Can I earn Social Security credits without leaving the Philippines?

FilAmericanMom

Philippines Expert

Member since 19 May 2011

FilAmericanMom

14 August 2015 14:54:16

860

FilAmericanMom

14 August 2015 14:54:16

860

I had worked in America for 9 years. I've earned 36 Social Security credits so far and need 4 more to be eligible for retirement benefits. I do know that for the year 2015, I need to earn US$1220 for 1 credit and that I could get a max of 4 credits per year.

I am self-employed here in the Philippines, and I'm not keen on going back to work in the US to earn 4 credits. Is there a way to get those 4 credits while here in the Philippines? I still have 20 years or so before I reach full retirement age of 65 (or is it 67 now?).

ABCDiamond

Serial expat

Member since 09 December 2010

Gold Coast

ABCDiamond

14 August 2015 15:12:57

873

ABCDiamond

14 August 2015 15:12:57

873

Gold Coast

I know the overseas British can just buy credits like this for retirement. Not sure if US does the same, but if you can do some work for a US company, while overseas, maybe that would work.

US Social Security and Medicare taxes continue to apply to wages for services performed as an employee working outside of the United States if you are working for an “American employer”.
http://blogs.angloinfo.com/us-tax/2013/09/30/1403/

and
http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Internat … ing-Abroad

The US does NOT have a binational social security agreement with the Philippines, so not an easy one in that respect. http://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/inte … 0&sb=0