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Can my wife in Thailand collect my Social Security Disability benefits if I pass away?
Social Security DisabilityResidency RequirementsVisaImmigrationThai Spouse BenefitsGreen CardExpat Support
Jun 23, 2025
10 months ago
Bill *********
ORIGINAL POSTERIf you live in the USA and your wife lives in Thailand waiting on Green card can she collect your Social Security Disability if you pass away ?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The question revolves around whether a Thai national, waitlisted for a Green Card and living in Thailand, can collect Social Security Disability benefits from her American husband if he passes away. The community comments suggest that generally, spouses do not qualify for benefits unless they have met certain requirements, including residency in the US for a minimum of five years. Multiple users recommend contacting the Social Security Administration directly for detailed guidance.
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Pavel ******
My understanding is yes as long as she in US for years and does not leave. But think 30 days out of US non citizen spouse payments stop on both spouse and her own SS record. Trying to talk wifey into naturalization / citizenship test crap in the next couple years for this reason , cuz we outta here !
Steve ***********
@Pavel *****
I don't believe the original question was social security, but was disabilityPavel ******
doh
Reply to
Pavel ******
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Bill *********
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Greg ******
SS has some qualification requirements, US residence or payment into SS for many quarters.
Ken *******
Yes it probably is best to call social security. However one thing has been consistent in that they must have lived in the United States for 5 years to receive the spouses benefits.
Reply to
Bill *********
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Diane ********
I would call social security and ask
Joann ********************
Only if she is in the US for 5 years. My brother was just told this by SS
Joann ********************
@Bill ********
residency requirements. 5 yrs in USAReply to
Joann ********************
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Bob **********
No,I believe she has to be residing in the US to receive her green card
David *****
Yes but must meet certain conditions. Like residency in the US.
Steve ***********
Is there a beneficiary on disability?
Regular ss, yes
Regular ss, yes
Jetaun ********
@Steve **********
“maybe” is the word. And she needs to meet other requirements 🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️Jetaun ********
@Steve **********
She needs to lives in US for at least 60 consecutive months…. And there’s more.. stop getting scammed by these women 🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️Jetaun ********
@Bill ********
The question is “disability” Not survivors. There is a difference. I retired from SSA. And your own comment reads “potential”🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️Reply to
Bill *********
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Steve ***********
@Jetaun *******
disability is paid for people that can't work, if they pass, why should government continue to pay?Bill *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Steve **********
not true . Worked for 40 yrs before I got my disability.Jetaun ********
@Steve **********
and disability is for the individual and their offsprings, under the age of 18, and if the offsprings are founded disabled prior to reaching age 22. Then that offspring gets it for their rest of lives. They are dependent of that individual. Not for the spouses. Again, stop letting these women scam you 🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️Reply to
Jetaun ********
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John *******
Looks like it is a no
Shayne **********
@Ken ******
has helped a few widows in similar circumstances.Glenn *****
Interning question which is best answered by phoning social security
Reply to
Glenn *****
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