TN 38 (06-20)

RS 02001.140 Certificates of Coverage Under the U.S. - German Agreement

A. Purpose of certificate of coverage

The U.S.-Germany agreement requires each country to issue certificate of coverage forms for workers who, without the agreement, would have to pay social security taxes to both countries on the same earnings. The certificate serves as proof that the worker named on the certificate is:

  • subject to the social security taxation and coverage laws of the country issuing the certificate; and

  • exempt from social security coverage and contributions on the same earnings in the other country.

B. Issuing agency

1. United States Coverage

The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues the certificates of U.S. coverage. Our contact information is below:

Social Security Administration
Division of Training and Program Support
International Support Branch
P.O. Box 17741
Baltimore, MD 21235-7741
Fax: (410) 966-1861
Request online: https://opts.ssa.gov

2. German Coverage

The local German Sickness Fund which collects the German Social Security taxes issues the certificate of German coverage. German employers and self-employed persons should contact the German Sickness Fund to which they pay their German social security contributions.


To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0302001140
RS 02001.140 - Certificates of Coverage Under the U.S. - German Agreement - 06/25/2020
Batch run: 06/25/2020
Rev:06/25/2020