I moved to Korea when I had only paid into Social Security for about 30 quarters. I have lived here for 13 years and don't have any plans to return while I am of working age. I have filed taxes every year and take the foreign earned income exclusion. Is it possible for me to work a part time job online for a US company and pay social security (to get the remaining 10 quarters) while I have Korea as my tax home?

Hi,

My expertise is limited to Social Security benefits, so I can't give you a definite answer. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is responsible for determining which earnings are subject to Social Security taxes, and I have no expertise in IRS regulations.

However, even if you never have any additional earnings that are subject to U.S. Social Security taxes, it sounds like you could probably qualify for a U.S. totalization benefit (https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0201701110). The U.S. has a totalization agreement with South Korea, and based on that agreement the U.S. could potentially give you credit for your work under South Korea's Social Security program is order to make you eligible for a U.S. totalization benefit. For more information about the U.S. totalization agreement with South Korea, refer to the following Social Security publication: https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10197.pdf.

Best, Jerry