Finland does not need to take U.S. coverage into account in determining Earnings-Related
Pension benefit eligibility. A person's right to a benefit under the Earnings-Related
Pension is immediately vested once the person begins to work in covered employment
or self-employment.
However, when determining the amount of an Earnings-Related Pension survivor or disability
benefit, Finland may count the years between the date of death or disability onset
and age 65 (called future years) as actual years of coverage. This will increase the
amount of the Earnings-Related Pension benefit. To receive credit for future years,
the worker must reside in Finland for at least five years. In addition, the death
or disability must occur while the worker is engaged in a covered work activity or
within one year thereafter.
Under the Agreement, Finland will count U.S. coverage to meet the Finnish residence
and coverage requirements for granting future years when determining the amount of
an Earnings-Related Pension survivors or disability benefit.