U.S. Social Security eligibility generally depends on U.S. covered work and credits. Taiwan is not on SSA's current list of totalization agreements, so do not assume Taiwan coverage can fill a U.S. credit shortfall.
U.S. covered work
Track the U.S. earnings record while still employed
Social Security credits are earned from covered U.S. work, subject to annual rules. Review the earnings record periodically and preserve Forms W-2 and identifying documents.
A temporary assignment, visa status or payroll arrangement can create specialized coverage questions. The pay statement should show Social Security and Medicare withholding when applicable, but SSA and tax rules determine coverage.
No current totalization agreement
U.S. and Taiwan service generally cannot be assumed to combine
SSA publishes the countries with U.S. Social Security agreements. Taiwan is not on the current status list. Without an applicable agreement, workers should not assume Taiwan coverage can be totalized with U.S. credits or that dual social-insurance coverage is automatically prevented.
This fact does not determine the employee's Taiwan labor pension, national pension or other benefit. Obtain Taiwan-specific advice for those programs.
Retirement map
Coordinate claims, residence and tax withholding
A future move to Taiwan can affect communication, identity verification, bank access and tax withholding. Confirm whether U.S. benefits can be paid to the future residence and what documentation is required.
Do not base retirement solely on an online Social Security estimate. Combine verified benefits with the TSMC 401(k), Taiwan accounts, savings and health coverage.
Frequently asked questions
Questions employees ask next
Does the United States have a Social Security agreement with Taiwan?
Taiwan is not on SSA's current list of countries with a totalization agreement as of this review.
Can Taiwan work credits qualify me for U.S. Social Security?
Do not assume so. Without an applicable totalization agreement, U.S. eligibility generally depends on U.S. covered work and credits.
Can I receive U.S. Social Security while living in Taiwan?
Payment rules depend on citizenship, residence and benefit type. Confirm your case with SSA before moving.
Primary sources
What this guide is based on
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