Moving overseas doesn't end your VA compensation. It just changes how the money reaches you.
What's payable abroad
VA says most benefits are payable regardless of where you live or your nationality, including disability compensation, pension and education benefits.
International direct deposit
VA can pay into foreign bank accounts in local currency in these countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Philippines, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, United Kingdom. Foreign accounts can't be set up in your VA.gov profile. Use Ask VA or call +1-918-781-7550 (Mon–Fri, 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Eastern). Treasury doesn't charge a conversion fee, but your bank might.
Elsewhere, keep a U.S. bank account. The Treasury has been phasing out paper checks since September 2025.
Who handles your claim
| Philippines | Compensation: Manila Regional Office. Pension: Milwaukee. |
|---|---|
| Everywhere else | Pittsburgh Regional Office, +1 412-395-6272 |
| GI Bill | 918-781-5678 |
Keep your address current
VA needs your foreign physical address, even if you use a different mailing address. Missing or outdated addresses are a top reason overseas claims get delayed.
Filipino veterans
Commonwealth Army, recognized guerrilla and New Philippine Scouts veterans aren't eligible for VA pension, and some of their benefits are paid at 50 cents on the dollar when they live outside the U.S.
Military retired pay
Retired pay comes from DFAS, not VA. See military retirees overseas.
Get answers from vets who've done it
The VA Benefits Abroad channel is free. Ask about your country, your claim or your hospital.
Setting up your payments, step by step
- Decide on the account. If you live in one of the international direct deposit countries, you can be paid in local currency. Otherwise, keep a U.S. account.
- For a foreign account, contact VA directly. Use Ask VA or call +1-918-781-7550, Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern. You can't add a foreign account in your VA.gov profile.
- Keep your U.S. account open until the first foreign deposit lands.
- Update your physical address in your VA.gov profile. FMP keeps its own records, so update FMP separately.
- Download a benefit summary letter. Banks, landlords and immigration offices often ask for proof of income. The letter on VA.gov is the usual answer.
Common mistakes
- Closing the U.S. account too early. A gap between accounts can mean a returned payment and weeks of delay.
- Assuming FMP uses the same bank details. It doesn't. Set up FMP payments separately.
- Not telling VA you moved. Missing or outdated addresses are a top cause of delays for overseas claims.
- Ignoring your bank's fees. Treasury doesn't charge a conversion fee, but your bank might. Ask before you switch.
- Letting a U.S. card or phone number lapse. Many banks and VA.gov sign-ins still send codes by text, so keep a way to receive them.
Documents to keep
| Award letters | Your most recent rating decision and award letter |
|---|---|
| Benefit summary letter | A fresh copy each year for visas, banks and leases |
| Direct deposit confirmation | The date you changed accounts and who you spoke with |
| Compensation rates | VA's current rate table, so you can check your payment |
Who to call
| International direct deposit | +1-918-781-7550 |
|---|---|
| Benefits questions | 1-800-827-1000 |
| Pittsburgh Regional Office | +1-412-395-6272, or a virtual appointment through VERA |
| Philippines | VA Regional Benefit Office in Manila, by VERA appointment |
Members trade notes on which local banks handle VA deposits smoothly. Join the free OCONUS Veterans community to ask about your country.
How this helps in real life
Example scenario (composite, not a real person): A veteran moving to Ecuador wants her compensation paid in dollars to a U.S. account, since Ecuador isn't on the international direct deposit list. She keeps her U.S. credit union account, updates her physical address in Cuenca on VA.gov, and downloads a benefit summary letter for her residency visa application.
Questions about your situation?
Ask in the VA Benefits Abroad channel. Vets who've filed from your country answer fast.
Common questions
Can I receive VA disability while living overseas?
Yes. VA compensation is payable abroad, by international direct deposit in 30 countries or to a U.S. bank account.
Which countries does VA direct deposit to?
Australia, Austria, Belgium, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Philippines, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, United Kingdom.
Last reviewed November 2026. Information only. Confirm with the official sources.
