top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

Explainer: how French pension can unlock US Social Security benefits

We explain what French residents can do to help qualify for US pension payments

Ten years of contributions are required to qualify for US Social Security benefits Pic: Gil C / Shutterstock

For many Americans, moving to France is a long-standing dream based on the kind of lifestyle on offer. 

Practical details such as the impact on any future state pension can be secondary, but it is important to consider such issues as there are steps you can take to boost retirement benefits from abroad.

French pension credits can be counted in US 

Ten years of contributions are required to qualify for US Social Security benefits, but due to a US/France agreement, those who do not have enough credits might be able to qualify for a partial benefit by including French pension credits.

To be eligible to have your French credits counted, you must usually have worked for at least one-and-a-half years under the US system.

Read more: Can Americans access US Social Security income when living in France?

The more US credits, the smaller the benefit reduction

The Social Security Administration says: “When a US benefit becomes payable as a result of counting both US and French social security credits, we determine an initial benefit based on your US earnings as if you completed your entire career under the US system. 

“The US then reduces this to reflect the fact that French credits helped to make the benefit payable. 

“The amount of the reduction will depend on the number of US credits: the more US credits, the smaller the reduction.”

No voluntary top-up payments

The US does not have a scheme allowing voluntary top-up payments.

Note that you are not required to pay into US Social Security while working for a French employer. 

Find useful links and tools about US Social Security Administration International Programs here.

Related articles

Can Americans stay in France for 90 extra days due to 1949 agreement?

How do Americans in France register for public health insurance?

Must Americans declare their French bank accounts to the US?

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Income Tax in France 2023 (for 2022 income)*
Featured Help Guide
- Primarily aimed at Britons, covers pensions, rent, ISAs, shares, savings and interest - but also contains significant general information pertinent to readers of other nationalities - Overview of online declarations + step-by-step guide to the French printed forms - Includes updates given automatically after this year's site opened
Get news, views and information from France