Is there a US-India Social Security totalization agreement that lets me combine my work credits?
No. As of 2026 there is still no totalization agreement in force between the United States and India, despite years of discussion. The Social Security Administration lists the countries that do have agreements, and India is not among them. The practical consequences: you and your employer pay full US Social Security and Medicare (FICA) taxes on your US wages even on a short assignment, with no exemption, and years worked in India don't count toward the 40 US credits (about 10 years) needed to qualify for a US benefit. Likewise your US contributions don't transfer to India's EPF/EPS system. If you split a career across both countries you may fall short of qualifying in one or both. Plan your own retirement savings accordingly rather than relying on coordination.
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