Hello. I saw quite a few questions here asking if a foreign Pension will Impact Social Security benefits. Just like me, the people asking are also entitled to get normal benefits here and there, by way of having worked the minimum amount of years both in the US and in the foreign country (that by the way has an agreement with the US as well regarding pensions).Your answers are always easy to understand and to the point. Now, what I'm wondering is, why would/should I even tell one side about the other? It's not about cheating but I only found out by chance that it's not as clear cut as collecting benefits overseas and also cleecting them here, rightfully earned in both countries. Otherwise I would have just applied on my next vacation in that country and a little bit later I would have applied here as well. So why would I not do that? How would either side even know? Or am I just imagining this way too easy?
Thank you in advance for your opinion.

Hi. The simple answer is that you're required by law to tell Social Security about your eligibility for other pensions. When you submit a Social Security application, you sign under a penalty clause that states: "I declare under penalty of perjury that I have examined all the information on this form, and on any accompanying statements or forms, and it is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that anyone who knowingly gives a false statement about a material fact in this information, or causes someone else to do so, commits a crime and may be subject to a fine or imprisonment."

Therefore, if you lie when you answer the question on your application that asks if you receive or expect to receive a pension based on your work that was not covered by Social Security, you may end up being prosecuted for perjury.

Best, Jerry