Yes, you can absolutely collect your U.S. Social Security benefits while living in Belize. Belize is not on the Social Security Administration's (SSA) list of "prohibited countries" (like Cuba or North Korea). If you are a U.S. citizen, your payments will continue regardless of how long you stay outside the country. You can choose to have your payments deposited into a U.S. bank account and withdraw them via local ATMs in Belize, or you can set up a direct deposit into a Belizean bank account, though this may involve currency conversion fees. Many retirees in Belize take advantage of the Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) Program, which requires proof of a monthly income (like Social Security) of at least $2,000 USD. This program offers tax exemptions on all income earned outside of Belize, making it an attractive destination for Americans looking to stretch their Social Security checks in a tropical environment.