Receiving US Social Security Payments in France
- Americans in France can receive Social Security retirement, disability, and survivor benefits abroad
- Set up direct deposit to a US bank account (Charles Schwab, Wise routing number, or your US bank), then transfer to France as needed
- Alternatively, the SSA can send payments to some foreign bank accounts — but US direct deposit is more reliable
- You must notify the SSA of your foreign address and any change in circumstances (marriage, employment, etc.)
- US Embassy Paris handles Social Security inquiries — fr.usembassy.gov
- Use the SSA's online my Social Security portal to manage your account remotely
The US-France Totalization Agreement
The US and France have a Totalization Agreement that prevents double Social Security taxation:
Working in France (French Employer)
Pay into French Social Security (cotisations sociales) only — exempt from US Social Security/Medicare taxes on the same wages. Get a "certificate of coverage" from CLEISS.
US Employer Sending You to France
If sent by a US employer for 5 years or less, you continue paying into US SS/Medicare only — exempt from French social charges. Get a coverage certificate from SSA.
Combining Work Credits
If you don't have 40 US quarters of Social Security credits, French work periods can be counted to meet the minimum. The benefit is then pro-rated based on US contributions.
Self-Employed in France (Freelancers)
If you're an auto-entrepreneur or SASU owner paying into French social charges, you may be exempt from US SECA tax (15.3%). Apply for a totalization certificate from CLEISS.
Medicare Does NOT Cover You in France
This is one of the most common mistakes made by Americans abroad. Medicare Parts A and B do not pay for healthcare services outside the United States. If you retire to France, do NOT rely on Medicare for your healthcare. You need either French Sécurité Sociale (PUMA) or a private international health insurance plan. Medicare Advantage plans also generally do not cover international care (a few have some emergency coverage).
Tax Treatment of US Social Security in France
- Under the US-France Tax Treaty (Article 18), US Social Security benefits paid to French residents are taxable only in the United States — not France
- In the US: 0–85% of Social Security benefits may be taxable depending on your combined income (provisional income calculation)
- French government pensions: taxable in the country that pays them (US government pensions taxable in US; French pensions in France)
- Private US pensions paid to French residents: generally taxable in France under the treaty
Social Security Resources
SSA — Receiving Benefits Outside the US
Official SSA guide to collecting Social Security abroad
SSA — US-France Totalization Agreement
Full details of the totalization agreement for Social Security
CLEISS — French Social Security Coordination
Centre de Liaisons Européennes et Internationales — handles international social security coordination
US Embassy Paris — Social Security Services
Embassy services for Social Security questions and assistance
US-France Tax Treaty
How SS benefits are taxed under the treaty