TN 4 (10-22)

GN 01749.020 Eligibility Requirements for Czech Social Security Benefits

A. Introduction

This section describes only old-age, survivors and disability benefits because they are the only Czech benefits included within the scope of the agreement.

B. Retirement and disability benefits eligibility for the worker

1. Retirement benefits

The eligibility requirements for Czech retirement benefits are as

follows:

  • Until 1995, the retirement age was 60 years for men and between 53 and 57 years for women, depending on the number of children raised.

  • Between January 1, 1996, and December 2012, the retirement age is increasing by:

    •  

      2 calendar months per year for men, and

    •  

      4 calendar months per year for women.

  • After 2012, the retirement age will be:

    •  

      63 years for men, and

    •  

      59 to 62 years for women, depending on the number of children raised.

  • At least 25 years of coverage is required at retirement age. At age 65, only 15 years is required.

  • Reduced benefit up to 3 years prior to retirement age with at least 25 years of coverage and not employed.

2. Disability benefits

The eligibility requirements for Czech disability benefits are as follows:

  • Full disability for workers with reduced capacity of at least 66 percent for any economic activity.

  • Partial disability for workers with at least 33 percent disability or a significant deterioration in the general standard of living.

  • Workers age 28 or older must have at least 5 years of coverage out of the 10 years immediately preceding disability onset or coverage in any 10-year period after disability onset.

C. Eligibility for dependents of retired or disabled workers

There are no provisions for spouses or divorced spouses. A disabled child can receive full disability without any Czech coverage if the disability began before age 18.

D. Eligibility for survivors

The eligibility requirements for Czech survivor benefits are as follows:

1. Surviving spouse

  • Number holder must have met coverage requirements for entitlement to either retirement or disability benefit at the time of death.

  • Must have been married to the deceased at time of death.

  • A surviving spouse of any age is eligible to receive benefits for one year.

  • After the first year, benefits are only paid to a surviving spouse who is disabled or who has attained age 55 or older for women and age 58 or older for men.

  • May continue to receive benefits if caring for a dependant child, a parent of the deceased number holder, or the surviving spouse’s own partially disabled parent age 80 or older.

  • Same sex partner is not eligible.

2. Surviving Minor children

  • Eligible if deceased worker met the minimum contribution requirements for retirement or disability on date of death (or was receiving a pension), or the worker died due to a work accident.

  • Payable until the child completes compulsory school attendance (generally until age 15) or up to age 26.

E. Obtaining additional information about Czech benefits

Advise individuals that SSA cannot give official information about Czech benefits. Refer individuals who want official information to:

Ceská správa sociálního zabezpeèení
(Czech Social Security Administration)
Krízová 25
225 08 Praha 5
CZECH REPUBLIC

To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0201749020
GN 01749.020 - Eligibility Requirements for Czech Social Security Benefits - 10/18/2022
Batch run: 10/18/2022
Rev:10/18/2022