Ask Larry

Hi, I write to you from France, where I moved at the age of 24. I have now lived half my life in this country and remain an American citizen. I have been wondering about my social security benefits. I worked on and off in the US from the age of 14 until I moved to France. I can't imagine I would have any retirement benefits, but would the meager amount I earned back then have been accounted for and what can I do to contribute to my American social security while living in France? Thanks, Kris

Kris, our software handles income earned by you or your spouse that is considered to be covered by Social Security due to Social Security totalization agreements. Here is more information about these international agreements. You only enter income that is covered by Social Security into our software. The software also accounts for pensions that are considered to be non-covered by Social Security. Please check with Social Security to determine whether any of your or your spouse's income or pensions are considered to be covered or non-covered by Social Security. Thanks, John