More Retirees Than Ever Drawing Their Social Security Benefits Overseas--InternationalLiving.com

Baltimore, MD (PRWEB) September 11, 2015

According to the latest figures from the U.S. Social Security Administration, U.S. retirees overseas received more than $3 billion in Social Security benefit payments in 2013--an increase of $160 million year-on-year, when compared to 2012.

American retirees can receive Social Security benefit checks in almost every country in the world. Statistics reveal that Europe is home to the most U.S. retirees drawing their benefits abroad (154,238), followed by Canada and Mexico (95,767), and Asia (70,586).

The number of retirees receiving Social Security benefits overseas increased from 248,012 to 373,224 between 2003 and 2013. Increases are significant in countries like the Philippines, Thailand, Panama and Ecuador--all countries on InternationalLiving.com's retirement-haven beat. Living overseas in countries where the cost of living is lower than in the U.S.--like it is in these countries--allows retirees to stretch the value of their Social Security benefits and improve their quality of life.

Generally, benefits will not be taxed by the U.S. if they are a retiree's sole source of income.

The process of drawing Social Security benefits from abroad is straightforward.

"You can either maintain your U.S. banking relationship and have your Social Security payments deposited 'back home,' just as you would if you were living there, drawing funds as needed from ATM's in your new home overseas. Or you can set up a local account and have your monthly check deposited there," says Edd Staton, InternationalLiving.com's Cuenca correspondent, who retired to Ecuador five years ago.

The number of American retirees living abroad is likely higher than what the Social Security Administration statistics reflect. As Staton suggests, many retirees choose to keep their U.S. bank accounts when living overseas and continue to bank in the U.S even though they may not be physically present there year-round.

See the infographic with all the Social Security Administration statistics here: Social Security Infographic .

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For 35 years, InternationalLiving.com has been the leading authority for anyone looking for global retirement or relocation opportunities. Through its monthly magazine and related e-letters, extensive website, podcasts, online bookstore, and events held around the world, InternationalLiving.com provides information and services to help its readers live better, travel farther, have more fun, save more money, and find better business opportunities when they expand their world beyond their own shores. InternationalLiving.com has more than 200 correspondents traveling the globe, investigating the best opportunities for travel, retirement, real estate, and investment.

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Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2015/08/prweb12916097.htm

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