US Details Social Security Benefits for 31 Countries

The United States government has outlined the Social Security benefits available to citizens of 31 countries that have entered into totalisation agreements with the US. These agreements are designed to eliminate dual taxation on earnings and assist workers who have split their careers between two nations.

Workers must earn a minimum of six credits to access these benefits, which allows them to combine credits from both the US and their home country to meet eligibility requirements. The credits remain in the country where they were earned, and the US calculates a partial benefit based on the credits accumulated within its borders.

Notably, qualifying workers can receive separate benefit payments from both the US and their home country simultaneously. Romania is the most recent addition to this list, with its agreement entering into force on September 1, 2026.

Understanding the six-credit requirement and the proportional payment structure is crucial for effective retirement planning for citizens of these agreement countries.