17.7 What Happens to Social Security Benefits If the Insured Worker is Deported but You Remain in the U.S.?

17. Social Security

• Checklist: Social Security
• 17.1 Understanding Social Security – Basic Definitions
• 17.2 Which Noncitizens Are Eligible to Receive Social Security Benefits?
• 17.3 What Should You Do if You Are Already Receiving Social Security Benefits Payments?
• 17.4 Are Immigrants Facing Deportation Eligible for Social Security Benefits?
• 17.5 My Social Security Benefits Have Been Suspended Since I Have Been in Detention, What Should I Do?
• 17.6 What Happens to Social Security Benefits If You Are Deported?
• 17.7 What Happens to Social Security Benefits If the Insured Worker is Deported but You Remain in the U.S.?
• 17.8 What Should Preparing and Supervised Immigrants Do Before Leaving the U.S.?

If You Are a Dependent of the Deported Insured Worker:

If you are a dependent and the Insured Worker is deported but you remain in the U.S., you may continue receiving Retirement Benefits and SSD Benefits only if:

• You are a U.S. citizen; or
• You were lawfully present in the U.S. for the entire month.

However, if you are a dependent and a non-U.S. citizen, you are not entitled to receive any Social Security Benefits during any period where you are not present in the U.S.

If You Are a Survivor of the Insured Worker:

If you are a survivor and the Insured Worker was deported prior to their death but you remained in the U.S., you may continue receiving Retirement Benefits and SSD Benefits only if:

• You are a U.S. citizen; or
• You were lawfully present in the U.S. for the entire month.

If the Insured Worker died during or after the month the SSA receives notice of their deportation, you cannot receive a standard lump-sum death payment based on the Insured Worker’s earnings unless the Insured Worker was lawfully readmitted for permanent residence after deportation or removal, but before death.