Section 202(t)(11) of the Social Security Act requires certain non-U.S. citizen dependents
and survivors who have been outside of the United States for more than 6 consecutive
calendar months to satisfy a 5-year U.S. residency requirement to receive benefits.
During this 5-year residency, 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 United States has a Totalization agreement to the extent provided in such
an agreement. The U.S. — Uruguayan agreement does not contain any limitation on this
exception.
For more information about alien nonpayment exemptions under Totalization agreements,
see GN 01701.150A.2.
For more information about the 5-year U.S. residency requirement for dependents and
survivors, see RS 02610.025.
For information about the 5-Year Residency Requirements for Spouses, Natural Child,
Adopted Child, and a Parent, see RS 02610.030.