What does crediting foreign periods of coverage involve?

Crediting foreign periods of coverage involves considering work credits earned outside of the U.S. This practice is particularly relevant for individuals who have worked in multiple countries and have earned social security credits in those countries. The U.S. has agreements known as Totalization Agreements with certain countries that allow individuals to combine their work credits from both the U.S. and the other country to qualify for social security benefits.

This process ensures that people who have contributed to different social security systems do not lose their rights to benefits simply because they moved or worked abroad. By considering these foreign work credits, individuals may qualify for disability insurance or retirement benefits that they would otherwise not be eligible for if only their U.S. work history were taken into account.

It’s important to note that this practice does not involve accepting any form of evidence indiscriminately or transferring benefits directly to foreign countries. Instead, it requires a structured approach to evaluate and credit the work history from abroad, based on established agreements and protocols.