I (US citizen) and my Japanese wife (green card) have contemplated of retiring in Japan. There is one thing that concerns me most at the moment. If my wife lose or give up her green card after moving to Japan, will she be eligible to receive her social security spousal benefits. She is a homemaker and have less than 40 credits with the SS. Meaning, she is depending on me. I have also look into the “Totalization Agreement”, which describes how the US Social Security agreements with multiple countries, including Japan. I think, although I still need to confirm it with our local SS office about my wife’s eligibility to receive her spousal benefits living abroad, and as a non-US citizen. Let me know what you think. One last note, she is not interested in becoming a US citizen. Any advice or personal experiences would be much appreciated. Thanks!
by cinevision