International social security agreements: the U.S. experience

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• International Relations
• Economics

Background:

• International social security agreements facilitate cross-border employment and retirement.
• Current systems may impose dual contributions on workers employed in multiple countries.
• Lack of agreements can disadvantage individuals with international work histories.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the advantages of international social security agreements.
• To highlight the benefits for both individual workers and businesses.
• To underscore the program's broad support and future outlook.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of existing international social security agreements.
• Review of economic impacts on multinational corporations.
• Examination of social security benefit eligibility and payment structures.

Main Results:

• Agreements eliminate dual social security contributions for current workers.
• Companies with foreign operations experience reduced business costs.
• Retired, disabled, or deceased individuals may receive benefits otherwise unobtainable.
• Combined coverage credits facilitate eligibility for social security benefits.

Conclusions:

• International social security agreements offer significant advantages to workers and employers.
• The program is widely supported by labor, business, and governmental administrations.
• These agreements enhance the U.S. image internationally and are expected to expand.