Ask Larry

Do I Need To Worry About My Benefits If I Move To Germany?

Hi Larry,
I’m 58, on full disability due to 4 back surgeries and my lady is a German national still living in Germany. We have been traveling back and forth since 2012. We would like to be together permanently and I would like to move there because she has 5-7 years to retire. We aren’t interested in getting married at this time, but I’m a bit nervous about moving there being in disability..
Thanks
Steve

Hi Steve,

Assuming you're a U.S. citizen and that what you're receiving is Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits, then moving to Germany wouldn't have any effect on your benefits (https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10137.pdf). There would still be a limit on your work and earnings and your case would still be subject to periodic medical reviews, but moving to Germany by itself wouldn't adversely affect your benefit payments.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Nov 8 2020 - 8:22am
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