Decision 3 · Week 3 · Wed Nov 18 · Country spotlight: Colombia
Can I get Social Security if I live in Colombia?
SHORT ANSWERYes. A US citizen can receive Social Security retirement benefits while living in Colombia, either into a US bank account or by direct deposit to a Colombian bank.
Colombia is on SSA's International Direct Deposit list. SSA's Colombia sign-up form requires the Colombian account to be in US dollars. You then choose when to convert to pesos.
Keeping a US account is also allowed. Each route has its own fees and exchange-rate spread.
Colombia has no Social Security totalization agreement with the US. That matters mainly for non-citizen family members and for anyone who worked in both countries.
Week 3 compares places on total value, including how your income travels.
Sources
- International Direct Deposit List · Social Security Administration
- Direct Deposit Sign-Up Form (Colombia), SSA-1199-OP69 · Social Security Administration
- U.S. International Social Security Agreements · Social Security Administration
Written and reviewed by Todd Allyn, Founding Director, Sovereo Intelligence
Facts checked Oct 6, 2026 · Next review by Apr 6, 2027
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