# Can I get Social Security if I live in Colombia?

Canonical: https://theretirementdecisionlab.com/answers/can-i-get-social-security-in-colombia/
Section: Where does your money work hardest? (Retirement Decision Lab, Decision 3 · Week 3 · Wed Nov 18)
Facts checked: 2026-10-06 · Next review by: 2027-04-06
Reviewed by: Todd Allyn, Founding Director, Sovereo Intelligence Research

## Short answer

Yes. 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.

## Detail

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.

## Where it gets personal

Week 3 compares places on total value, including how your income travels. The Retirement Decision Lab: https://theretirementdecisionlab.com/

## Sources

1. International Direct Deposit List, Social Security Administration: https://www.ssa.gov/international/countrylist6.htm
2. Direct Deposit Sign-Up Form (Colombia), SSA-1199-OP69, Social Security Administration: https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ssa-1199-op69.pdf
3. U.S. International Social Security Agreements, Social Security Administration: https://www.ssa.gov/international/agreements_overview.html

Education only. Not financial, tax, investment, immigration or legal advice.
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