Why Does This Matter?
Many U.S. citizens choose to retire abroad. For cultural, family, and cost-of-living reasons, China has become a preferred destination for some. At the same time, many Chinese spouses of U.S. citizens may qualify as survivors entitled to Social Security benefits. A practical question arises: Can you still receive U.S. Social Security while living in China? The answer is yes, but some preparation is required.
Can You Receive U.S. Social Security in China?
Yes, you can.
– U.S. citizens: No matter where you live, you can generally continue receiving Social Security, as long as you are not in a restricted country such as Cuba or North Korea.
– Non-U.S. citizen survivors (e.g., Chinese spouses): If the deceased worked at least 10 years in the U.S. (40 credits), you may still receive survivor benefits even if you settle in China.
In short, whether you are a U.S. citizen retiring in China or a Chinese survivor, Social Security benefits remain accessible.
How to Receive Benefits: International Direct Deposit (IDD)
In China, the primary way to receive U.S. Social Security is through International Direct Deposit (IDD).
– Designated Bank: Currently, SSA only allows deposits into Bank of China.
– Account Type: You generally need to open a foreign currency (USD) account, and it is often recommended to also open an RMB account for conversion and use.
– Currency: Benefits are usually deposited in U.S. dollars. You can choose to keep them in USD or convert to RMB.
This means your Social Security will be automatically deposited into your Chinese bank account every month, just as in the U.S.
What Procedures Are Required?
Open a Bank Account
Go to Bank of China, open an account that supports international transfers, and obtain the full receiving information (account number, SWIFT code, etc.).
Fill Out the Forms
Use the SSA-1199-OP (China-specific version) form to provide your banking information, Social Security Number (SSN), and contact details. If you are applying as a survivor, you must also provide proof of death and marriage documents.
Submit Your Application
If you are still in the U.S., you can mail the form directly to SSA. If you are in China, you can submit it through the U.S. Embassy or Consulates in China.
Verification and Waiting
SSA will verify your information with the Bank of China system. The process usually takes 1–2 months. During this period, payments will continue to be made to your original account until the switch is completed.
Annual Proof of Life
Long-term overseas beneficiaries may occasionally receive Form SSA-7162 (Proof of Life).
– Simply sign to confirm you are still alive and mail the form back to SSA.
– If you fail to return it, SSA may suspend payments until you comply.
– In China, you may also complete this verification at the U.S. Embassy or Consulates.
It is particularly worth noting that on August 27, 2025, the SSA issued a new regulation, which allows individuals to handle the process by calling the SSA directly.
This step is crucial to prevent fraudulent claims.
Tax and Medicare Considerations
– Taxes: U.S. citizens must report their Social Security benefits to the IRS regardless of where they live. Under the U.S.-China tax treaty, these benefits are generally not taxed again in China.
– Medicare: Even if you continue paying for Medicare, benefits are not usable in China. You will need to rely on local health insurance or private coverage.
Practical Tips
1. Prepare in advance: Open your Bank of China account and gather required documents before moving.
2. Keep your address updated: Notify SSA of your new address in China to ensure important mail reaches you.
3. Maintain a U.S. bank account: Even if you primarily receive funds in China, it’s wise to keep a U.S. account for backup.
4. Monitor exchange rates and fees: SSA does not charge fees, but Bank of China may charge incoming or conversion fees.
Conclusion
Whether you are a U.S. citizen retiring in China or a surviving spouse choosing to settle there, you can continue to receive Social Security benefits if you meet the requirements. The key is to: open the right bank account, submit the SSA-1199 form, and stay on top of annual proof-of-life requests and address updates. With these steps in place, you can enjoy the peace of mind of secure cross-border Social Security benefits.
Note
It is important to understand that International Direct Deposit (IDD) is not limited to China. In fact, the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) has established partnerships with banking systems in more than 80 countries and regions worldwide, allowing Social Security benefits to be deposited directly into local bank accounts. China is just one example.
This means that if you decide to relocate to another country in the future, as long as that country participates in the SSA’s IDD program, you can continue to receive your Social Security benefits safely and conveniently, without interruption.
If you want to confirm whether a specific country supports IDD (especially the place where you plan to reside), it is recommended that you use the SSA’s Payments Abroad Screening Tool, or directly consult the countrylist6.htm page on the SSA’s official website to obtain the most up-to-date and comprehensive list of countries.
By | One Voice
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