Social Security Agreement Between France and the USA: How It Benefits You
If you’re a citizen of either France or the USA, you may be wondering how the social security agreement between the two countries affects you and your benefits. In this article, we’ll break down the details of the agreement, what it entails, and how you can benefit from it as an expat living in either country.
What is the Social Security Agreement?
The Social Security Agreement between France and the USA, signed in 1987, is a bilateral agreement that aims to coordinate the social security systems of both countries. The agreement aims to provide benefits to people who have worked in both countries, ensuring that they receive the benefits they are entitled to, regardless of their nationality.
How Does It Work?
Under the agreement, social security taxes paid in one country can be used to meet the eligibility requirements for benefits in the other country. This means that if you have worked in both France and the USA, you can claim the social security benefits from both countries.
For example, if you have worked in France for a period and then move to the USA and work there for a number of years, you can still claim benefits from the French system. Similarly, if you have worked in the USA and move to France to live, you can still claim benefits from the US system.
What Benefits Are Covered?
The agreement covers retirement, disability, and survivor benefits. It also covers Medicare taxes and healthcare coverage for those who have worked in both countries.
Retirement Benefits: If you have worked in both countries and have met the eligibility requirements for social security benefits, you can claim retirement benefits from both countries.
Disability Benefits: If you become disabled and are unable to work, you can claim disability benefits from the country where you last worked.
Survivor Benefits: If you are the surviving spouse or child of someone who has worked in both countries and has passed away, you can claim survivor benefits from both countries.
Medicare Coverage: If you have worked in both countries and have met the eligibility requirements, you can claim healthcare coverage from both countries.
How Can You Benefit?
The social security agreement between France and the USA can benefit expats in many ways. Firstly, it provides financial security for those who have worked in both countries, ensuring that they receive the benefits they are entitled to.
Additionally, the agreement provides healthcare coverage for those who have worked in both countries. This means that you can receive medical treatment in either country without having to worry about the expenses.
Finally, the agreement allows for flexibility in terms of retirement planning. If you have worked in both countries, you can choose to retire in either country and receive benefits from both systems.
Conclusion:
The social security agreement between France and the USA provides a great opportunity for those who have worked in both countries to receive the benefits they are entitled to. By coordinating the social security systems of both countries, the agreement provides financial security, healthcare coverage, and retirement planning flexibility for expats. If you have worked in both France and the USA, it’s worth exploring your options and claiming the benefits you are entitled to.