Immigrants who arrive in the United States at age 65 or older may still be eligible to receive Social Security benefits under specific conditions, so what are the conditions and how do you know if you qualify?
While the vast majority of U.S citizens qualify for these benefits by accumulating at least 40 work credits, which is generally equivalent to roughly 10 years of employment, some immigrants can access benefits through international agreements.
Others, however, may rely solely on their home country’s retirement programs or a combination of both. So understanding the rules surrounding Social Security for older immigrants is essential for those planning their retirement income.
Fortunately, there are situations for someone who has not accrued 40 work credits within the United States to be able to combine them with their homeland, covering large parts of the Western World and some of South America and Asia.
Over 65s Immigrant Eligibility for Social Security
Most immigrants who move to the U.S later in life do not meet the 40-credit requirement necessary to receive full Social Security benefits and this can be an intimidating risk of financial insecurity.
However, those who work legally in the U.S. for at least one and a half years after arriving and earning a minimum of $1730 per quarter in 2024, may qualify for prorated benefits if their home country has a totalization agreement with the U.S.
Totalization agreements are designed to prevent workers and employers from being taxed for Social Security in both countries and to allow individuals to combine work credits from both nations to qualify for benefits.
“An immigrant who comes to the U.S. from Italy, for example,” says Mark Hebner, Index Fund Advisor, “and has some work history in both countries, but not enough to fully qualify for Social Security benefits in either country, can combine their foreign and domestic work history in order to qualify for Social Security benefits.”
For those who meet the requirements, Social Security benefits can be received even if they choose to retire outside the U.S.
The U.S. currently has totalization agreements with 31 countries, enabling eligible workers to access retirement benefits through combined work histories. These countries include:
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Canada
- Chile
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Luxembourg
- The Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovak Republic
- Slovenia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- The United Kingdom
- Uruguay
For immigrants from these countries, Social Security benefits may provide financial support during retirement, depending on their employment history in both nations.
Those considering applying should check with the Social Security Administration or a financial advisor to determine their eligibility and the expected benefits they may receive.