TN 2 (07-86)
GN 01706.040 Totalization only if needed for entitlement
The original agreement, implemented in 1978, provided that claimants who were entitled
to both totalization and nontotalization benefits on the same social security record
could elect the benefit they wished to receive. This provision was eliminated by the
supplementary agreement which applies to claims adjudicated on January 1, 1986 or
later.
The supplementary agreement provides that if the worker has enough coverage under
U.S. law to qualify for RSDI benefits, Italian coverage cannot be used by the United
States unless an earlier month of entitlement or disability insured status can be
established. This would not preclude Italy from using U.S. coverage.
If a worker receiving totalization benefits from the United States acquires enough
additional QCs to give him insured status based on U.S. coverage alone, the worker
and auxiliaries or survivors will be paid whichever benefit (regular or totalization)
results in a higher payment.