Section 202(t)(11) of the Social Security Act (“Act”) requires certain non-U.S. citizen
dependents and survivors who have been outside of 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) of the Act 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. The
U.S.-Iceland agreement does not contain any limitation on this exception. All
citizens and residents of Iceland are exempt from the payment restrictions described
in section
202(t)(1)
and section
202(t)(11)
of the Act.
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.