Why Some Americans Abroad Lost Their Social Security Benefits and How to Get Them Back

Recently, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has temporarily suspended benefits for certain Americans living abroad due to non-compliance with mandatory administrative requirements.

A significant number of retirees have seen their Social Security payments interrupted because they failed to submit the required Foreign Enforcement Questionnaire (FEQ).

This questionnaire is crucial for confirming a recipient’s continued eligibility for benefits while residing outside the United States.

The SSA mandates that U.S. citizens living abroad complete this form every one to two years, depending on their circumstances.

Who Is Affected by the Suspensions?

The SSA’s latest move has affected a segment of the more than 700,000 Americans receiving Social Security benefits abroad. Many of these individuals were unaware that their payments could be paused if they did not submit the FEQ in time.

Some of the countries where U.S. embassies have issued warnings about these suspensions include:

• Mexico
• Costa Rica
• Haiti
• Barbados
• Other nations with high numbers of American retirees

Individuals in these countries and beyond are urged to check whether they have received communication from the SSA regarding their benefit status.

Understanding the Foreign Enforcement Questionnaire (FEQ)

The Foreign Enforcement Questionnaire (FEQ) is a key form used by the SSA to confirm that a recipient remains alive and eligible to continue receiving benefits.

The SSA sends out this form annually or biennially to individuals living in certain countries. Failure to return the completed form can result in a suspension of payments.

How to Reinstate Social Security Benefits After Suspension

If your benefits have been suspended due to non-submission of the FEQ, here’s what you need to do to restore them:

1. Contact the Federal Benefits Unit (FBU)

The Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate handles Social Security issues for Americans abroad. If your benefits have been cut off, your first step should be to reach out to the FBU in your country of residence.

Find your local FBU contact information here: https://www.ssa.gov/foreign/

2. Submit the Foreign Enforcement Questionnaire (FEQ)

Request the necessary FEQ from the FBU or download it from the official SSA website. Once completed, it should be sent back immediately to avoid further delays in benefit reinstatement.

3. Ensure SSA Has Your Updated Contact Information

Many retirees miss the FEQ notice because of outdated contact information. To prevent further issues, update your mailing address and contact details with the SSA via the my Social Security portal or by calling SSA’s international services line at +1-800-772-1213.

4. Monitor SSA Communication Regularly

Regularly checking emails, letters, or announcements from the SSA will ensure you don’t miss any future deadlines that could affect your benefits.

Preventing Future Social Security Suspensions While Living Abroad

To avoid payment suspensions in the future, U.S. retirees overseas should follow these steps:

• Respond promptly to any correspondence from the SSA.
• Keep your address updated with SSA and the nearest U.S. embassy.
• Mark your calendar for when the FEQ is due to be submitted.
• Contact the Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) if you have any questions regarding your eligibility or paperwork.

Will Suspended Benefits Be Paid Retroactively?

Yes. If a recipient submits the required FEQ and the SSA reinstates benefits, the agency will issue back payments covering the months when payments were suspended. However, delays in submission could mean months without income, so it’s advisable to act quickly.

Where to Find Official Information

To stay informed about Social Security rules for Americans abroad, visit these official resources:

• Social Security International Programs: https://www.ssa.gov/international/
• Foreign Enforcement Questionnaire (FEQ) Information: https://www.ssa.gov/foreign/
• Find a Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) Near You: https://www.ssa.gov/foreign/
• Social Security FAQs for Expats: https://www.ssa.gov/international/payments.html

Conclusion

While the suspension of Social Security benefits for Americans abroad has created stress for many retirees, it is a fixable issue. By submitting the Foreign Enforcement Questionnaire (FEQ) and ensuring accurate contact information, beneficiaries can restore their payments.

For those who have not yet been affected, staying proactive and keeping up with SSA requirements will help prevent future payment disruptions. If you or someone you know has been impacted, contact the nearest Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) or the SSA immediately.

For further assistance, visit www.ssa.gov.

This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.