SSD benefits, leaving the U.S. and citizenship issues

On Behalf of | Feb 10, 2016 | Social Security Disability

People in Kissimmee and throughout the state of Florida who are receiving Social Security disability benefits need to be fully aware of even the smallest issues related to keeping their benefits. Some recipients can travel despite their illnesses, conditions or injuries that predicated an approval for SSD benefits. The amount of time spent outside the country and where the recipient is traveling to are important. There are also citizenship factors that must be accounted for with travel and receiving benefits. Before traveling, it is imperative to know and understand these rules.

U.S. citizens who are traveling in or decide to live in a foreign country but are receiving SSD benefits will not have their benefits affected in most cases. There are countries that federal regulations do not allow payments to be sent. Some of these countries include Azerbaijan, Belarus, Cuba, and North Korea. Given the turbulent nature of world affairs, benefits recipients should keep on top of any country that might be added or removed from this list. Those who are planning on leaving the U.S. for more than 30 days need to tell the Social Security Administration (SSA) and provide detailed information as to where they are going and when they will be back. Arrangements can be made for benefits while the claimant is away.

Those who are not U.S. citizens but return to reside in the U.S. must provide the SSA with evidence of their status as a noncitizen for the benefits to continue. Also, for those working outside the U.S., there are different rules regarding whether or not the benefits will continue. When there is a change in citizenship status, the SSA must be informed of this as well. A person who is not a U.S. citizen and decides to become a citizen or has a change of status must tell the SSA of any changes. Evidence must be provided stating that the claimant is a legal resident of the U.S.

When receiving SSD benefits, there are certain requirements that go beyond being approved. These include decisions to travel or live outside the U.S. and a decision regarding citizenship. The various factors that go into getting and retaining SSD benefits can be complicated. This is why it is important to have help with disability benefits from a lawyer skilled in representing a wide variety of clients.

Source: SocialSecurity.gov, “What You Need To Know When You Get Social Security Disability Benefits, page 17,” accessed on Feb. 8, 2016

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