The Social Security Agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom: What You Need to Know

Social security is an important benefit that provides financial support to individuals who have retired, become disabled, or lost a loved one who provided income. In 1984, the United States and the United Kingdom signed an agreement that allows eligible individuals to receive social security benefits from both countries. This article will provide an overview of the agreement and what it means for individuals who have lived, worked, or resided in both the US and UK.

What is the Social Security Agreement?

The social security agreement between the US and UK is meant to help individuals who have lived and worked in both countries. It is designed to prevent double taxation and provides a safety net for those who have paid into social security in both countries. The agreement covers a wide range of social security benefits such as retirement, disability, and survivor’s benefits.

Who is eligible for benefits?

To be eligible for benefits under the social security agreement, you must have worked and paid into social security for a certain amount of time in both the US and UK. The exact requirements will vary depending on the benefit you are applying for. For example, to be eligible for retirement benefits, you must have earned at least six credits under the US social security system and made at least 25% of your total covered earnings outside of the United States.

In general, if you are a US citizen who has lived and worked in the UK, or you are a UK citizen who has lived and worked in the US, you may be eligible for benefits under the agreement. It is important to note that the agreement does not cover all social security benefits in both countries. For example, the agreement does not cover UK state pensions or US Medicare.

How to apply for benefits

To apply for benefits under the social security agreement, you will need to contact the social security administration (SSA) in the country where you currently reside. If you are a US citizen living in the UK, you will need to contact the US embassy in London. If you are a UK citizen living in the US, you will need to contact the US embassy in Washington, D.C.

When you apply for benefits, you will need to provide documentation to show that you have lived and worked in both countries. For example, you may need to provide tax documents, employment records, and proof of citizenship or residency.

In conclusion, the social security agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom provides an important safety net for individuals who have lived and worked in both countries. If you are eligible for benefits under the agreement, it is important to understand the requirements and how to apply. Contact the social security administration in your country of residence for more information and to begin the application process.