Brazil is a signatory to several International Social Security Agreements, and this practice has expanded significantly over the years. But what does this mean in practice?
Social Security Agreements are essential tools that govern obligations, benefits, and social security costs for expatriates, digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and anyone who has contributed to more than one social security system.
For purposes of this text, we will focus exclusively on the Social Security Agreement between Brazil and the United States, analyzing in depth the provisions agreed upon by both countries.
Totalization of Contribution Periods: Brazil and the U.S.
At the outset, it is important to highlight that the agreement allows for the totalization of coverage periods, enabling individuals who have not met the minimum contribution requirement in one country to combine periods worked in both countries to qualify for benefits such as retirement, disability, or survivor benefits.
This structural coordination ensures continuity of social security coverage in a globalized world, protecting the contributor’s accumulated benefits and those of their dependents over decades of cross-border employment.
In practical terms, a professional who has earned 30 credits toward retirement in the U.S. (where 40 credits are required) may use their contribution time in Brazil to complete the required period and qualify for retirement benefits under current rules.
The same applies in Brazil. If a contributor has not yet met the minimum contribution period required for benefits in Brazil, they may use periods of contribution in the U.S. to help meet eligibility requirements under Brazilian law.
To activate the totalization mechanism, the individual must meet minimum contribution thresholds in each system.
The agreement establishes that the individual must have at least:
• 6 U.S. Social Security credits (approximately equivalent to one and a half years of work, depending on earnings), or
• 1 year of contribution in the Brazilian system
Periods below these minimums cannot be totalized and remain within the originating system until additional contributions are made or eligibility is met independently in one jurisdiction. This rule prevents fragmentation into minimal benefits that would create disproportionate administrative costs for the contracting states.
Is It Possible to Retire in Both Countries?
Yes, receiving retirement benefits from both countries is possible.
To do so, the individual must meet the eligibility requirements under each country’s rules.
If all requirements are met except for the contribution period, totalization can be used to supplement the missing time.
For example, if an individual needs 4 additional credits to qualify for U.S. retirement and has sufficient contribution time in Brazil, those periods may be used to complete the requirement.
Once eligibility is achieved in both countries, even through totalization, the individual may receive benefits from both systems, in accordance with each country’s regulations.
From a retirement planning perspective, it is essential that individuals understand their social security scenario as early as possible in order to define next steps and develop a strategy that maximizes their benefits.
Disability Benefits
Regarding disability benefits, the agreement ensures protection in cases of total and permanent incapacity to work.
An individual who becomes disabled while covered under the U.S. system may use their Brazilian contribution periods to meet eligibility requirements set by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
In Brazil, this benefit corresponds to what was formerly known as disability retirement and requires confirmation of permanent incapacity through medical evaluation.
It is important to note that maintaining insured status is a strict requirement for disability benefits, and totalization plays a key role in preserving this status even after international relocation.
Survivor Benefits
Survivor benefits provide financial support to dependents of a deceased contributor.
If the worker contributed in both countries, surviving dependents may apply for benefits through both Brazil’s INSS and the U.S. SSA, using totalized contribution periods to meet eligibility requirements.
This benefit is designed to replace the deceased’s income and follows the allocation and duration rules established by each contracting country.
Protection of dependents is considered a fundamental and non-transferable right, forming a core element of the social protection framework established under the international agreement.
Written by Daniel Rangel, Associate Attorney at Drummond Advisors