The Canada Thailand Social Security Agreement: What You Need to Know
If you are a Canadian citizen planning to live or work in Thailand, or a Thai citizen planning to do the same in Canada, you might want to know about the Canada Thailand Social Security Agreement.
This agreement, which came into force on April 1, 2019, aims to help people who have made contributions to social security programs in both countries, to coordinate their benefit entitlements.
What is Covered by the Agreement?
The Canada Thailand Social Security Agreement covers the following social security programs:
– In Canada: the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) or Quebec Pension Plan (QPP), Old Age Security (OAS), and the Employment Insurance (EI) program.
– In Thailand: the Social Security Fund (SSF) and the Workmen`s Compensation Fund (WCF).
The agreement applies to Canadian and Thai citizens, permanent residents, and other people who have made contributions to one or more of these social security programs.
What are the Benefits?
Under the Canada Thailand Social Security Agreement, you may be eligible to receive the following benefits:
– CPP/QPP: If you have contributed to these programs in Canada and have lived or worked in Thailand, you may be able to receive a partial or full CPP/QPP pension, depending on the amount of your contributions and the length of your contributions in Canada.
– OAS: If you have lived in Canada for at least 20 years after the age of 18, you may be eligible to receive OAS, even if you are living in Thailand. If you have not lived in Canada for 20 years, you may still be eligible to receive a partial OAS based on the number of years you have lived in Canada.
– EI: If you have worked in Canada and have lost your job, you may be eligible for EI benefits, even if you are living in Thailand.
– SSF/WCF: If you have contributed to these programs in Thailand and have lived or worked in Canada, you may be able to receive social security benefits, such as medical care, disability benefits, and survivor benefits.
How to Apply for Benefits?
To apply for social security benefits under the Canada Thailand Social Security Agreement, you need to contact the social security authority in the country where you are living or residing. For example, if you are a Canadian living in Thailand and would like to apply for CPP benefits, you need to contact Service Canada.
You may need to provide documents such as your social insurance number, passport, and proof of contributions to social security programs. The application process may take several months, so it is advisable to apply well before you need the benefits.
Conclusion
The Canada Thailand Social Security Agreement can provide benefits for people who have made contributions to social security programs in both countries. By coordinating the benefit entitlements, the agreement can help ensure that you receive the benefits you are entitled to, regardless of where you are living or working.
If you are planning to live or work in Canada or Thailand, or if you have already done so, you can benefit from knowing about this agreement and how it may apply to your situation. Consult with an experienced professional for more information on how to apply for benefits and how the agreement may affect your social security entitlements.