The Totalization provisions of all U.S. agreements apply to U.S. retirement, survivors
and disability insurance (RSDI) benefits but not to special age-72 payments or transitionally
insured benefits. Thus, U.S. quarters of coverage (QCs) can be combined with periods
of foreign coverage to establish fully insured status, disability insured status and
currently insured status but not the insured status required for special age-72 payments
or transitionally insured benefits.
The same factors of entitlement that apply to regular (non-Totalization) benefits
also apply to Totalization benefits.
Neither Medicare nor Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are included in Totalization
agreements. However, a beneficiary entitled to Totalization benefits may simultaneously
qualify for Medicare or SSI if the beneficiary meets the requirements independently
of an agreement.