[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 251 (Wednesday, December 31, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 80505-80506]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-31136]


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SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

[Docket No. SSA-2008-0064]


Agreement on Social Security Between the United States and the 
Czech Republic; Entry Into Force

AGENCY: Social Security Administration.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: On January 1, 2009, an agreement coordinating the United 
States (U.S.) and the Czech Republic social security programs will 
enter into force. The agreement with the Czech Republic, which was 
signed on September 7, 2007, is similar to U.S. social security 
agreements already in

[[Page 80506]]

force with 22 other countries. This agreement is authorized by section 
233 of the Social Security Act. 42 U.S.C. 433.
    The U.S.-Czech agreement eliminates dual social security coverage--
a situation that exists when a worker from one country works in the 
other country and is covered under the social security systems of both 
countries for the same work. Without such agreements in force, when 
dual coverage occurs, the worker or the worker's employer or both may 
be required to pay social security contributions to the two countries 
simultaneously. Under the U.S.-Czech agreement, a worker who is sent by 
an employer in one country to work in the other country for 5 years or 
less remains covered only by the sending country.
    The agreement includes additional rules that eliminate dual U.S. 
and Czech coverage in other work situations. The agreement also helps 
eliminate situations where workers suffer a loss of benefit rights 
because they have divided their careers between the two countries. 
Under the agreement, workers may qualify for partial U.S. benefits or 
partial Czech benefits based on combined (totalized) work credits from 
both countries.
    If you want copies of the agreement or want more information about 
its provisions you may write to the Social Security Administration, 
Office of International Programs, Post Office Box 17741, Baltimore, MD 
21235-7741 or visit the Social Security Web site at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/international.

    Dated: December 23, 2008.
Michael J. Astrue,
Commissioner of Social Security.
[FR Doc. E8-31136 Filed 12-30-08; 8:45 am]
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