[ant7jen]

Just wondering if I move to NZ and never come back to the US, what will become of what I put into my Social Security?

[mackstann]

It'll make up for all those years that you didn't pay into NZ superannuation.

Karma-wise, of course. I don't think you can get a refund from the US, but in a world where you could, I'm sure NZ would want the money.

[Oregonkiwi]

The gov't says:
"If you are a U.S. citizen, you may receive your Social Security payments outside the U.S. as long as you are eligible for them."
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10137.html#countries

[Ashby]

That money is long gone. Whether you leave for NZ or not.

[M-Squared]

^^ Too true.

[CJ22]

You don't pay social security for yourself, you pay it for the next generation. The previous generation paid for yours.

[SarahEDH]

Ant7jen,

Check out the link OregonKiwi provided and also call the Soc Sec folks -- I found that helpful. I was told that nobody's SS account goes away simply because they've moved overseas. Moving to one of the restricted countries seems to be the biggest issue with receiving payments. Not a problem with NZ obviously -

Sarah

[barryp]

Yeah, you don't lose eligibility to just by moving overseas, so long as you've vested (40 quarters of payments into the system).

Your NZ super payments might conveniently be reduced if you collect SS, though.

Probably good to request a Summary of Earnings before you move, in case there are errors in your payment history that you need to correct.

[ant7jen]

Ok, IF and if we decide to make the move to NZ, I won't be paying for SS anymore and just receive what I put in since leaving the US?

Thanks to the replies, guys.:nice1