Your medicare is not usable outside the US. You will be able to use it anytime you return, even if you teturn for only a few days Social Security is received no matter where in the world you reside. As far as applying, I did mine completely on line. Your payments are also done electronically. If you have other sources of income, you should put off applying for social security as long as you can afford up to age 70. Also look into having a spouse that has the lowest income collect Social Security at full retirement age, and you can receive income based on your spouses Social Security. Your spouse can delay collecting their Social Security until they get closer to the age 70 so they receive a greater income. The only downside is if your spouse dies before you do, you will only collect the amount they would’ve received. Had they retired at the same age you did, not their extended retirement age. Do your research!
J
JFBARNARD52
@JFBARNARD52