Section 202(t)(11) states that no benefit may be paid to a non-U.S. citizen or national for any month after the 6^th consecutive calendar month outside the U.S. If first eligible for benefits after December 1984, the beneficiary must have resided in the U.S. for at least 5 years. During this 5-year residence the beneficiary must have been in a family relationship with the number holder (NH) in order to receive U.S. benefits.

As explained in GN 01701.150A.2., citizens or residents of a country the U.S. has a Totalization agreement with are exempt from these requirements unless an agreement includes a limitation on the exemption. The U.S.-Czech agreement does not contain a limitation.

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  Czech citizens, regardless of where they reside, are exempt from these requirements.

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  Residents of the Czech Republic, regardless of their citizenship, are exempt from these requirements.

If a non-U.S. citizen dependent or survivor does not meet the 5-year U.S. residency requirements and alleges citizenship or residency of the Czech Republic, the Claims Representative develops citizenship or residence status.

GN 01702.220, Evidence of Citizenship for Beneficiaries Living Outside the United States

GN 01702.230, Evidence of Residence

RS 02610.025, 5 Year Residency Requirement for Alien Dependents/Survivors Outside the United States (U.S.)