Paying US Social Security

If you intend to work in the U.S. you will generally be expected to pay Social security taxes. Under normal circumstances Social Security payments are available to persons who have worked for ten years in the U.S. and have reached the age of 65 (reduced benefits are available from age 62 and younger people need fewer credits to qualify for disability or survivors benefits). These rules will also apply to you should you decide to remain in the U.S. when you retire, or when you receive disability or survivors benefits.

However, if you move outside the U.S. when you retire or are in receipt of disability or survivors benefits, and you have remained a New Zealand citizen, your Social Security payments can only continue if you return to the U.S. every six months for a period of one calendar month. In addition, you may be required to establish lawful presence in the U.S. for that full calendar month period. For more information you may contact the nearest Social Security office or consult the Social Security website.