Social Security - Expired Green Card

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on

Question – I am turning 65 in a month and would like to start collecting my social security monthly benefit payments. They are not very much, around $850 or $900 a month, but I figured I might as well collect them. I have received regular statements from social security every year or so confirming my eligibility. My question arises not because I doubt my eligibility, but because I worked in the US as a legal resident (green card) and unfortunately I let my green card expire almost two years as I have been spending 6-9 months living abroad. So I was wondering how, if at all, will this impact my ability to collect social security benefit payments. My understanding is that while I am still eligible, that the social security office will object to my expired green card and thus implement some sort of withholding (15-20%) from my monthly benefit payments. I would appreciate if someone could comment on what I should expect. Thank you.

Shawn (not verified)
Fri, 03/30/2018 - 05:06 Permalink

I went to local Social Security office to apply for SS early retirement I'm 63 years old . I've been in US since I was 2 and worked from 17 years old till 60. As I was filling out paperwork realized my green card was missing from folder I had kept it in. Needing a new green card I contacted USCIS and was told to schedule appointment with an application support center or ASC for pictures , finger prints and payment which I did. Problem is I was told Green Card will take 4 to 6 months to reach me and I could not file for SS till I had it. I understand it's my fault for loosing card but I need the money now. I asked SS if there was anything I could do to speed up the process and was told no. About 15 years ago I wanted hired a young man in a store I managed . When I asked him for His green card he said he had an appointment at an ASC in a week and could bring it to me then. He showed up in 10 days with his processed application with a stamp on the back saying he was eligible to work and his card was on its way. I'm told at SS that they can only take green card to start my paperwork. Is this true.

Eric

In reply to by Shawn (not verified)

Wed, 04/04/2018 - 16:13 Permalink

Hi Shawn,

Since your situation is very unique, I would recommend contacting the SSA to see if they can expedite that process.

HAFID (not verified)
Mon, 07/30/2018 - 10:09 Permalink

im out side usa and im green card holder Im out for 10years im with SSDI im in dialysis the reason iwas in bad condition healt so ican keep my SSDI benefit ?and ican renew my green card?

Glenna Kessler (not verified)
Sat, 08/10/2019 - 19:17 Permalink

My green has expired can i receive my retirement benefits.

mts

In reply to by Glenna Kessler (not verified)

Tue, 08/13/2019 - 16:37 Permalink

Hi,

You are able to receive benefits if you have worked and paid taxes in the U.S. for the required time. I would recommend contacting your local SSA office to go over your specific details because every case is unique.

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