Does Dual Nationality Affect Your SSDI?

 If you're a dual national — that is, you hold citizenship in the U.S. and another country — you may wonder how that affects your eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). The short answer: your dual citizenship generally does not affect your SSDI eligibility or benefits.

Here's what you need to know:

1. SSDI Is Based on U.S. Work History
   SSDI is tied to your work history and Social Security contributions in the U.S., not your citizenship status. As long as you've earned enough work credits and meet the medical eligibility requirements, your dual nationality won't disqualify you.
2. Citizenship vs. Residency
   It's not your dual nationality that matters most — it's where you live. SSDI payments can be made to U.S. citizens living in most foreign countries, but restrictions exist in certain places (like Cuba or North Korea). If you're a dual citizen residing in your non-U.S. country, check that benefits are payable there.
3. Dual Nationals Who Are Not U.S. Citizens
   If you are not a U.S. citizen but have dual nationality involving another country and legally worked and paid into the U.S. system, you may still qualify. However, benefit eligibility may depend on international Social Security agreements (also known as "totalization agreements").
4. Taxation and Reporting
   As a dual national, you might be subject to double taxation or foreign bank reporting under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) or similar laws. This won't affect your SSDI directly, but it could impact your financial planning.
5. Be Prepared to Prove Identity
   SSDI applicants with multiple nationalities may be asked to provide additional documentation for verification, especially if applying from outside the U.S.

For more details and one-on-one guidance regarding your SSDI benefits and dual nationality concerns, contact the Law Office of Irene Ruzin. Our disability attorneys can help you navigate both U.S. and international complexities with confidence.