TAX NEWS - DECEMber 2009

Social Security's International Programs, Products and Services

The United States has bilateral Social Security agreements with 24 countries. These agreements improve benefit protection for workers who have divided their careers between the United States and another country. The agreements also eliminate dual Social Security coverage and taxes. The following products and services may apply to employees when they work overseas:


Certificate of Coverage online Service

To document a worker's exemption from foreign Social Security coverage and taxes, the employer or self employed person must obtain a U.S. certificate of coverage. Social Security added an enhancement to our Certificate of Coverage Service for employers and performers who may submit their requests online. If a performer is going to work overseas for a very short stay and that agreement country requires an abbreviated short form certificate, the performer (or his/her representative) can use this online service to request the certificate.


Living outside the United States Fact Sheet

A fact sheet entitled "Social Security Payment Requirements for Most North, Central and South American Citizens Living Outside the United States" is available. The fact sheet provides individuals with accurate, clear, and up-to-date information on Social Security payment requirements for beneficiaries who are citizens of most North, Central, and South American countries, that reside outside the United States. It is available in both English and Spanish.


Payments Abroad Screening tool

This interactive tool educates the public on the affects their citizenship and residency could have on their Social Security Title II Retirement, Survivor or Disability payments if they are outside the United States for six consecutive calendar months or more. The tool includes over 250 countries or locations and does not interface with any personal records in any of the SSA systems.