Generally, section 202(t)(11) of the Social Security Act requires certain non-U.S. citizen dependents and survivors who have been outside the United States for more than 6 months to satisfy a 5-year U.S. residency requirement to receive benefits. During this 5-year residence, the dependent or survivor must have been in a family relationship with the number holder (NH). However, section 202(t)(11)E makes an exception for individuals who are citizens or residents of a foreign country with which the U.S. has a Totalization agreement to the extent provided in such an agreement. For Alien Nonpayment Exemptions Under Totalization Agreements see GN 01701.150A.2., for 5-Year Residency Requirements for Alien Dependents/Survivors Outside the United States see RS 02610.025, and for 5-Year Residency Requirements for Spouses, Natural Child, Adopted Child, and a Parent see RS 02610.030.

If a non-U.S. citizen dependent or survivor does not meet the 5-year residency requirement and alleges citizenship or residency of the Slovak Republic, develop for citizenship and residence status.

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  GN 01701.150 Alien Nonpayment Exemptions Under Totalization Agreements

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

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  GN 01702.230 Evidence of Residence

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  RS 02610.025 5-Year Residency Requirements for Alien Dependents/Survivors Outside the United States

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  RS 02610.030 5-Year Residency Requirements for Spouses, Natural Child, Adopted Child and a Parent