Effective Dates: 05/28/1997 - Present Previous | Next

TN 4 (07-96)

GN 01707.135 Making Voluntary Contributions to the German System — General

A. Policy

1. General

The agreement permits U.S. nationals who meet certain qualifying conditions to make voluntary contributions to the German Social Security system. These voluntary contributions may be used to help establish entitlement to a German benefit or to increase the amount of an existing benefit.

2. Who can qualify

U.S. nationals who reside outside Germany and who have contributed to the German system for at least 60 months, or who were eligible to contribute voluntarily immediately prior to October 19, 1972, may pay German voluntary contributions. Similar rights are provided for refugees and stateless persons who reside in the U.S.

To be eligible, the person must:

  • •

    be at least age 16,

  • •

    not be compulsorily covered by Germany or receiving retirement benefits from Germany, and

  • •

    file an application by the end of the year for which the contributions are made.

B. Procedure

Because German laws on voluntary contributions are very complex, SSA staff must not attempt to give advice on this subject. Refer individuals who have questions about voluntary contributions to the Salaried Employees' Pension Insurance at the address in GN 01707.020C., or to the German Embassy in Washington or one of the German consulates located around the country.

C. List of German Consultates

German Consulate General

3 Copely Place

Boston, MA 02116

Phone: (617) 536-4414

FAX: (617) 536-8573

 

German Consulate General

460 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10022

Phone: (212) 308-8700

FAX: (212) 308-3422

 

German Embassy

Consular Section

4645 Reservior Road

Washington, D.C. 20007-1998

Phone: (202) 298-8140

FAX: (202) 298-4249

 

German Consulate General

Marquis Two Tower

Suite 901

285 Peachtree Center Avenue, N.E.

Atlanta, GA 30303-1221

Phone: (404) 659-4760

FAX: (404) 659-1280

 

German Consulate General

Edison Plaza

Suite 2100

660 Plaza Drive

Detroit, MI 48226-1849

Phone: (313) 962-6526

FAX: (313) 962-7345

 

German Consulate General

676 North Michigan Avenue

Suite 3200

Chicago, IL 60611

Phone: (312) 580-1199

FAX: (312) 580-0099

 

German Consulate General

1330 Post Oak Blve.

Suite 1850

Houston, TX 77056-3818

Phone: (713) 627-7771

FAX: (713) 627-0506

 

German Consulate General

6222 Wilshire Blvd.

Suite 500

Los Angeles, CA 90048

Phone: (213) 930-2703

FAX: (213) 930-2805

 

German Consulate General

1960 Jackson Street

San Francisco, CA 94109

Phone: (415) 775-1061

FAX: (415) 775-0187

 

German Consulate General

One Union Square

Suite 2500

600 University Street

Seattle, WA

Phone: (206) 682-4313

To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0201707135
GN 01707.135 - Making Voluntary Contributions to the German System — General - 05/28/1997
Batch run: 03/06/2014
Rev:05/28/1997