Leaving US before 62 and receive early retirement benefits

[RobertStone]

Hi, I'm Bob. I am 53 and thinking to relocate in Eastern Europe as quickly as possible. I speak 6 languages and I'm not afraid to start a new life there.
Anyone who might know how can I colect ss benefits before 62 in this case? I will maintain ties with US (banks, family, address, properties).
Do I have to still fill income taxes?
Any small info would be grateful.
Thanks.

[Orchidflower]

Are you a U.S. citizen? Then unless someone on this board has a better answer than this with some facts behind it: yes, you still have to pay your US federal income tax. Sorry.

[RobertStone]

Thanks for your reply.
Yes, I am a US Citizen.
I understood that I still have to file the return. I figured that out.
Any ideea about retiring before 62 and receive SS benefits?
Thank you.

[REWahoo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobertStone Thanks for your reply. Any ideea about retiring before 62 and receive SS benefits?

You might be in luck - if you are widowed or disabled. Social Security Online: Widows, Widowers & Other Survivors: Qualify and Apply

[donheff]

Disability is the only way I can think to go. DW and I talked to her brother (a SSA manager) the other day about a friend who is on long term disability from work and assumed she wouldn't qualify for SS because of her perception that they would be tougher about approvals than her disability policy is. He mentioned some aphorism that I can't remember exactly but it was something like "At 50 appeal, at 55 approve." He said that for applicants over 55 they don't do a rigid review - if the applicant has documentation that they can't perform the work they have done (not any work) they will get approved without needing to appeal.

[rescueme]

You may leave the country at any time, and claim SS at your setpoints (e.g. 62/66-67/70).

Payments will be sent to your address at the time of claim.

As to trying to claim "early benefits", unless you are disabled, your spouse (SS eligible for future payments) passed and you are age 60, you cannot get "early payments" just because you decided to live outside the U.S.

I worked with a guy many years ago that lived in Ireland. He came to this country to work, contributed to SS, and retured to his "homeland" after he retired.

SS payments were sent to him (in Ireland) when he became eligible...