Section 202(t)(1) of the Social Security Act provides that certain alien beneficiaries will have their benefits suspended once they have been outside the U.S. for more than 6 months.

As explained in GN 01701.150A.1., certain alien beneficiaries who would otherwise be subject to suspension under section 202(t)(1) are exempt from suspension if they reside in Canada. This exemption applies to people who receive regular U.S. retirement, survivors or disability benefits as well as those who receive Totalization benefits.

If a claimant who does not meet another exception to the alien nonpayment provisions alleges residence in Canada, develop residence status to verify that the exemption provided by the agreement applies.

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  Alien nonpayment provisions, RS 02610.000

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  Definition of Canadian territory, GN 01715.115

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  Developing residence status, GN 01702.230

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  Additional U.S. residency requirements for alien dependents and survivors, GN 01715.145