Pension in both USA and Ireland

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maryfitz81

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It looks like I will qualify for the minimum contributory pension in Ireland when I retire at 67. I worked for 23 years in USA and I get an annual Social Security statement from them, indicating I will be entitled to a monthly payment.

When I read the bilateral agreement between USA and Ireland they seem vague about entitlements if someone qualifies for both countries.

I have never met someone who actually claimed both pensions - I'm wondering, does anyone actually know whether the USA deducts the Irish pension payment from their monthly payment? The agreement just says the USA pension may be 'adjusted' if one is receiving pension from another country. Have you ever met someone who actually went through the process?

I asked the Citizens' Information people and they basically said 'the USA will do whatever it will do...'
 
I will be in a similar position and so am interested to hear of anyone who has gone through the process.
 
I’m not an expert (worked about 7 years in US) but I think that the US system penalises (or used to) for years spent working and not paying into US Social Security - call the Windfall Elimination. It seems to apply to US workers that had jobs with pensions that did not deduct SS. When I just searched for it though I see that Biden actually signed a bill removing it recently so not sure!

My relative collected SS while living in Ireland for about 20years and also had Irish pension. I don’t think they had a reduction.
 
thanks, yes I saw that Act was repealed but it really seemed to apply to people in a different situation, as you mention in your reply.

I have also looked for people who offer information about the situation (for a fee) but no luck so far.
thanks again!
 
I wrote to the Federal Benefits Unit at the US embassy in Dublin and asked the question - and got a reply! good news:

There will be no other deduction to your US Social Security benefits when you reach your US full retirement age, even if you become entitled to an Irish State Pension, due to the Fairness Act.

Sincerely yours,
Federal Benefits Unit (SMC)
Embassy of the United States of America
42 Elgin Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, Ireland

So it does seem that the repeal of that Act will make a difference to those getting two pensions.
 
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