Generally, a worker must have contributions for at least 12 months in the 3-year period immediately preceding their disability onset or the cessation of cash sickness benefits.

The worker must have paid contributions for at least 12 months during the 3-year period prior to death, unless the worker:

• •

  Died from an accident or occupational disease; or

• •

  Was a pensioner.

Luxembourg extends the 3-year period to take into account periods of education, child rearing, prior disability, and certain other periods during which contributions ordinarily are not paid. Under the Agreement, these periods may have occurred in the United States.

Do not develop for periods of education, child rearing, prior disability, etc. when obtaining the Form SSA-2490-BK (Application for Benefits under a U.S. International Social Security Agreement). Luxembourg obtains this information on the application that it sends to the claimant and requires the claimant to submit other evidence directly to the Luxembourg agency.

For more information on evidence required, see GN 01733.210.

Luxembourg requests assistance from the Division of International Operations (DIO) if it subsequently needs to verify such periods.