For most U.S. citizens, qualifying for Social Security benefits requires accumulating 40 work credits, which generally takes about 10 years of employment. However, some immigrants who move to the United States later in life may still qualify for benefits under certain conditions.
Knowing how Social Security works for immigrants is crucial, especially for those who have worked in other countries and are planning their retirement income.
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Qualify
Immigrants who have not earned 40 work credits in the United States may still be eligible for Social Security benefits through totalization agreements between the U.S. and other countries.
Totalization Agreements
Totalization agreements are international agreements designed to:
- Prevent workers from paying Social Security taxes in two countries
- Allow workers to combine work credits from both countries to qualify for benefits
For example, if an immigrant from Italy has worked in both Italy and the U.S., but does not have enough work history in either country to qualify for full benefits, they can combine their work credits to meet the 40-credit requirement.
Work Requirement
To benefit from a totalization agreement, an immigrant must work legally in the United States for at least 1.5 years (6 work credits). In 2024, a worker earns 1 credit for every $1,730 in earnings, up to 4 credits per year.
Countries
The United States has totalization agreements with 31 countries, allowing eligible workers to combine work credits for retirement benefits.
| Countries with Totalization Agreements |
|---|
| Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada |
| Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, 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 |
Immigrants from these countries may qualify for Social Security benefits based on their combined work history.
Social Security
Yes. If an immigrant qualifies for Social Security through a totalization agreement, they can receive payments even if they choose to retire outside the U.S. However, the payment rules may vary based on the country of residence.
Eligibility
If you are an immigrant and want to know if you qualify for Social Security, you should:
- Check with the Social Security Administration (SSA) to verify eligibility
- Consult a financial advisor for personalized retirement planning
- Review your work history in both the U.S. and your home country
By knowing the rules and options available, immigrants can maximize their Social Security benefits and plan for a secure retirement.
FAQs
Can I get Social Security without 40 work credits?
Yes, if your home country has a totalization agreement with the U.S.
What is a totalization agreement?
It allows workers to combine work credits from the U.S. and another country.
How many years must I work in the U.S. to qualify?
At least 1.5 years (6 work credits) if using a totalization agreement.
Can I receive Social Security if I retire abroad?
Yes, but payment rules depend on the country of residence.
Which countries have totalization agreements with the U.S.?
31 countries, including Canada, UK, Japan, and Germany.