Section 202(t)(1) of the Social Security Act provides that certain alien beneficiaries
will have their benefits suspended once they have been outside the U.S. for more than
6 months.
As explained in GN 01701.150A.1., certain alien beneficiaries who would otherwise be subject to suspension under section
202(t)(1) are exempt from suspension if they reside in a country with which the United
States has a Totalization agreement. This exemption applies to residents of Spain
who receive regular retirement, survivors or disability insurance benefits as well
as those who receive Totalization benefits.
NOTE: Spanish citizens are already exempt from the alien nonpayment provisions, regardless
of where they reside (see RS 02610.015A.). See GN 01721.145 for additional U.S. residency requirements for alien dependents and survivors.