Collecting US Social Security while living in Colombia

Colombia is a common choice for American retirees, and US Social Security is often the core of their income in Colombia. The good news is that moving abroad does not by itself stop your benefits. There are, however, rules about who can be paid abroad, how Colombian family members qualify, and how the lack of a US-Colombia Social Security agreement affects people who worked in both countries. This guide covers what retirees need to know, using the Social Security Administration's own guidance.

Will my payments continue in Colombia?

The SSA's international pages explain that if you receive retirement, survivors or disability benefits and leave the United States, your payments might be affected, depending on your citizenship, the type of benefit and the country. The SSA offers a Payments Abroad Screening Tool that asks a few questions and tells you whether your payments will continue indefinitely, stop after six consecutive calendar months, or face country-specific restrictions. Run it with your own details before you move and keep the result.

The SSA also publishes "Your Payments While You Are Outside the United States", in English and Spanish, which explains how living abroad affects benefits and what you must report.

Colombian family members

Many retirees in Colombia have a Colombian spouse or partner. The SSA's Country List 2 names countries whose citizens may receive payments as long as they are outside the US, unless they receive payments as a dependent or survivor, in which case additional requirements apply. Colombia is on that list.

For non-citizens, the SSA notes that anyone who is not a US citizen and leaves the US for at least 30 days in a row must complete Form SSA-21, Supplement to Claim of Person Outside the United States. Dependents and survivors face additional US residency requirements that can affect their right to payments abroad; the SSA publication explains them.

No totalization agreement with Colombia

The SSA states that the United States has bilateral Social Security agreements, known as totalization agreements, with 31 countries. These agreements help workers who divided their careers between the US and another country, and they eliminate dual Social Security coverage and taxes for some expatriate workers. Colombia is not one of the agreement countries.

What that means in practice:

• Credits are not combined. Years worked in Colombia do not count toward US Social Security eligibility, and US years do not count toward a Colombian pension.
• No exemption from double contributions. If you work in Colombia while also owing US Social Security tax, for example as a self-employed American, there is no certificate of coverage to exempt you from either system.
• Colombian pension separate. Any Colombian pension you earn is governed entirely by Colombian rules.

Getting help from Colombia

The SSA's International Operations explains that there are no Social Security offices outside the US and that it relies on US embassies and consulates abroad for assistance. The US Embassy in Bogotá is the point of contact for Social Security services in Colombia; check its website for how to reach the federal benefits staff and what services are available. Many tasks, such as changing your address, can be done through your online my Social Security account.

The SSA's international page also warns that some countries have suspended mail services to the US, which can delay documents sent from abroad, and provides an email address, phone and fax for international customers. Use electronic channels where possible.

Getting paid

Most retirees keep benefits deposited in a US bank account and withdraw or transfer funds to Colombia as needed. Withdrawing pesos at Colombian ATMs with a US debit card is common; expect fees from both banks. Moving larger amounts by transfer to a Colombian account goes through the foreign exchange market, and the Colombian bank may ask for the purpose of the transfer. Your Colombian account then counts toward FBAR reporting if your foreign accounts together exceed $10,000 at any time in the year.

Social Security and the pension visa

US Social Security retirement benefits can support the Colombian M Pensionado visa. The Cancillería requires a lifelong monthly pension of at least three Colombian monthly minimum wages, certified by the issuing entity, apostilled and translated. With the 2026 minimum wage of COP 1,750,905 under Decree 159 of 2026, the threshold is three times that amount in pesos. Retirees usually use an SSA benefit verification letter, apostilled by the US Department of State. See our pension visa guide.

Medicare

Medicare usually does not cover health care outside the US, according to Medicare.gov, and Medicare drug plans do not cover prescriptions bought abroad. Retirees in Colombia therefore need Colombian or international coverage for day-to-day care. Whether to keep paying Medicare Part B for care during visits to the US is a personal decision; late enrollment can bring penalties if you drop it and re-enroll later, so read the Medicare rules before cancelling.

Taxes

Social Security benefits can be taxable on your US return, depending on your total income. They are not foreign earned income, so the foreign earned income exclusion does not apply to them. If you become a Colombian tax resident, defined by the DIAN as spending more than 183 days in Colombia in any 365-day period, Colombia taxes your worldwide income, which may include your pension, under Colombian rules. There is no US-Colombia income tax treaty to allocate taxing rights, so the US foreign tax credit is the main tool against double taxation.

Checklist before moving

1. Run the SSA Payments Abroad Screening Tool for yourself and each family member receiving benefits.
2. Read "Your Payments While You Are Outside the United States".
3. Set up your my Social Security account and confirm your direct deposit.
4. Request a benefit verification letter and an apostille if you will apply for a pension visa.
5. Decide on Medicare Part B and arrange health coverage in Colombia.
6. Note the US Embassy in Bogotá's contact details for benefits questions.
7. Plan for US and Colombian tax filings.

Reporting changes while abroad

Beneficiaries outside the US must keep the SSA informed of events that can affect payments. The SSA publication on payments outside the US lists them; common ones include:

• A change of address, including moving between Colombian cities.
• Marriage, divorce or the death of a beneficiary.
• Work, for people under full retirement age, since earnings can reduce benefits.
• A change in citizenship status.

The SSA also sends questionnaires to some beneficiaries abroad to confirm they are still eligible. Answer them promptly, because unanswered questionnaires can lead to suspended payments. Keep your mailing address current, and watch the email and phone channels the SSA lists for international customers in case mail is slow.

Common questions

Can I receive Social Security in Colombia? Usually yes, but it depends on your citizenship and benefit type. The SSA's Payments Abroad Screening Tool tells you whether payments continue indefinitely or face restrictions.

Is there a Social Security agreement between the US and Colombia? No. The US has totalization agreements with 31 countries, and Colombia is not one of them.

Can my Colombian spouse receive US benefits in Colombia? Colombia is on the SSA's Country List 2, but dependents and survivors face additional requirements, and non-citizens abroad 30 days or more must complete Form SSA-21.