Claiming Rules
Understanding Totalization Agreements and Their Benefits
Verified against SSA POMS as of September 18, 2026
The short answer
Totalization Agreements are international agreements that help coordinate the U.S. Social Security programs with those of other countries. Their main purposes are to eliminate dual social security coverage and taxation, protect benefit rights for workers splitting careers between two countries, and enhance benefit portability.
What Are Totalization Agreements?
Totalization agreements are international agreements authorized under Section 233 of the Social Security Act, allowing the coordination of the U.S. Social Security system with those of other countries. These agreements aim to eliminate dual social security coverage and taxation and ensure benefit protection for workers who divide their careers between the U.S. and another country. [HBK 0107]
HBK 0107 View source ›Countries with Totalization Agreements
The United States currently has Totalization agreements in effect with 24 countries, including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Each agreement is tailored to the specific social security systems of the involved countries. [RS 01901.450]
RS 01901.450 View source ›Benefits and Coverage
Totalization agreements have provisions that prevent dual taxation by establishing guidelines on which country's system applies to an individual's work. They also allow workers to combine credits from both the U.S. and a foreign country to qualify for benefits, ensuring workers do not lose their benefits when they have divided careers. [GN 01701.005]
GN 01701.005 View source ›U.S. Totalization Benefits
Under these agreements, the U.S. provides Totalization benefits when workers do not have enough coverage under the U.S. program alone but can qualify with credits from an agreement country. However, if a worker has sufficient U.S. credits, foreign credits will not be considered. [GN 01739.120]
GN 01739.120 View source ›Applying for Benefits under Totalization Agreements
Applications for Totalization benefits may be submitted to the Social Security Administration. There are designated procedures for each country involved in a Totalization agreement, ensuring the appropriate records are exchanged and benefits are granted. [GN 01729.215]
GN 01729.215 View source ›Frequently asked
What is a Totalization Agreement?
A Totalization Agreement is an international agreement that coordinates the U.S. Social Security system with those of other countries to eliminate dual social security coverage and taxation and protect workers' benefits across borders.
How do Totalization Agreements affect my Social Security taxes?
These agreements prevent dual taxation by establishing which country’s Social Security system covers work performed, thus exempting earnings from being taxed by both countries.
Can I combine work credits from the U.S. and another country?
Yes, Totalization Agreements allow combining work credits from both the U.S. and an agreement country to help meet eligibility requirements for benefits.
Do Totalization Agreements apply to all countries?
No, the United States has Totalization agreements with 24 specific countries. Each agreement is designed to fit the social security systems of those countries.
How do I apply for benefits under a Totalization Agreement?
Applications can be submitted to the Social Security Administration, which will assist with the necessary procedures and exchange of records between involved countries.