Representatives of Federal Benefit's Unit Will Provide Information and Take Applications from Polish Citizens in Rzeszow May 14-15

April 29, 2009

On Thursday and Friday, May 14 and 15, 2009, representatives of the U.S. Consulate in Krakow's Federal Benefits Unit will be in Rzeszow at the Hotel Ambasador from 10:00 to 16:00 to provide information and take applications from Polish citizens who qualify for U.S. Social Security benefits. All persons interested in filling for Social Security benefits should bring valid ids and original birth certificates.

Polish citizens who have worked in the United States or have a spouse or parent who worked in the United States may qualify to reinstate their benefits or count credits earned in the United States toward their Polish retirement pursuant to the U.S.-Poland Totalization Agreement, which allows individuals who have worked in both the U.S. and Poland to combine ZUS/KRUS and U.S. Social Security coverage when determining eligibility for social security benefits.  This Agreement, which went into effect March 1, 2009, is considered a great success for both American and Polish workers who work in both countries.

U.S. Ambassador to Poland Victor Ashe noted his deep personal satisfaction with the agreement as it will help "real people in real life."

The main provisions of the Agreement are:

1. Coordination of Social Security taxation - The Totalization Agreement eliminates the requirement to pay Social Security taxes to both countries on the same earnings.  Workers in both countries will now pay into only one system.

2. Payment to Dependents and Survivors - The Agreement eliminates the requirement that Polish dependent and survivor beneficiaries of U.S. Social Security reside in the United States for one out of every six months or previously for five years.  Now hundreds if not thousands of beneficiaries will be able to collect their benefits while residing in Poland.

3. Transferable Benefit Eligibility - The Agreement allows each country to count worker's social security credits in the other country when determining eligibility for benefits. 

There will be a possibility of renewing American passports on Thursday afternoon May 14. To schedule an appointment please contact us at (12) 4245125.