my Social Security at nearly 70 years of age. She is now 67. Can she collect her spousal Social Security even though she now lives in Russia? If so, how will it be paid to her, being that she does not reside in the U.S.?
— Partner to an Expat
Dear Partner,
Yes, your wife can still receive Social Security benefits while living in Russia.
Whether a spouse or worker can receive benefits while living outside of the U.S. depends on whether they’re a citizen — which she is — and which country they live in. For U.S. citizens living in Russia, full benefits are available for the duration of her eligibility. She could receive payment via check in the mail or by direct deposit, depending on what her local bank allows. Direct deposit is usually a faster payment option.
If she were to live in another country for any period, her benefits could be affected. The Social Security Administration’s Payments Abroad Screening Tool can help you determine eligibility based on a few simple questions.
No person can receive payments from the U.S. Treasury while living in Cuba or North Korea; and payments are restricted to most people living in Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Note that she won’t be covered by Medicare as long as she’s anywhere outside the U.S.
She’ll receive a questionnaire from the SSA every one or two years to reconfirm her eligibility to receive benefits, so she should make sure her address is up to date with the agency.
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