Effective Dates: 04/12/2023 - Present Previous | Next

TN 6 (04-23)

GN 01727.001 Overview of the Totalization Agreement with Portugal

A. Purpose of the U.S. - Portugal Totalization Agreement

The social security Agreement between the United States and Portugal:

  1. 1. 

    Eliminates dual social security coverage and taxation of the same work in the two countries; and

  2. 2. 

    May permit workers (and their dependents and survivors) to qualify for partial U.S. or Portuguese benefits, even if they do not meet the normal insured status requirements.

B. Effective date of the U.S. - Portuguese Agreement

The Totalization Agreement with Portugal became effective August 1, 1989.

C. Periods of coverage earned before the effective date of the Totalization Agreement

The United States and Portugal can use periods of U.S. and Portuguese social security coverage a worker earned prior to August 1, 1989 to establish entitlement to U.S. or

Portuguese Totalization benefits. However, the earliest possible month of entitlement to such benefits is August 1989.

D. Purpose of the U.S. - Portugal Totalization Agreement instructions

This subchapter provides:

  • •

    Information about the Portuguese social security system; and

  • •

    Eligibility requirements for benefits under the Portuguese social security system and under the Agreement; and

  • •

    Instructions on how to take and process claims for both U.S. and Portuguese benefits filed under the Agreement.

Note: 

Additional information on the Portuguese social security system can be found at the Portuguese social security web site, which is accessible through Social Security Online at http://www.ssa.gov/international/links.html.

 

To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0201727001
GN 01727.001 - Overview of the Totalization Agreement with Portugal - 04/12/2023
Batch run: 04/18/2023
Rev:04/12/2023