Social Security Income

[divya0463]

I am a USC who moved here 5 yrs ago.

Will I be able to claim social security income after the age of 59 1/2 yrs even if I continue to live in India at that time? Do I have to do anything (file papers etc)?

I get statements from the social security admin right now periodically stating my benefits.
Thanks

[FB2020]

I am a USC who moved here 5 yrs ago.

Will I be able to claim social security income after the age of 59 1/2 yrs even if I continue to live in India at that time? Do I have to do anything (file papers etc)?

I get statements from the social security admin right now periodically stating my benefits.
Thanks

I know someone who moved back to India 25+ years ago is getting SS now. I don't believe its 59.5 years though. SS benefits kick in at 65/67+ now a days. You should check SSA web site for details on this.
But by the time you are that age, I don't know if they will change the rules !!

[VS007]

Its more a question of whether you have 40 points. You earn 4 points in a year if your income was above 6K/year(approx). If you had worked for ten years, then you would have it. Your statements would tell you the points you have and approx amount you would get regardless of where you live or if you are US citizen or not.


SS benefits will start at 66 and gradually the age will move up to 67. If you take benefits earlier from age 59.5 or 62, the benefits would be reduced.

With the current economic mess and possibility of much needed entitlements reform, all this might change.

[Robs]

My question to divya0463 and any other experts:

Did you file US tax returns these past five years? Is that a requirement for SS payments to kick in?

Thanks

robs

[MrLong]

I am a USC who moved here 5 yrs ago.

Will I be able to claim social security income after the age of 59 1/2 yrs even if I continue to live in India at that time? Do I have to do anything (file papers etc)?

I get statements from the social security admin right now periodically stating my benefits.
Thanks

Divya,

Are you getting your SS statements every year to your India address?

Thanks

[divya0463]

Both my husband and I have worked for more than 10 yrs in the US. Both of us get benefits statements to our India address. Somebody mentioned to me that you can't claim SSI unless you are actually residing in the US.

We have been US filing taxes even after returning to India as we have accounts there.

[MrLong]

Divya,

There are certain countries, where, US does not send SS benefits chq. As far as I know, India is not one of those restricted countries. Currently, as long as you are entitled for SS benefits, the chq should reach your Indian address.

-M