From Poland to Greenland – How Social Security International Agreements Work
The expressed desire of the Trump administration to acquire Greenland raises some interesting questions.
For example, would the workers of a previously independent country that becomes part of the U.S. be covered by Social Security for retirement, disability and survivor benefits?
The answer is likely yes. They would be covered, and almost certainly they would also become subject to U.S. Social Security taxes and laws.
If the country had a totalization agreement with the U.S. (and Greenland does), credits from both countries’ Social Security systems would be combined to qualify for benefits. Totalization is part of Social Security’s international agreements with specific countries.
How Totalization Works
Totalization already affects American workers who split their careers between the U.S. and another country. It allows these workers to get partial benefits from each country by counting credits for work done in both countries.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have accumulated a sufficient number of recent work credits.
Like Social Security retirement benefits, the actual amount you will be paid in disability benefits will depend on how long you worked and how much you earned.
With totalization, you can apply for benefits in one country and have your application sent to the other. Each country then processes the claim under its own regulations, using your credits from the other country if needed.
If your foreign credits help you qualify, you’ll receive a partial U.S. benefit, and you might also qualify for a separate benefit from the other country.
This applies to SSDI, old age, and survivor benefits. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicare benefits are not covered by totalization.
The length of a foreign assignment dictates who you pay your Social Security taxes to. If your U.S. employer sends you to work in an agreement country on temporary assignment (for five years or less), you would continue to pay into the U.S. Social Security system. You would be exempt from the foreign country’s Social Security taxes.
If you’re assigned to work in an agreement country for more than five years, or if you’re hired directly by a foreign employer, you are exempt from U.S. Social Security taxes. For a long-term assignment, you generally only pay into the Social Security system of your host country.
Countries With Totalization Agreements
Presently there are 30 countries the U.S. has totalization agreements with:
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Canada
- Chile
- Czech Republic
- Denmark (including Greenland)
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Luxembourg
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovak Republic
- Slovenia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
- Uruguay
You Must Obtain a Certificate of Coverage
To get a foreign Certificate of Coverage, contact the Social Security agency in the agreement country where you’re working and paying Social Security contributions. Each country has its own process, but you’ll typically complete an application, and you will need to provide:
- Your passport or other national identification
- Proof of employment or self-employment in that country
- Evidence that you’re paying into their Social Security system
If you’re covered under the U.S. system because you’re on a temporary assignment, your employer (or you if you are self-employed) will need to get the certificate from:
Social Security Administration
Office of International Programs
P.O. Box 17741
Baltimore, MD 21235-7741
You can also download a Certificate of Coverage online and get more information about totalization at the Social Security Administration (SSA) international programs website.
If you have a disabling injury or illness and your condition has made it impossible for you to hold a job, contact us at Nash Disability Law for a free evaluation of your situation. Our Chicago disability lawyers help people apply for Social Security Disability benefits when they can’t work because of health problems.
We can help you navigate the complex SSA disability claims process and guide you on the best path forward. We only get paid when you win your case.
