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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
23 days ago
Bill *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
If 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 ?
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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 !
22 days ago
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Steve ***********
@Pavel *****
 I don't believe the original question was social security, but was disability
22 days ago
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Pavel ******
doh
21 days ago
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Pavel ******
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Steve ***********
22 days ago
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Bill *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve **********
22 days ago
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Bill *********
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Greg ******
SS has some qualification requirements, US residence or payment into SS for many quarters.
22 days ago
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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.
22 days ago
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Bill *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ken ******
22 days ago
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Bill *********
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Diane ********
I would call social security and ask
22 days ago
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Joann ********************
Only if she is in the US for 5 years. My brother was just told this by SS
22 days ago
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Bill *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Joann *******************
22 days ago
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Joann ********************
@Bill ********
 residency requirements. 5 yrs in USA
22 days ago
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Joann ********************
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Bob **********
No,I believe she has to be residing in the US to receive her green card
22 days ago
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David *****
Yes but must meet certain conditions. Like residency in the US.
22 days ago
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Steve ***********
Is there a beneficiary on disability?

Regular ss, yes
22 days ago
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Jetaun ********
@Steve **********
 “maybe” is the word. And she needs to meet other requirements 🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️
22 days ago
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Jetaun ********
@Steve **********
 She needs to lives in US for at least 60 consecutive months…. And there’s more.. stop getting scammed by these women 🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️
22 days ago
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Bill *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jetaun *******
22 days ago
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Jetaun ********
@Bill ********
 The question is “disability” Not survivors. There is a difference. I retired from SSA. And your own comment reads “potential”🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️
22 days ago
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Bill *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jetaun *******
22 days ago
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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?
22 days ago
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Bill *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve **********
 not true . Worked for 40 yrs before I got my disability.
22 days ago
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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 🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️
22 days ago
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Jetaun ********
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John *******
22 days ago
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John *******
Looks like it is a no
22 days ago
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Shayne **********
@Ken ******
 has helped a few widows in similar circumstances.
23 days ago
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Glenn *****
Interning question which is best answered by phoning social security
23 days ago
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Glenn *****
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