Eligibility to receive Social Security if I return to UK from the USA
#1
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Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 16
Eligibility to receive Social Security if I return to UK from the USA
Hello everyone.
I am very seriously contemplating returning to live in the UK after living in the US for 25 years. The main reason is that my mother is getting older (80) and is now experiencing health issues. I also have very strong family ties back in the UK.
My main question is that would I be eligible to receive Social Security from my ex-spouse's Social Security benefits when I reach full retirement age in 11 years. I have never become a US citizen but do hold an Alien Registration Card (Green Card) and have done so whilst here. Would this affect me receiving any benefits?
Any advice would be welcome.
I am very seriously contemplating returning to live in the UK after living in the US for 25 years. The main reason is that my mother is getting older (80) and is now experiencing health issues. I also have very strong family ties back in the UK.
My main question is that would I be eligible to receive Social Security from my ex-spouse's Social Security benefits when I reach full retirement age in 11 years. I have never become a US citizen but do hold an Alien Registration Card (Green Card) and have done so whilst here. Would this affect me receiving any benefits?
Any advice would be welcome.
#2
Re: Eligibility to receive Social Security if I return to UK from the USA
Welcome to BE.
Not sure if this thread would be best in the US forums. If you don't get many responses in this forum I will move it over there. Good luck.
Not sure if this thread would be best in the US forums. If you don't get many responses in this forum I will move it over there. Good luck.
#3
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Joined: Jul 2003
Location: Finally moving!
Posts: 1,236
Re: Eligibility to receive Social Security if I return to UK from the USA
Hello everyone.
I am very seriously contemplating returning to live in the UK after living in the US for 25 years. The main reason is that my mother is getting older (80) and is now experiencing health issues. I also have very strong family ties back in the UK.
My main question is that would I be eligible to receive Social Security from my ex-spouse's Social Security benefits when I reach full retirement age in 11 years. I have never become a US citizen but do hold an Alien Registration Card (Green Card) and have done so whilst here. Would this affect me receiving any benefits?
Any advice would be welcome.
I am very seriously contemplating returning to live in the UK after living in the US for 25 years. The main reason is that my mother is getting older (80) and is now experiencing health issues. I also have very strong family ties back in the UK.
My main question is that would I be eligible to receive Social Security from my ex-spouse's Social Security benefits when I reach full retirement age in 11 years. I have never become a US citizen but do hold an Alien Registration Card (Green Card) and have done so whilst here. Would this affect me receiving any benefits?
Any advice would be welcome.
http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10137.pdf
Entitlement depends on foreign (non-US) citizenship as well as on foreign (non-US) residence..
#4
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Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 16
Re: Eligibility to receive Social Security if I return to UK from the USA
Thanks Holly for the response. I have been going through my documents in preparation of the move and just discovered that my 'Green Card' expires next month. Will I need to renew this in order to qualify for the benefits due to me in 11 years.
In reading through the link to the SS document it would appear to me that I do not have to be a US citizen residing in the US to receive but I'm unsure as to the 'Alien Resident' status on this.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
In reading through the link to the SS document it would appear to me that I do not have to be a US citizen residing in the US to receive but I'm unsure as to the 'Alien Resident' status on this.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
#5
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Location: The Shire
Posts: 1,117
Re: Eligibility to receive Social Security if I return to UK from the USA
This comes about as a result of a Totalisation Agreement between the US and UK. From the agreement:
"Absence From US Territory
Normally, persons who are not U.S. citizens may receive U.S. Social Security benefits while outside the U.S. only if they meet certain requirements. Under the agreement, however, you may receive benefits as long as you reside in the United Kingdom regardless of your nationality."
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/intern...phlets/uk.html
A letter to the SSA International office should clarify, the address is at the bottom of the above link.
Last edited by theOAP; Oct 5th 2015 at 8:46 am. Reason: Formatting
#6
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Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 16
Re: Eligibility to receive Social Security if I return to UK from the USA
Hello
Thanks for the responses. Just got off the phone with the Social Security Administration. Due to my marriage being over the ten year threshold then I can claim Divorced Spouse Benefits at retirement age, whilst living in the UK as a UK citizen.
Also was told that if my ex dies unmarried then I will qualify for 100% of his benefits!!!! Just a thought!
Thanks for the responses. Just got off the phone with the Social Security Administration. Due to my marriage being over the ten year threshold then I can claim Divorced Spouse Benefits at retirement age, whilst living in the UK as a UK citizen.
Also was told that if my ex dies unmarried then I will qualify for 100% of his benefits!!!! Just a thought!
#7
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