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.
NOTE: See GN 01715.145 for additional U.S. residency requirements for alien dependents and survivors.