Social Security between US and Guatemala
Official SSA agreement status — verified data
Official source: Social Security Administration — International Agreements
Verified on: 2026-05-25
❌ Guatemala is NOT on the official SSA list of countries with totalization agreements (verified against ssa.gov on 2026-05-25).
Only 30 countries have totalization agreements with the US (SSA data 2026): Italy (1978), Germany (1979), Switzerland (1980), Belgium (1984), Norway (1984), Canada (1984), UK (1985), Sweden (1987), Spain (1988), France (1988), Portugal (1989), Netherlands (1990), Austria (1991), Finland (1992), Ireland (1993), Luxembourg (1993), Greece (1994), South Korea (2001), Chile (2001), Australia (2002), Japan (2005), Denmark (2008), Czech Republic (2009), Poland (2009), Slovak Republic (2014), Hungary (2016), Brazil (2018), Uruguay (2018), Slovenia (2019), Iceland (2019).
Only Latin American countries with agreement: Chile, Brazil, Uruguay.
What this means for you
- Your SS credits in Guatemala do NOT automatically combine with your US SS credits
- You need to accumulate 40 quarters (10 years) in each country separately to qualify for pensions
- Without agreement: no ’totalization’ or combination of credits
Totalization agreement status
No totalization agreement. Your IGSS Guatemala and US SSA credits don’t combine.
What is a totalization agreement?
Totalization Agreements are treaties between US and other countries allowing combination of Social Security credits from both countries to qualify for pension.
Why they matter
- In US, you need 40 quarters (10 years) of SS-covered work to qualify for pension/Medicare
- If you worked in Guatemala 7 years + US 5 years = 12 years combined, but WITHOUT agreement you’d have only 5 years in US (not qualify for either US or Guatemalan pension)
- WITH agreement, 12 years count for BOTH pensions potentially
Countries with US agreements (as of 2024)
US has totalization agreements with 30 countries including: Spain, Italy, France, Germany, UK, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay.
Notably NOT with: Mexico, Central America (except some in negotiation), Cuba, Dominican Republic, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Argentina, Venezuela, Bolivia, Paraguay.
What this means for Guatemalan immigrants in US
If you worked in Guatemala and now work in US:
- Your Guatemala credits DO NOT transfer to US
- Your US credits DO NOT transfer to Guatemala
- Each country handles its own pension/retirement per its rules
How to qualify for US Social Security
You need 40 quarters of covered work (accumulated over your US work life):
- 1 quarter = earn $1,730 (2024) in SS-covered employment
- 4 quarters max per year
- 40 quarters total = 10 years work
Does ITIN work count for SS?
If you work with ITIN (using fake SSN or someone else’s), employers REPORT your earnings to SSA under the SSN you gave. If later you get your own SSN (via residency/naturalization), you can claim those credits by combining with the new SSN. Go to SSA office with full documentation.
If you only work Self-Employed with ITIN and paid Self-Employment Tax (Schedule SE), your FICA payment is NOT credited to any SS account because ITIN isn’t a valid account. This changes if you obtain SSN.
What about your Guatemala pension while living in US
Generally you can:
- Continue receiving your Guatemala pension while living in US (verify with Guatemala’s SS authority)
- Receive via bank transfer or international check
- Still subject to Guatemala taxation (can apply US tax treatment with Form 1116 Foreign Tax Credit)
Resources
- SSA Office of International Operations — international SS questions support
- Federal Benefits Unit at US consulate in Guatemala — if you return to live in Guatemala, dedicated office at some US consulates
Related information
- US-Guatemala tax obligations
- FEIE Form 2555 (foreign earned income exclusion)
- Guatemalan consulates in US
- Path to citizenship
Official source: SSA International Programs · Totalization Agreements
Consult Social Security advisor or tax professional with international experience for your specific situation.
Last verified: 2026-05-25.
General procedural information for educational purposes. Not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Laws and fees change — verify with the issuing agency before taking action. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney or other appropriate professional.
Related procedural information
- ITIN — file federal taxes without SSN — required for federal and most state filings
- ITIN-friendly business banking — for self-employment income
- Form an LLC to structure business income — pass-through tax treatment under ITIN
- Driver’s license requirements by state (DMV) — residency for state tax purposes
- Find legal help for tax issues — VITA + low-income tax clinics
Frequently asked questions
Do the US and Guatemala have a Social Security totalization agreement?
Will my work credits from Guatemala count toward US Social Security?
How many credits do I need to qualify for US Social Security?
Can I receive both a US benefit and a Guatemala pension?
The rules change. Hear about it first.
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General information, not legal advice. MigrantUSA is an independent publisher and is not a law firm; using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship, and this content is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney about your specific situation. US federal, state, and local government procedures, fees, and forms change. Always verify current details directly with the relevant agency before acting. For immigration, tax, or other legal matters specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney or BIA-accredited representative.