National Insurance (UK) and Social Security (US)

[helwardman 1]

Hello,

So now I am living in the US, working and paying US social security.

I worked in England for 18 years and paid full NI during that time.

I am under the impression that UK and US have a social security arrangement whereby social security contributions made in both countries during a working lifetime can be added together to make up a person's total SS entitlement for when they retire.

My question is: do I have to "transfer" my NI contributions over to my US SSN or otherwise notify the government of either country? What do I have to do right now or is my US SS entitlement calculated when I retire??

Thank you.

[TayRivers 4]

Hello,

So now I am living in the US, working and paying US social security.

I worked in England for 18 years and paid full NI during that time.

I am under the impression that UK and US have a social security arrangement whereby social security contributions made in both countries during a working lifetime can be added together to make up a person's total SS entitlement for when they retire.

My question is: do I have to "transfer" my NI contributions over to my US SSN or otherwise notify the government of either country? What do I have to do right now or is my US SS entitlement calculated when I retire??

Thank you.

There is nothing for you to do. If you were to claim a Social Security benefit here in the US and you did not have enough credits paid then they can contact the UK for info on your NI contribution record, this can help you to qualify for a SS benefit here in the US but it will not increase the amount paid.

You UK pension is payable here in the US and you should make sure you notify Overseas branch of any change in your address, you can find their address on the Pensions website, they can also send you a pensions forcast so you will know what you are likely to get.

Make sure you file form P85 with the Inland Revenue as this will let them know that you a resident abroad.

[Laura+Tom 2]

You can opt to top up your pension. This link is pretty good http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/cnr/osc.htm