Thinking about moving to a new state—or even another country—for a fresh start in retirement? It sounds exciting, but before you pack your bags, it’s smart to understand how your move might affect your Social Security benefits.
While your monthly check from the Social Security Administration (SSA) won’t change just because you move, where you move to can impact how far your benefits go—and even how much you’ll owe in taxes.
Let’s break it down so you can plan wisely and avoid any surprises.
Moving to Another State: What Stays the Same, What Changes
First, the good news: Your Social Security check doesn’t shrink or grow just because you cross state lines. Whether you’re getting retirement, spousal, or disability benefits, the federal amount remains the same.
But what does change?
Cost of Living Matters
Move to a cheaper area: Your monthly benefits will stretch further, helping you cover more of your expenses.
Move to a pricier area: Your cost of living may outpace your benefit, meaning you’ll need more from savings or other income.
State Taxes on Social Security
Most states don’t tax Social Security benefits—but nine states still do (as of 2025). These include:
Colorado
Connecticut
Kansas
Minnesota
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
New Mexico
Utah
Important: Each state has its own income thresholds and tax rules. Even if a state taxes Social Security, you might not actually owe anything depending on your income. It’s a good idea to speak to a local accountant or check with the state’s Department of Taxation before you move.
Federal Taxes Might Still Apply
No matter where you live in the U.S., federal taxes on Social Security could come into play, depending on your provisional income.
Provisional income includes:
Your adjusted gross income (AGI)
Half of your Social Security benefits
Nontaxable interest, like from municipal bonds
If moving to a high-cost area pushes your AGI up (because you’re withdrawing more from savings or retirement accounts), it could bump you into a higher tax bracket, meaning more of your Social Security becomes taxable.
Moving Abroad: What to Know Before You Retire Overseas
Dreaming of retiring in a scenic country with a lower cost of living? That can work well—but there are important rules to understand if you plan to live abroad.
Federal Taxes Still Apply Overseas
Even outside the U.S., if your provisional income is high, you’ll still owe federal taxes on your Social Security. So plan your withdrawals and income carefully.
You Might Not Receive Payments in Certain Countries
In most places around the world, you’ll receive your Social Security through direct deposit or prepaid debit card. But if you retire in certain countries, benefit delivery becomes tricky.
Countries where benefits are restricted:
Azerbaijan
Belarus
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
Tajikistan
Turkmenistan
Uzbekistan
In these cases, you might be able to petition the SSA for payments under restricted conditions.
Countries where Social Security payments are completely blocked:
Cuba
North Korea
If you retire in these countries, you won’t get your payments at all. However, if you later move to a country where SSA payments are allowed, you may receive back payments for the time you missed.
Plan Before You Move Abroad
Before making an international move, contact the Social Security Administration directly. They can explain exactly how your new location could affect your payments and help you plan accordingly.
Quick Summary Table: Social Security and Moving
| Move Type | Impact on Benefits | Taxes | Payment Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Within U.S. (State to State) | No change to monthly check | Possible state taxes (in 9 states), Federal taxes based on income | None |
| To Another Country | No change to benefit amount | Federal taxes may apply | Restricted or blocked in some countries |
What Retirees Should Do Now
Compare cost of living before relocating
Check state tax rules if moving within the U.S.
Understand payment rules if moving abroad
Consult a tax expert or financial planner
Update SSA with your new address or direct deposit info
The Overlooked $23,760 Social Security Bonus
Many retirees miss out on thousands in benefits simply because they don’t understand how the system works. For example:
Delaying benefits until age 70 can significantly boost your monthly payment.
Spousal and survivor benefits may offer additional income streams.
Avoiding early retirement penalties or reducing taxable income could increase your lifetime Social Security total by tens of thousands.
