Traveling with Social Security

Traveling with Social Security

Social Security & You
By Brandon P. Smith, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist

You can access Social Security when you travel, whether you’re in the United States or in another country.  Our online services page at ssa.gov/onlineservices provides you with a wide variety of self-service options you can use on your mobile phone, tablet, or computer.

Through our online services, you can: 

  • Find out if you qualify for benefits
  • Apply for Social Security retirement, disability, and Medicare benefits
  • Get your Social Security Statement
  • Request a replacement Social Security card
  • Appeal a decision

Do you receive Social Security benefits or Medicare?  If so, you can create or log in to your personal my Social Security account to:

  • Get your benefit verification letter
  • Check your information and benefit amount
  • Change your address and telephone number
  • Start or change your direct deposit
  • Get a replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S for tax season
  • Report your wages if you work and receive disability benefits or SSI

Create a personal my Social Security account today at ssa.gov/myaccount to take advantage of these easy-to-use features.  

About the author

Brandon P. Smith is the author of Northeast Ohio Thrive’s Social Security & You blog. He is a Social Security public affairs specialist with the Social Security Administration, based in Cleveland. A Cleveland native, he joined the SSA in 2003. He is the primary contact for media relations, outreach, and presentations for the agency in Cuyahoga, Lake, Lorain, and Geauga counties. In addition to other communications awards, Brandon received a Deputy Commissioner Citation from Social Security’s Office of Communication in 2015 for his outstanding public affairs support of the agency’s national communication initiatives.

1 Comment

  1. Yes u can travel but u better let them know u are going to be traveling or u will wake up an not be able to access ur social security money. They actually turn it off u better have access to other money or u will be stuck somewhere till 10 days when u can get another card.

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