NRI? You CAN Get US Social Security in India — Here's Real Proof!
Shiva Swami worked in the US for 10+ years, moved back to India in 2010, and recently started receiving US Social Security retirement benefits at age 62. Here's his complete step-by-step process including the Manila interview, required documents, and timeline.
NRI? You CAN Get US Social Security in India — Here's Real Proof!
Shiva Swami worked in the US for over 10 years, moved back to India in 2010, and recently started receiving US Social Security retirement benefits at age 62. His step-by-step journey proves it's absolutely possible for Indian citizens living in India to claim these benefits.
Key Highlights from Shiva Swami's Journey
- You need 40 credits (approximately 10 years of US work) to qualify for Social Security
- Applications from India are processed through the Manila Social Security office
- Three government-issued documents required, all must be notarized by US consulate
- Keep your expired US driver's license — it can serve as critical identity proof
- Maintain an active US bank account to receive benefit deposits
- Phone interview with Manila office lasts about 30 minutes — be fully prepared
- Alien tax of ~25% applies to non-US citizens, but benefits may not be taxable in India under DTAA
- Total process takes approximately 4-6 months from application to first payment
Real Proof It Works: "Till now I was also not too sure. I was thinking let me try if it comes it's good if it's not. Let's see." — Shiva Swami's successful experience proves that Indian citizens can indeed receive US Social Security benefits while living in India.
Shiva Swami's Background: From US to Bangalore
Shiva Swami is based in Bangalore and worked in the US for about 10 years, primarily on Oracle-related technologies. After completing his engineering in India and spending close to a decade on startup efforts, he moved to the US around mid-1999.
In early 2010, he made the decision to move back to India. By April 2010, he was back and joined Nvidia in Pune, later transferring to Bangalore after two years. He worked with Nvidia for 10 years before retiring.
Key Insight: Shiva Swami had very clear intentions to come back to India from the start. His story shows that even after leaving the US over a decade ago, you can still claim your Social Security benefits once you reach eligibility age.
Understanding the 40 Credits Requirement
The fundamental requirement for US Social Security retirement benefits is accumulating 40 credits, which typically requires at least 10 years of work in the US.
How Credits Work
- You can earn up to 4 credits per year
- Even working just a couple of months in a year can give you 4 credits for that year
- The year you start (even mid-year) counts toward your credits
- The year you leave (even if only a few months) also counts
As Shiva Swami explained: "In 1999 if even if you have got worked for a couple of months you will be able to get those four points that is a crucial thing and similarly in the year of leaving at least couple of months if you work you will get four more credits there."
For more details on Social Security credits, visit the Social Security Administration's official page on credits.
How to Prepare Before Applying
Preparation is key to a smooth Social Security application process from India. Here's what Shiva Swami did:
Keep Your US Bank Account Active
"I had a bank account which was there when I was in US. I had made conscious effort to keep it active. I had updated with my current details and that account was active."
Download Annual Statements
"Every year I used to download the statement and keep all those statements in handy." These statements from the Social Security website show your earnings history and projected benefits.
Update Online Access
"These days they have changed the social security online access also to some other method and I complied with that." Make sure your login credentials work before you need to apply.
If you're planning your return to India, understanding the hidden essentials of planning your return can help you prepare for financial matters like this.
The Online Application Process
Once you're eligible (age 62 or older with 40 credits), you can apply online through the Social Security website.
Application Steps
- Apply online through the Social Security website
- Have all your details ready — including preparation time, it requires about half a day
- Reach out to a chartered accountant or tax professional for clarifications if needed
- The process is straightforward if you are prepared
Shiva Swami noted: "Basically it is a straightforward thing if you are prepared. At least including preparation it requires about half a day if you have to collect the details that they ask for."
The Manila Office Phone Interview
For applicants in India, the Social Security Administration's Manila office handles the case. After you apply online, they schedule a phone interview.
⚠️ Critical: Be Fully Prepared for the Interview
"The 30 minutes of interview time is where you will get all the things — the slot where you will have to ask any questions. After that it is tough to catch hold of that particular person. I tried to reach also for whatever reason I was not able to reach. So you better be prepared and make the best use of that interview that you have. He is willing to answer anything and everything you ask during that interview. After that it is slight off."
What Happens During the Interview
- The interviewer is calm and thorough — expect 30+ minutes
- They review all submitted details one-on-one
- Any clarifications or minor modifications are made
- They send a written statement of everything discussed
- They specify when benefits will start and processing timeline
Three Government Documents Required
This was the most challenging part of Shiva Swami's application — and something he wasn't fully prepared for.
The Three Documents Shiva Swami Used
Old Expired Indian Passport
His expired passport with US travel/stay stamps. "That was my old expired passport. I had that."
Employment Certificate
"An employment certificate from whoever I worked during those years. Fortunately for me that company was still existing and I reached out... they were able to send me an employment certificate or history of employment certificate saying that such and such a person with such and such an ID worked in such and such a period with such and such a title."
Expired US Driver's License
"I asked this person who was interviewing me whether an expired driver's license will work which I had in Maryland... Even that I was thinking this is anyway it is expired why I'm keeping this but anyway I decided to keep it in a secondary storage. It was there fortunately for me that expired document proved to be the clinching evidence for me."
⚠️ Important: Out of the three documents, at least two need to have your photo ID. The passport and driver's license both have photos. The employment certificate served as the third document.
US Consulate Document Notarization
All three documents must be notarized by the US consulate in India. Shiva Swami went to the Chennai consulate.
Notarization Process
- Book a separate appointment slot for document certification/notarization
- There's a separate queue — you need not wait as long as visa applicants
- Normally requires cash payment for notarization fees
- Senior citizens may get fee waiver for Social Security purposes
- Documents are notarized and returned the same day
Shiva Swami shared: "I had taken nearly 20-25,000 rupees in cash but fortunately for social security purpose she told that the fees you need not give because you are a senior citizen. I was happy about that."
Tip for Email Documents: "To get an email notarized is not possible because that itself is a digital document. So I decided to take the header of the email which shows the authenticity of the email and I took a print out of that to the consulate."
Timeline: Application to First Payment
The Manila interviewer gave Shiva Swami about 4 weeks (30 days) to submit all notarized documents after the interview.
Shiva Swami's Timeline
| Stage | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Online Application | Half a day | Including preparation time |
| Wait for Interview | ~1 month | Manila office schedules in advance |
| Phone Interview | 30+ minutes | Be fully prepared with questions |
| Document Submission Deadline | 30 days | Must submit notarized docs to Manila |
| Processing After Submission | 2-3 months | Despite government shutdown, they stuck to timeline |
| Total Process | 4-6 months | From application to first payment |
The first payment includes accumulated benefits from your eligibility date. As Shiva Swami explained: "The first eight, three, whatever months they will accumulate and give it one shot and afterwards they will go on giving on a monthly basis."
Understanding the Alien Tax
One surprise for Shiva Swami was the "alien tax" — a deduction for non-US citizens receiving Social Security benefits.
Tax Implications
- Alien tax of approximately 25% is deducted at source
- The double tax treaty (DTAA) between US and India exists, but alien tax still applies
- Benefits are reportedly not taxable in India under DTAA
Shiva Swami mentioned: "I mentioned about the double tax treaty. He told that that's a very valid point but this alien tax is something which you cannot avoid."
Regarding India taxation: "I am given to understanding that it is not taxable in India. I have mentioned it to the CA but anyway I thought let the amount come and afterwards in the next financial year I'll make sure that it is not taxable here."
For more on tax treaties and NRI taxation, see our guide on how NRIs can avoid double taxation using DTAA.
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This is general information — consult a CPA or tax advisor for your specific case.
Spousal and Family Benefits
The Social Security application process also covers potential benefits for spouses and minor children.
What's Covered
- The application asks about children's ages, marriage, divorce details
- Spousal benefits may be implicitly covered based on details provided
- In the event of recipient's death, spouse and minor children may be eligible
An important point raised during the conversation: even if your spouse never worked in the US, they may still be eligible for spousal benefits based on your contributions. This might require a separate application process.
Documents to Keep Before Leaving the US
Based on Shiva Swami's experience, here are critical documents NRIs should preserve:
✅ Essential Documents to Keep
- Expired US Driver's License: "That expired document proved to be the clinching evidence for me"
- Old Passport with US Stamps: Shows your travel/stay history in the US
- Pay Stubs: Shiva Swami regretted throwing these away — "For a long time I kept the pay slips of those 1990s and 2000s but then I thought why I'm keeping all this paper stuff... So I threw them off or destroyed them"
- Employment Records: Keep contact information for former employers' HR departments
- Social Security Statements: Download and save annually
- US Bank Account: Keep it active with updated contact details
⚠️ Don't Throw Away "Useless" Documents: Shiva Swami's expired driver's license and old passport — documents many would discard — turned out to be essential. Keep all US government-issued documents indefinitely.
For more on maintaining your US connections after moving to India, check out our guide on keeping your US phone number when moving to India.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can Indian citizens receive US Social Security benefits while living in India?
Yes, Indian citizens can receive US Social Security retirement benefits while living in India. Shiva Swami, an Indian citizen based in Bangalore, successfully applied for and started receiving benefits after turning 62. The key requirement is having 40 credits (approximately 10 years of work in the US). The application is processed through the Manila office of Social Security, which handles cases for India. You'll need a US bank account to receive the deposits, and there is an alien tax deduction of around 25% for non-US citizens.
How many credits do you need for US Social Security benefits?
You need 40 credits to qualify for US Social Security retirement benefits. As Shiva Swami explained: "I have 40 credits which can be obtained no less at least for 10 years you will have to work." He made sure to obtain all 40 credits before resigning from his US job. Importantly, even if you work just a couple of months in a year, you can get four credits for that year.
What documents are required for Social Security application from India?
The Manila office requires three government-issued documents to prove identity. Shiva Swami used: (1) His old expired Indian passport with US travel/stay stamps, (2) An employment certificate from his former US employer showing his ID, work period, and job title, and (3) His expired Maryland driver's license. All three documents must be notarized by the US consulate in India.
How does the Social Security interview process work from India?
After applying online, the Manila office schedules a phone interview about a month in advance. As Shiva Swami described: "Exactly promptly on the day and the time the guy called up and he was very calm and went through all the details more than 30 minutes." The interviewer reviews all submitted details, makes clarifications, and sends a written statement of what was discussed. This is your main opportunity to ask questions.
How long does the Social Security application process take from India?
The entire process takes approximately 4-6 months from application to receiving benefits. After the interview, you have about 30 days to submit notarized documents to Manila. Then processing takes about 3 months. The first payment includes accumulated benefits from your eligibility date, then monthly payments continue.
What is the alien tax on Social Security benefits for Indian citizens?
Non-US citizens receiving Social Security benefits are subject to an "alien tax" of approximately 25% deduction. Shiva Swami mentioned: "There is an alien tax which once again I was not aware... somewhere around 25% deduction they will do for non US citizens." However, the benefits are reportedly not taxable in India under the DTAA agreement.
Do I need a US bank account to receive Social Security benefits in India?
Yes, you need an active US bank account to receive Social Security benefits. Shiva Swami emphasized: "I had a bank account which was there when I was in US. I had made conscious effort to keep it active." The benefits are deposited directly into this US bank account.
Can my spouse receive Social Security benefits based on my work credits?
Yes, spousal benefits may be available even if your spouse never worked in the US. As the host mentioned: "Even though the spouse might have not contributed but she could be eligible based on your contributions." This may require a separate application process.
Planning Your Return to India?
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