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 U.S.
has a Totalization agreement. This exemption applies to residents of France who receive
regular RSDI benefits as well as those who receive Totalization benefits.
NOTE: French citizens are already exempt from the alien nonpayment provisions, regardless
of where they reside (see RS 02610.015A.).