The Alien Nonpayment Provision refers to aliens who are outside the United States
(U.S.). An alien is defined as a person who is a citizen of a foreign country. Outside
the United States means outside the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico,
the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands or American Samoa.
Section 202(t) of the Social Security Act states that an alien residing outside the
United States for six full consecutive calendar months cannot be paid benefits beginning
with the seventh month of their absence. Once the 6-month period of absence is completed
and payments have been suspended, the benefits may not be resumed until the alien
has been back in the United States for one full calendar month.
For more information about Lawful Presence and the Alien Nonpayment Provision, see
RS 02610.041.
For more information about the Lawful Presence Payment Provisions, see RS 00204.010.
Benefits cannot be made to aliens residing in certain countries notwithstanding the
rules noted above.
For more information about Treasury Department Restrictions, see RS 02650.001.