TN 2 (12-94)

GN 01711.020 Norwegian Social Security Benefits

A. Introduction

Norwegian social security benefits consist of two separate components:

1. Basic pension

The basic pension is a flat-rate benefit payable to residents in proportion to the number of years they have resided in Norway. In determining eligibility for a basic pension, any year with earnings credited under the supplementary system is automatically credited as a year of residence, even if the person did not actually reside in Norway.

2. Supplementary pension

The supplementary pension is a benefit based on the level of earnings and length of covered work.

B. Policy

Eligibility requirements for Norwegian old-age, survivors, and disability benefits under the basic and supplementary pension programs are stated below.

1. Old-age benefits

Basic pension

Old age benefits basic pension requirements are as follows:

  1. a. 

    Worker

    • age 67

    • at least 3 years of coverage (i.e., residence) in Norway

  2. b. 

    Spouse - Spouse's supplement paid to worker if supporting a spouse who does not receive own pension

  3. c. 

    Divorced spouse - Payable under certain conditions

    NOTE: If an individual wants to file for Norwegian divorced spouse's benefits, a Form SSA-2490-F4 must be obtained per GN 01711.215 and evidence per GN 01711.210. The Norwegian agency will determine whether the individual meets the Norwegian eligibility requirements.

  4. d. 

    Child - Child's supplement is paid to worker for each child under age 18

Supplementary pension

A supplementary old-age pension is payable only to a worker who:

  • is age 67

  • has 3 years of coverage (i.e., earnings above base amount) after 1966

2. Disability benefits

Basic pension

Disability benefits basic pension requirements are as follows:

  1. a. 

    Worker

    • age 16 to 67

    • at least 50% loss of work capacity

    • 36 months of continuous coverage (i.e., residence before onset)

    • residence in Norway unless also entitled to supplementary pension or resided in Norway for 20 years

  2. b. 

    Spouse - Same as for old-age pension in 1.b. above

  3. c. 

    Divorced Spouse - Same as for old-age pension in 1.c. above

  4. d. 

    Child - Same as for old-age pension in 1.d. above

Supplementary pension

A supplementary disability pension is payable only to a worker who:

  • is age 16 to 67

  • has at least 50% loss of work capacity

  • has 3 years of coverage after 1966

3. Survivor benefits

The deceased worker (or surviving spouse) must have had 36 months of continuous coverage (i.e., residence) and the ability to work for at least 3 years immediately prior to death or been receiving a pension for at least 3 years prior to death.

Basic pension

Survivor benefits basic pension requirements are as follows:

  1. a. 

    Surviving spouse

    • under age 67

    • marriage lasted at least 5 years or a child was born of the marriage or surviving spouse is caring for deceased's child(ren)

    • residence in Norway unless deceased entitled to supplementary pension or the deceased or widow/widower resided in Norway for 20 years

  2. b. 

    Divorced widow/widower

    • under age 67

    • not remarried

    • worker died within 5 years after divorce

    • marriage lasted at least 25 years or 15 years if child(ren) by marriage

    • residence in Norway unless deceased entitled to supplementary pension or the divorced widow/widower resided in Norway for 20 years

  3. c. 

    Child - under age 18 (or under age 20 if in school and both parents deceased)

Supplementary pension

Same as for basic pension

C. Procedure

Advise individuals that SSA cannot give official information about Norwegian benefits. Refer those who want official information to the following address.

  •  

    national insurance office
      for social insurance abroad
    folketrygdkontoret for utenlandssaker
    postboks 8138 dep.,
    0033 oslo 1
    Norway

Provisions of the Norwegian agreement


To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0201711020
GN 01711.020 - Norwegian Social Security Benefits - 12/08/1994
Batch run: 03/12/2014
Rev:12/08/1994