Thinking about moving from Puerto Rico to Costa Rica

@Joseph jacopelle..."I'm hoping the transition will go smoothly" ???...What do you think it will be when migration asks to show proof of an 'exit flight out of Costa Rica' before you can put one foot into the country....Costa Rica is not another state to the U.S.and you have to meet governmental administrative requirements before you can make any long term plans here..

My understanding is that your SSDI benefit will expire when you become eligible for your Social Security Old Age benefit. Since your SSDI benefit is not guaranteed for life, I think it will not qualify you for legal residency as a pensionado. Then, your SSOA benefit, which is guaranteed for life, must be at least $1,000 per month. Best to get some firm numbers from Social Security before you make the move.

One cannot apply for a SSDI benefit once he or she reaches 65-years-old.

This benefit may age widely compared to the ACTUAL accrued Social Security monthly benefit based on averaged earnings for eligible quarters.

The benefit will change when based on age.

Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, based upon the applicant's disability, are only payable until the recipient reaches age 65. Then, he or she must apply for Social Security Old Age Insurance benefits. It is for this reason that receipt of SSDI benefits do NOT qualify one for temporary legal residency in Costa Rica because that benefit is not guaranteed for life.

An alternative approach may be to apply for Old Age benefits (which are guaranteed for life)  at age 62 when all applicants' benefits are determined by their work history.

In either event, those granted temporary legal residency in Costa Rica must demonstrate their enrollment in the national health system, the CAJA, before their residency becomes official and their DIMEX card can be issued.

@daveandmarcia

Correct, biut those who apply for the benefit at 62 will ONLY get 70& of their benefit going forward.

If one waits till 654 (or 65, depending upon one's age cohort/Y.O.B.), he or she will derove a 100% benefit, and more if he or she waits till  70, depnding upon one's financial situation and how many quarters one works beyohnd 65 and which represent one's highest earnings on which the calculation of benefits will be based.

One should consult the FA@ on the SSA website.

Also, some excellent non-profits exist to guide one through the process.

Some worry that Social Security may be bankrupt before they can derive the full benefit (or privatized).

One should consult a financial advisor; an eldercare attorney, a paralegal, a reputable non-profit advisor; a CPA, or the SSA website (or any combination of the above) to make an INFORMED DECISION that will redound to one's greatest benefit.

No one-size-fits-all option exists.

RECALL that in terms of PENSIONISTA visas in CR, one must show a STEADY, single pension of $1,000.00 USD/month (SSA, federal railroad, IRS/501 (k), or Keogh.

Read youself full on this matter.

Avoid disappointment sand paotential heartbreak.

The important thing to remember is that, if one aspires to temporary legal residency as a pensionado, the source of income that that residency application will depend upon MUST be guaranteed for life. Some annuities will meet Immigration's requirements, but the payout must be for life. Not all annuities meet that standard.