Hello all,

A silly question for which I could find no correct answer.

I used to study in the US on an F-1 Visa. Then I got a job and converted to an H-1B visa. Worked for three years and paid taxes. Then converted back to F-1 to finish my MBA and then left the US to come to India.

So - the situation that arose is that my old landlord told me I have a letter from the Social Security administration - a "know your SS status" thing which says that I have accumulated about 15,000$ in SS benefits. Neat - Can I do anything with this?

I have left the US and don't plan on returning as an emigrant. Is there any way I can "surrender" my Social security number and perhaps get back the social security money I'm owed?

Regards & thanks for your help.
Thamizha.

Negative. Taxes paid into Social Security and Medicare while on H-1B status are forfeited if you do not accumulated credits for 40 quarters (ten years) of work.

What if I did work for 10 yearson an H1B?
Can I get it back then?

No, you still cannot get it back, but you DO qualify for benefits when you turn 62.