U.S. and United Kingdom: Social Security Agreement

What it covers

In force: Jan 1, 1985

For the United Kingdom, the agreement covers old-age, survivors and disability benefits, cash sickness benefits, maternity benefits, death grants, unemployment insurance, and benefits under the Industrial Injuries Scheme. SSA's pamphlet notes that U.K. disability benefits (including Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment and Employment and Support Allowance) require residence in the U.K.

How the U.S. counts United Kingdom credits

Applies to every U.S. agreement.

• SSA says that to have your United Kingdom credits counted for a U.S. benefit you must have at least 6 U.S. credits (generally one and one-half years of work).
• If you already have enough U.S. credits for a benefit, the U.S. cannot count the foreign credits.
• If you are short, you may qualify for a partial U.S. benefit based on both countries' credits.
• In 2026, one U.S. credit takes $1,890 of covered earnings, up to 4 credits a year (SSA's pamphlet prints an older 2022 amount).

The United Kingdom's side

The U.K. has a two-tier program. The first tier, the basic pension, is payable to workers who meet a minimum length-of-work requirement; if you do not have enough U.K. credits, your U.S. credits can be counted, but you must have at least one year of coverage credited under the U.K. system. The second tier, the additional pension, can be earned with as little as one year of U.K. coverage, so U.S. credits are not considered for it.

Ages, payments and forms

• SSA's pamphlet lists age and contribution figures for U.K. retirement pensions that it says were changing over time (for example, women's pension age rising to 65). These details have likely changed since SSA wrote them; check with the U.K. Department for Work and Pensions for current rules.
• U.K. payments may be paid at different times and for various periods depending on the amount and the wishes of the recipient. The U.S. pays monthly. Each country pays its own benefit.
• SSA's pamphlet says you can apply for U.K. benefits at any U.S. Social Security office by completing form SSA-2490-BK (Application for Benefits Under a U.S. International Social Security Agreement).

Where to start

• You can apply in one country and ask that it count as a claim in the other. Each country processes the claim under its own laws, counts credits from the other country when appropriate, and tells you its decision.
• In the United States: visit or write any U.S. Social Security office, or call 1-800-772-1213 (8 a.m. to 7 p.m., business days; TTY 1-800-325-0778).
• If you live in the United Kingdom: contact the Federal Benefits Unit at the U.S. Embassy in London (33 Nine Elms Lane, London SW11 7US) to file for U.S. benefits, and any U.K. social security office to file for U.K. benefits.

What this page cannot tell you

• Whether your own record will qualify. Only SSA and the other country can decide that.
• Current ages and amounts. SSA's pamphlets show a 2022 credit amount and some older age tables, so confirm numbers with SSA or the other country.
• Anything not stated on SSA's page for this country.