I am a permanent resident alien paying taxes & ssn for 15 years . Do i have to be a citizen to claim social security

For more information you can check at the website for the Social Security Administration: www.ssa.gov .

You can also get help in person at the local SSA office or on the phone.

In general an LPR living in the US will be treated the same as a US citizen with regards to Social Security benefits received through work credits.

US citizens living abroad at the time of getting SS benefits can still get those benefits. LPRs living abroad above a certain time cannot get SS benefits.