The table below outlines the different types of social security benefits to be paid under the social security plans of the United States and the Czech Republic and briefly outlines the eligibility requirements normally applicable to each type of benefit. If you do not meet the normal conditions for these benefits, the agreement can help you qualify (see “How Benefits Can Be Paid”). Totalization agreements can also be used to meet disability and survival status requirements in the United States, which in some cases may be less than 40-quarters. To qualify for a full social security pension, the person must have at least 40 quarters of U.S. coverage. In this case, a totalization agreement would not affect the benefits paid by SSA to the worker. An agreement that will enter into force on 1 January 2009 between the United States and the Czech Republic improves the protection of social security for people working or working in both countries. It helps many people who, in the absence of the agreement, would not be entitled to monthly pension, disability or survival benefits under the social security system of one or both countries. It also helps people who would otherwise have to pay social security contributions to the two countries with the same incomes. The Social Security Administration announces an agreement with the Czech Republic, effective January 1, 2009, which removes the burden of paying social security taxes in both countries from the United States, which works in the Czech Republic.

A new agreement with Poland will enter into force on 1 March 2009 and SSA is in talks for a new agreement with Hungary. If you do not wish to be entitled to benefits, but want more information about the agreement, write:The totalization agreements relieve American workers and their employers of the burden of contributing to the social security plans of two countries. Under these agreements, U.S. employers and workers contribute to the U.S. or foreign social security system, but not both, depending on the length of their lives in the country where they work. NOTE: As the table shows, an American worker employed in the Czech Republic may be covered by the United States.