You may wish your Social Security payment to be deposited directly into your account at either a financial institution in the country where you live or a U.S. financial institution. But, even if you use the direct deposit service, you must still keep Social Security informed of any change in your current residence address.

With direct deposit, you receive your payment much faster than if you are paid by check (usually 1 to 3 weeks faster than check deliveries). When direct deposit payments are sent to a financial institution, you also avoid check cashing and currency conversion fees.

A list of foreign countries where direct deposit is available can be found at Your Payments When You Are Outside The United States.

To determine if direct deposit is available in the country where you live--or to sign up for direct deposit--contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate or U.S. Social Security office, or write to the:

Social Security Administration
P.O. Box 17769
Baltimore, Maryland 21235-7769
USA