Can You Collect Social Security While Living in the Dominican Republic?

One of the most common questions I get from nurses considering relocation is: "Can I still collect Social Security if I live in the Dominican Republic?" The answer is yes. And the process is straightforward once you understand what's involved.

Many people assume you can't collect US benefits while living abroad. That's just not true. The Dominican Republic specifically has a Social Security totalization agreement with the United States, which makes it one of the friendlier countries for collecting benefits while living there.

Yes, You Can Collect. Here's How It Works.

The Dominican Republic is not on the list of countries where your Social Security benefits are automatically suspended just because you live there. That list includes countries like Cuba, North Korea, and a few others, but the DR is not on it. So if you become eligible for Social Security benefits while living in the Dominican Republic, you can collect them.

You'll need to apply at least three months before you want benefits to start. You can do this online through ssa.gov, by phone, or at a US Embassy office if you're already in the country. The process is the same whether you're in the US or abroad.

Once your benefits are approved, they're deposited directly into your bank account. You can have them sent to a US bank account, or you can set up direct deposit to a Dominican bank account. Most expats do the former because it's simpler and you have options for how to manage the money.

The Medicare Question

Here's where it gets slightly more complex. If you're eligible for Medicare at 65, you should still sign up for it even if you're living in the DR. Medicare does cover you abroad, though coverage is limited. You can use Medicare if you travel back to the US, and some Medicare Advantage plans have international coverage.

That said, most expats in the Dominican Republic don't rely on Medicare. They use the private healthcare system in the DR, which is cheaper and often faster than using Medicare anyway. So Medicare is more of a safety net for trips back to the US than a primary care option.

Working While Collecting Social Security

If you're still working (which many people do in semi-retirement), there are income limits before your benefits are reduced. In 2026, if you're under full retirement age, your benefits are reduced $1 for every $2 you earn over $23,400 per year. Once you reach full retirement age, there's no limit on earnings.

This is one reason I work as a consultant and coach rather than in traditional nursing roles. I stay below the income threshold while still bringing in money. It's a deliberate choice based on how I want to structure my semi-retirement.

Taxes on Your Benefits

Your Social Security benefits are subject to US federal income tax, regardless of where you live. This is important. You still have to file US taxes even though you're living abroad.

The amount of your benefits that's taxable depends on your total income. If your only income is Social Security and that income is below a certain threshold, you won't pay federal income tax. But if you have other income (like from consulting or investments), some of your benefits become taxable.

I recommend working with a tax professional who understands expat tax issues. The rules are complex enough that it's worth the expense to get it right.

The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion

If you're earning income while abroad, there's a foreign earned income exclusion that allows you to exclude a certain amount of foreign earnings from US taxation. In 2026, that's around $120,000. This is one reason why remote work from the DR is so attractive. You might be able to earn US income without paying US income tax on the excluded portion.

Again, work with a tax professional on this. The rules change annually, and compliance matters. It's not complicated, but it's specific.

Practical Steps to Get Your Benefits

First, check your Social Security statement on ssa.gov to see your projected benefits. You can access this with your Social Security number and a free account.

Second, make sure you have the right documents. You'll need your Social Security card, birth certificate, and proof of citizenship or legal residency. If you're already abroad, you can request these documents be sent to you.

Third, apply at least three months before you want benefits to start. If you're already in the DR, you can go to the US Embassy to apply. If you're still in the US, you can apply online or call 1-800-772-1213.

Fourth, once approved, set up direct deposit to whatever bank account you want. Many expats keep a US bank account specifically for this purpose. Having US income deposited to a US account gives you currency stability and access to US dollars.

Why This Matters for Your Planning

If you're considering a move or sabbatical to the Dominican Republic and you're close to Social Security eligibility, this is a major factor in your financial planning. Your benefits make your budget very different.

A nurse who's 62 and eligible for reduced benefits might be able to afford semi-retirement in the DR in a way that wouldn't be possible in the US. The combination of lower living costs and Social Security income creates a very livable situation.

I know nurses in their late 50s who are counting down to when they can claim benefits and escape full-time work. Knowing that they'll be able to collect those benefits while living in the DR is part of what makes that dream realistic.

"Your Social Security benefits don't disappear just because you move abroad. They follow you."

One Final Word

This is not tax or legal advice. Every situation is unique, and some people have more complex financial pictures than others. If you have significant assets, retirement accounts, or complicated income, talk to a professional before you make the move.

But for most nurses, the process is straightforward. You've paid into Social Security for 30 years. You earned those benefits. The Dominican Republic recognizes that and allows you to collect them. That's one less barrier to taking the leap.

Coleen Huie Garcia is a Registered Nurse with 30+ years of experience who currently lives semi-retired in the Dominican Republic with her husband Ricardo, a native Dominican and 15-year police officer. She is the founder of the Burnout to Bliss Abroad community on Skool.