The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues millions of checks each month to its beneficiaries. This money belongs to a fund established by the United States federal government. The purpose is to cover the needs of those who cannot work. In other words, it is a source of income for many citizens.
The beneficiaries of these payments are people who are unable to work, have completed their working life, or have difficult access to work. This group includes people who have some kind of disability. Also people dependent on a relative who has died. Finally, pensioners are also entitled to this pension.
But there is another group of beneficiaries. This is the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). The benefits of this quota are intended for people who, due to age, cannot retire but who, because of a disability, are also unable to work.
The applicant for SSDI benefits must show proof of his or her medical condition and the consequence of being unable to work. You must also provide a qualifying work history. This is required to show that you have paid the necessary taxes to SSDI during your working life.
Applying for SDDI from outside the United States
If you are in the United States you have three ways to apply for SSDI: online, by phone or directly to the Social Security Administration offices. The question really is, can I apply while I am out of the country? The answer is yes. However, you can only apply online or by phone.
However, there are a number of requirements that must be met. Thus, a person can receive SSDI benefits while abroad if:
- You are a U.S. citizen
- You live in an approved country
- You qualify for disability based on your own work record
- You will remain in an approved country for six months or less
What happens if you are out of the country for more than six months?
If a person spends more than six months outside the United States, the Social Security Administration will automatically stop payments. The SSA considers spending more than 30 days in another location to be residing outside of the country. For this reason, it is important to notify the administration of any upcoming travel.
It is true that a U.S. citizen can collect his pensioner’s pension even if he is out of the country. If you meet the requirements, it is possible. However, there are territories to which payments cannot be sent. An example of these are Cuba or North Korea. So if a beneficiary moves there, he or she will not receive his or her money.
A U.S. citizen can be out of the country for more than six months and still receive SSDI payments. However, to do so, you must file special documentation with the SSA. The administration may ask for regular visits to the country as a requirement.