To be eligible for an Irish invalidity (disability) benefit, a worker must have been incapacitated for at least 12 months prior to entitlement during which time he or she resided in Ireland.

Under the agreement, a worker who has been incapacitated for at least 12 months (as defined by Irish law) while a resident of the United States will satisfy the residence requirement. Thus, the agreement permits U.S. residents who meet the other eligibility requirements for Irish invalidity (disability) benefits to qualify even though they did not reside in Ireland during the 12-month period prior to entitlement.