Social Security Agreement with Brazil
The Social Security Agreement with Brazil: What You Need to Know
If you are a citizen of the United States and are planning to work or retire in Brazil, it`s important to understand the Social Security Agreement between the two countries. The agreement was signed in 2015, and it offers several benefits to individuals who are covered under the agreement.
What is the Social Security Agreement?
The Social Security Agreement between the United States and Brazil is designed to make it easier for citizens of both countries to receive retirement, disability, and survivor benefits. Under the agreement, you can count your work credits from both countries to meet the eligibility requirements for Social Security benefits.
For example, if you have worked in the United States for 10 years and in Brazil for 5 years, you can combine your work credits from both countries to meet the eligibility requirements for retirement benefits.
What are the benefits of the Social Security Agreement?
The Social Security Agreement between the United States and Brazil offers several benefits to individuals covered under the agreement. These benefits include:
1. Elimination of double taxation: If you are covered under the agreement, you will only be required to pay Social Security taxes in one country instead of both countries. This can save you money and prevent double taxation.
2. Portability of benefits: The agreement allows you to take your retirement, disability, and survivor benefits with you if you move from one country to another. This means that you can receive your benefits in Brazil even if you earned them while working in the United States, and vice versa.
3. Protection of benefits: The agreement also protects your Social Security benefits from being reduced or suspended due to residency in a foreign country. This means that even if you live in Brazil, you will still receive your Social Security benefits as if you were living in the United States.
How do I qualify for benefits?
To qualify for benefits under the Social Security Agreement between the United States and Brazil, you must meet the eligibility requirements for Social Security benefits in each country. In addition, you must have contributed to the Social Security system in each country for a certain period of time.
The eligibility requirements and contribution periods vary depending on the type of benefit you are applying for and the country in which you are applying. For more information, you can contact the Social Security Administration in the United States or the Instituto Nacional do Seguro Social (INSS) in Brazil.
Conclusion
The Social Security Agreement between the United States and Brazil is an important agreement that offers many benefits to individuals who are covered under the agreement. If you are planning to work or retire in Brazil, it`s important to understand how the agreement works and how it can benefit you. By taking advantage of the agreement, you can protect your Social Security benefits and ensure that you receive the benefits you are entitled to regardless of which country you live in.