Pexels, en.elcierredigital.com Verified: US Social Security clears up many people's doubts, offering lots of benefits
The U.S. government and Social Security are helping these Americans like never before: It affects thousands of workers
Working outside the U.S. no longer poses a risk to Social Security benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has signed international agreements that allow Americans to have certain employment advantages.
These agreements ensure that people don't face double payments to the U.S. and foreign systems. Thanks to them, if you work outside the U.S., you only contribute to one country, depending on where your job is "connected." That eliminates duplicate payments to Social Security and Medicare.
If You Are an American Working Abroad, This From the SSA Is of Interest to You
Additionally, the agreements allow you to "fill protection gaps." That is, if an American hasn't accumulated enough credits in the country, those earned abroad can be added to meet coverage requirements.
After a minimum period (generally six U.S. quarters), time works in your favor. If combined, you can access a partial pension, proportional to your American work history.
The Benefits a Worker Can Obtain
These are retirement, disability, and survivor benefits. If you split your working life between the United States and another country with an agreement, you can apply for benefits in both countries. However, each will pay you according to its own laws, while taking into account the periods from the other.
You don't need to plan it years in advance. When you're ready to retire, or in case of disability, you can submit an application to the SSA in the United States or to the competent authority in the foreign country.
The U.S. Has Agreements in 30 Countries
The same application can be sent simultaneously to both countries, and they will link the records. If you contributed to both sides during your working life, don't worry. When you submit the application, SSA will contact the other country and use your foreign credits.
Currently, the United States has agreements with 30 countries. Among them are Spain, Canada, Mexico (signed, but not yet in force), the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Chile, or Norway. That broad reach makes it easier for Americans working abroad to keep their Social Security coverage without obstacles.
These confirmed benefits, such as easing double contributions and ensuring continuous coverage, aren't just abstract. They allow you to avoid paying FICA and Medicare twice, and they make it possible for those working abroad to gather enough credits to receive their benefits.
To receive those benefits, you need a "Certificate of Coverage." This certificate proves that you're covered by one country's system and, therefore, are exempt from contributing to the other. You obtain it through the SSA or the agency of the foreign country, as appropriate.
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