International Programs

U.S.-Slovene Social Security Agreement

Agreement and Administrative Arrangement both signed on January 17, 2017.
Entered into force February 1, 2019.​

Slovensko besedilo

Contents

Principal Agreement
Part I - General Provisions
Part II - Provisions Concerning Applicable Laws
Part III - Provisions on Benefits
Part IV - Miscellaneous Provisions
Part V - Transitional and Final Provisions
Administrative Arrangement

AGREEMENT ON SOCIAL SECURITY
BETWEEN
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
AND
THE REPUBLIC OF SLOVENIA

 

 

 

 

The United States of America and

The Republic of Slovenia (hereinafter individually known as “Contracting State” or collectively as “Contracting States”),

Being desirous of regulating the relationship between the two countries in the field of social security,

have agreed as follows:

 

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1
Definitions

Article 1 annotation

  1. For the purposes of the Agreement on Social Security between the United States of America and the Republic of Slovenia (hereinafter “Agreement”):

    1. "National" means,

      as regards the United States, a national of the United States as defined in Section 101, Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended, and

      as regards the Republic of Slovenia, a national of the Republic of Slovenia as defined in the Citizenship of the Republic of Slovenia Act, as amended;

    2. Article 1.1.a annotation

    3. “Laws” means the laws and regulations specified in Article 2 of this Agreement;

    4. Article 1.1.b annotation

    5. “Competent Authority” means,

      as regards the United States, the Commissioner of Social Security, and

      as regards the Republic of Slovenia, the competent ministries with the powers conferred by the legislative acts defined in Article 2 of this Agreement;
    6. Article 1.1.c annotation

    7. “Agency” means,

      as regards the United States, the Social Security Administration, and

      as regards the Republic of Slovenia, the institutions, funds and bodies, responsible for the implementation of the Laws defined in Article 2, Paragraph 1, subparagraph b of this Agreement;

    8. Article 1.1.d annotation

    9. “Period of Coverage” means a period of payment of contributions or a period of earnings from employment or self-employment, as defined or recognized as a period of coverage by the Laws under which such period has been completed, or any similar period in-so-far as it is recognized by such Laws as equivalent to a period of coverage;
    10. Article 1.1.e annotation

    11. “Benefit” means any benefit provided for in the Laws specified in Article 2 of this Agreement;
    12. Article 1.1.f annotation

    13. “Personal Data” means any information relating to a specific (identified or identifiable) person, as well as any information that can be used to distinguish or trace an individual’s identity.  This includes, but is not limited to, the following: any individual identifier; citizenship, nationality, statelessness, or refugee status; benefits, eligibility, or other claims information; contact information; medical information or lay information used in a medical determination; information about marital, familial, or personal relationships; and information pertaining to work, financial, or economic status; and
    14. Article 1.1.g annotation

    15. “Liaison Agencies” means institutions authorized to route inquiries and correspondence for effective implementation of this Agreement.
    16. Article 1.1.h annotation

  2. Any term not defined in this Article shall have the meaning assigned to it in the applicable Laws.

Article 1.2 annotation

Article 2
Material Scope

  1. For the purposes of this Agreement, the applicable Laws are:

    Article 2.1 annotation

    1. as regards the United States, the laws governing the Federal old‑age, survivors, and disability insurance program:

      (i) Title II of the Social Security Act and regulations pertaining thereto, except sections 226, 226A, and 228 of that title, and regulations pertaining to those sections, and

      Article 2.1.a.i annotation

      (ii) Chapters 2 and 21 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and regulations pertaining to those chapters; and

      Article 2.1.a.ii annotation

    2. as regards the Republic of Slovenia:

      (i) the laws governing pension and disability insurance, except the provisions on residual working capacity, and

      Article 2.1.b.i annotation

      (ii) with regard to Part II of this Agreement only, the laws of the Republic of Slovenia governing the compulsory participation in social insurance system.

    Article 2.1.b.ii annotation

  2. Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, the Laws referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article shall not include treaties or other international agreements or supranational legislation on Social Security concluded between one Contracting State and a third State, or laws or regulations promulgated for their specific implementation.

    Article 2.2 annotation

  3. No provision in this Agreement shall affect the obligation of either Contracting State’s social security agreements or any other international agreements by which either Contracting State is bound.
  4. Article 2.3 annotation

  5. Except as provided in the following sentence, this Agreement shall also apply to laws and regulations that amend or supplement the Laws specified in paragraph 1 of this Article.  This Agreement shall apply to future laws and regulations of a Contracting State which create new categories of beneficiaries or new Benefits under the Laws of that Contracting State unless the Competent Authority of that Contracting State notifies the Competent Authority of the other Contracting State in writing within three (3) months of the date of the official publication of the new laws or regulations that no such extension of this Agreement is intended.

Article 2.4 annotation

Article 3
Persons Covered

This Agreement shall apply:

  1. to any person who is or has been subject to the Laws of either Contracting State, and
  2. to the dependents and survivors of a person described in subparagraph (a) of this Article within the meaning of the applicable Laws of either Contracting State.

Article 3 annotation

Article 4
Equality of Treatment

  1. Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, persons described in Article 3 of this Agreement who reside in the territory of one Contracting State shall receive equal treatment with Nationals of the second Contracting State in the application of the Laws of the second Contracting State.

    Article 4.1 annotation

  2. Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, any provision of the Laws of a Contracting State which restricts entitlement to or payment of Benefits solely because a person resides outside or is absent from the territory of that Contracting State shall not be applicable to a person who resides in the territory of the other Contracting State.
  3. Article 4.2 annotation

PART II

Provisions Concerning Applicable Laws

Part 2 annotation

Article 5
Coverage Provisions

  1. Except as otherwise provided in this Article, a person employed or self-employed within the territory of one of the Contracting States, with respect to that employment or self-employment, shall be subject to the Laws of only that Contracting State.

  2. Article 5.1 annotation

  3. Where a person who is normally employed in the territory of one Contracting State by an employer in that territory is sent by that employer to the territory of the other Contracting State for a temporary period that is not expected to exceed five (5) years, the person shall be subject to the Laws of only the first Contracting State as if the person were employed in the territory of the first Contracting State. 

  4. Article 5.2 annotation

  5. For purposes of applying paragraph 2 of this Article in the case of an employee who is sent from the territory of the United States by an employer in that territory to the territory of the Republic of Slovenia, that employer and an affiliated company of the employer (as defined under the laws of the United States) shall be considered one and the same, provided that the employment would have been covered under United States Laws absent this Agreement.

  6. Article 5.3 annotation

  7. Paragraphs 2 and 3 of this Article shall apply where a person who has been sent by his or her employer from the territory of a Contracting State to the territory of a third State, and who is compulsorily covered under the Laws of that Contracting State while employed in the territory of the third State, is subsequently sent by that employer from the territory of the third State to the territory of the other Contracting State.

  8. Article 5.4 annotation

  9. A person who is normally self-employed in the territory of one Contracting State, and who temporarily transfers his or her self‑employment activity to the territory of the other Contracting State shall be subject to the Laws of only the first Contracting State, provided that the period of self-employment activity in the territory of the other Contracting State is not expected to exceed five (5) years.

  10. Article 5.5 annotation

    1. A person who is employed as an officer or member of a crew on a vessel which flies the flag of one Contracting State and who would be covered under the Laws of both Contracting States shall be subject to the Laws of only the Contracting State whose flag the vessel flies.  For purposes of the preceding sentence, a vessel which flies the flag of the United States is one defined as an American vessel under the Laws of the United States.

    2. Article 5.6.a annotation

    3. Traveling employees of air transportation companies who perform work in the territories of both Contracting States and who would otherwise be covered under the Laws of both Contracting States shall, with respect to that work, be subject to the Laws of only the Contracting State in the territory of which the company has its headquarters.  However, if such employees reside in the territory of the other Contracting State, they shall be subject to the Laws of only that Contracting State.

    4. Article 5.6.b annotation

    1. This Agreement shall not affect the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of April 18, 1961, or of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of April 24, 1963.

    2. Article 5.7.a annotation

    3. Nationals of one of the Contracting States who are employed by the Government of that Contracting State in the territory of the other Contracting State but who are not exempt from the Laws of the other Contracting State by virtue of the Vienna Conventions mentioned in subparagraph (a) of this paragraph shall be subject to the Laws of only the first Contracting State.  For the purpose of this paragraph, employment by the United States Government includes employment by an instrumentality thereof.

    4. Article 5.7.b annotation

  11. The Competent Authorities of the two Contracting States may agree to grant an exception to the provisions of this Article with respect to particular persons or categories of persons, provided that any affected person shall be subject to the Laws of one of the Contracting States.

  12. Article 5.8 annotation

PART III
Provisions on Benefits

Part 3 annotation

Article 6
United States Benefits

Article 6 annotation

  1. Where a person has completed at least six (6) quarters of coverage under United States Laws, but does not have sufficient Periods of Coverage to satisfy the requirements for entitlement to Benefits under United States Laws, the Agency of the United States shall take into account, for the purpose of establishing entitlement to Benefits under this Article, Periods of Coverage which are credited under Republic of Slovenia Laws and which do not coincide with Periods of Coverage already credited under United States Laws.

  2. Article 6.1 annotation

  3. In determining eligibility for Benefits under paragraph 1 of this Article, the Agency of the United States shall credit one (1) quarter of coverage for every ninety (90) days of coverage certified by the Agency of the Republic of Slovenia.  The total number of quarters of coverage to be credited for a year shall not exceed four (4).
  4. Article 6.2 annotation

  5. Where it is not possible to determine the calendar quarter during which a specific Period of Coverage was completed under the Laws of the United States, the United States Agency will presume that the Period of Coverage does not coincide with a Period of Coverage completed in the Republic of Slovenia.

  6. Article 6.3 annotation

  7. The Agency of the United States shall not take into account Periods of Coverage that occurred prior to the earliest date for which Periods of Coverage may be credited under its Laws, nor will the Agency of the United States take into account any Periods of Coverage that are not based on paid contributions. 
  8. Article 6.4 annotation

  9. Where entitlement to a Benefit under United States Laws is established according to the provisions of paragraph 1 of this Article, the Agency of the United States shall compute a pro rata Primary Insurance Amount in accordance with United States Laws based on

    1. the person's average earnings credited exclusively under United States Laws and

    2. the ratio of the duration of the person's Periods of Coverage completed under United States Laws to the duration of a coverage lifetime as determined in accordance with United States Laws.

    Benefits payable under United States Laws shall be based on the pro rata Primary Insurance Amount.

    Article 6.5 annotation

  10. Entitlement to a Benefit from the United States that results from paragraph 1 of this Article shall terminate with the acquisition of sufficient Periods of Coverage under United States Laws to establish entitlement to an equal or higher Benefit without the need to invoke the provision of paragraph 1 of this Article.
  11. Article 6.6 annotation

  12. Article 4 of this Agreement shall be applied by the United States in a manner consistent with section 233(c)(4) of the United States Social Security Act.
  13. Article 6.7 annotation

Article 7
Republic of Slovenia Benefits

Article 7 annotation

  1. Where the requirements for entitlement to Benefits under Republic of Slovenia Laws are satisfied without the Periods of Coverage under United States Laws, the Republic of Slovenia Agency shall provide Benefits for the Periods of Coverage exclusively completed under Republic of Slovenia Laws.

  2. Article 7.1 annotation

  3. Where the requirements for entitlements to Benefits under Republic of Slovenia Laws are not satisfied on the basis of Periods of Coverage completed under Republic of Slovenia Laws alone, the Republic of Slovenia Agency shall take into account, for the purpose of establishing entitlements to Benefits, Periods of Coverage which are credited under United States Laws and do not coincide with Periods of Coverage credited under Republic of Slovenia Laws.

    Article 7.2 annotation

  4. Where entitlement requirements under paragraph 2 of this Article are not satisfied, the Republic of Slovenia Agency shall also take into account the periods completed under the Laws of third countries with which the Republic of Slovenia has concluded international Social Security Agreements with provisions on the totalization of periods.
  5. Article 7.3 annotation

  6. When entitlement to Benefits is established through procedures referred to in paragraphs 2 and 3 of this Article, the Republic of Slovenia Agency shall calculate the Benefit amount as follows:

    1. First, a theoretical amount of the Benefit which would be paid if all the totalized Periods of Coverage were completed under Republic of Slovenia Laws, is calculated.

    2. The theoretical amount is then used for the calculation of the actual amount of the Benefit to be paid in the proportional relation to the Period of Coverage completed under Republic of Slovenia Laws and other Periods of Coverage used for the purposes of totalization.

    3. The calculation of the theoretical amount of the Benefit referred to in subparagraph (a) of this paragraph for the purposes of the determination of the Benefit shall only take into account Periods of Coverage completed under the Republic of Slovenia Laws.

    Article 7.4 annotation

  7. When establishing the entitlement to Benefits referred to in paragraphs 2 and 3 of this Article, the Republic of Slovenia Agency shall equal each quarter reported by the United States Agency to a Period of Coverage of three (3) months.

  8. Article 7.5 annotation

  9. Where the total Periods of Coverage completed under Republic of Slovenia Laws amount to less than twelve (12) months, the Benefit shall not be granted.  This provision does not apply if – under Republic of Slovenia Laws – the entitlement to Benefit exists solely on the basis of such a short Period of Coverage.

  10. Article 7.6 annotation

  11. Assistance and Attendance Allowance, Disability Allowance, Residual Working Capacity Benefit or any other noncontributory benefit which is not exportable under Republic of Slovenia Laws, shall be paid as long as the beneficiary resides in the territory of the Republic of Slovenia.
  12. Article 7.7 annotation

PART IV
Miscellaneous Provisions

Article 8
Administrative Arrangements

Article 8 annotation

The Contracting States shall:

  1. make all necessary administrative arrangements for the implementation of this Agreement and designate Liaison Agencies;

  2. communicate to each other information concerning the measures taken for the application of this Agreement; and

  3. communicate to each other, as soon as possible, information concerning all changes in their respective Laws which may affect the application of this Agreement.

Article 9
Mutual Assistance

Article 9 annotation

The Competent Authorities and the Agencies of the Contracting States, within the scope of their respective authorities, shall assist each other in implementing this Agreement.  This assistance shall be free of charge, subject to exceptions to be agreed upon in an administrative arrangement.

Article 10
Confidentiality of Exchanged Personal Data

  1. Unless otherwise required by the national statutes of a Contracting State, Personal Data transmitted in accordance with this Agreement to one Contracting State by the other Contracting State shall be used exclusively for purposes of administering this Agreement and the Laws referred to in Article 2 of this Agreement.  The receiving Contracting State’s national statutes for the protection of privacy and confidentiality of Personal Data, and the provisions of this Agreement generally, shall govern such use.

  2. Article 10.1 annotation

  3. The Competent Authorities of the Contracting States shall inform each other about all amendments to their national statutes regarding the protection of privacy and confidentiality of Personal Data that affect the transmission of Personal Data.

  4. Article 10.2 annotation

  5. The Competent Authority or Agency requesting or transmitting Personal Data pursuant to this Agreement, upon request, must disclose to a person the following:

    1. the content of his or her Personal Data,

    2. the Agency receiving his or her Personal Data,

    3. the duration of use of his or her Personal Data, and

    4. the purpose and legal grounds for which his or her Personal Data were used or requested.

    Article 10.3 annotation

  6. The Competent Authority or Agency transmitting Personal Data pursuant to this Agreement shall, subject to the information available to the transmitting Contracting State, take all reasonable steps to ensure that transmitted Personal Data are accurate, up to date and limited to data required to fulfill the receiving Competent Authority’s or Agency’s request.  In accordance with its respective national statutes, the receiving Competent Authority or Agency shall correct, limit access to, or delete any inaccurate or outdated transmitted Personal Data and any data not required to fulfill the receiving Agency's request, and immediately notify the other Contracting State’s Competent Authority or Agency of such correction.  This shall not limit a person’s right to request such correction, limitation of access, or deletion of his or her Personal Data directly from the Agencies.

  7. Article 10.4 annotation

  8. Both the transmitting and the receiving Competent Authority or Agency shall effectively protect Personal Data against unauthorized or illegal access, alteration, or disclosure.

  9. Article 10.5 annotation

Article 11
Confidentiality of Exchanged Employers’ Information

Unless otherwise required by the national statutes of a Contracting State, employers’ information transmitted between Contracting States in accordance with this Agreement shall be used exclusively for purposes of administering this Agreement and the Laws referred to in Article 2 of this Agreement.  The receiving Contracting State’s national statutes for the protection and confidentiality of employers’ information, and the provisions of this Agreement generally, shall govern such use.

Article 11 annotation

Article 12
Documents

  1. Where the Laws of a Contracting State provide that any document which is submitted to the Competent Authority or an Agency of that Contracting State shall be exempted, wholly or partly, from fees or charges, including consular and administrative fees, the exemption shall also apply to corresponding documents which are submitted to the Competent Authority or an Agency of the other Contracting State in the application of this Agreement.

  2. Article 12.1 annotation

  3. Documents and certificates presented for purposes of this Agreement shall be exempted from requirements for authentication by diplomatic or consular authorities.
  4. Article 12.2 annotation

  5. Copies of documents certified as true and exact copies by an Agency of one Contracting State shall be accepted as true and exact copies by an Agency of the other Contracting State, without further certification.  The Agency of each Contracting State shall be the final judge of the probative value of the evidence submitted to it from whatever source.
  6. Article 12.3 annotation

Article 13
Correspondence and Language

  1. The Competent Authorities and Agencies of the Contracting States may correspond directly with each other and with any person, wherever the person may reside, whenever it is necessary for the administration of this Agreement.

  2. Article 13.1 annotation

  3. An application or document may not be rejected by a Competent Authority or Agency of a Contracting State solely because it is in the language of the other Contracting State. If so needed, the Contracting States may agree to exchange model letters in the English or Slovenian language.

Article 13.2 annotation

Article 14
Applications

  1. A written application for Benefits filed with an Agency of one Contracting State shall protect the rights of the claimants under the Laws of the other Contracting State if the applicant requests that it be considered an application under the Laws of the other Contracting State.

  2. Article 14.1 annotation

  3. If an applicant has filed a written application for Benefits with an Agency of one Contracting State and has not explicitly requested that the application be restricted to Benefits under the Laws of that Contracting State, the application shall also protect the rights of the claimants under the Laws of the other Contracting State if the applicant provides information at the time of filing indicating that the person on whose record Benefits are claimed has completed Periods of Coverage under the Laws of the other Contracting State.
  4. Article 14.2 annotation

  5. The provisions of Part III of this Agreement shall apply only to Benefits for which an application is filed on or after the date on which this Agreement enters into force.
  6. Article 14.3 annotation

Article 15
Appeals and Time Limits

  1. A written appeal of a determination made by an Agency of one Contracting State may be validly filed with an Agency of either Contracting State.  The appeal shall be decided according to the procedure and Laws of the Contracting State whose decision is being appealed.
  2. Article 15.1 annotation

  3. Any claim, notice, or written appeal which, under the Laws of one Contracting State, must have been filed within a prescribed period with an Agency of that Contracting State, but which is instead filed within the same period with an Agency of the other Contracting State, shall be considered to have been filed on time.
  4. Article 15.2 annotation

Article 16
Transmittal of Claims, Notices, and Appeals

In any case to which the provisions of Article 14 or 15, or both, of this Agreement apply, the Agency to which the claim, notice, or written appeal has been submitted shall indicate the date of receipt on the document and transmit it without delay to the Liaison Agency of the other Contracting State.

    Article 16 annotation

Article 17
Currency

  1. Payments under this Agreement may be made in the currency of the Contracting State making the payments.

  2. Article 17.1 annotation

  3. In case provisions designed to restrict the exchange or export of currencies are introduced by either Contracting State, the Governments of both Contracting States shall immediately take measures necessary to ensure the transfer of sums owed by either Contracting State under this Agreement.

  4. Article 17.2 annotation

Article 18
Resolution of Disagreements

Any disagreement regarding the interpretation or application of this Agreement shall be resolved by consultation between the Competent Authorities.

    Article 18 annotation

Article 19
Supplementary Agreements

This Agreement may be amended by supplementary Agreements.

    Article 19 annotation

PART V
Transitional and Final Provisions

Article 20
Transitional Provisions

  1. This Agreement shall not establish any claim to payment of a Benefit for any period before the date of entry into force of this Agreement, or to a lump sum death payment if the person died before the entry into force of this Agreement.

  2. Article 20.1 annotation

  3. In determining the right to Benefits under this Agreement, consideration shall be given to Periods of Coverage under the Laws of both Contracting States and other events that occurred before the entry into force of this Agreement.
  4. Article 20.2 annotation

  5. In applying paragraphs 2, 3, 4 or 5 of Article 5 of this Agreement in the case of persons who were sent to work by their employer or transferred their self-employment activity to the territory of a Contracting State prior to the date of entry into force of this Agreement, the period of employment or self-employment shall be considered to begin on the date of entry into force of this Agreement.
  6. Article 20.3 annotation

  7. Determinations concerning entitlement to Benefits made before the entry into force of this Agreement shall not affect rights arising under it.
  8. Article 20.4 annotation

  9. The application of this Agreement shall not result in any reduction in the amount of a Benefit to which entitlement was established prior to the entry into force of this Agreement.
  10. Article 20.5 annotation

Article 21
Duration and Termination

  1. This Agreement shall remain in force until the expiration of one (1) calendar year following the year in which written notice of its termination is given by one of the Contracting States to the other Contracting State.
  2. Article 21.1 annotation

  3. If this Agreement is terminated, rights regarding entitlement to or payment of Benefits acquired under it shall be retained, and any claim filed, but not adjudicated, before the termination of this Agreement shall be adjudicated in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.

Article 21.2 annotation

Article 22
Entry into Force

This Agreement shall enter into force on the first day of the fourth month following the date of the last note of an exchange of diplomatic notes in which the Contracting States notify each other of the completion of their respective internal procedures necessary for the entry into force of this Agreement.

Article 22 annotation

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, being duly authorized thereto, have signed the present Agreement.

DONE at Ljubljana this 17th day of January, 2017, in duplicate in the English and Slovenian languages, both texts being equally authentic.

FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA:

Brent R. Hartley 

 

FOR  THE REPUBLIC OF SLOVENIA:

Anja Kopač Mrak

 

Signatory annotation

 

ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENT
BETWEEN
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
AND THE REPUBLIC OF SLOVENIA
FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE
AGREEMENT ON SOCIAL SECURITY
BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
AND THE REPUBLIC OF SLOVENIA


The United States of America and

the Republic of Slovenia,

In conformity with Article 8(a) of the Agreement on Social Security between the United States of America and the Republic of Slovenia of this date, hereinafter referred to as the “Agreement,” have agreed as follows:

 

CHAPTER I
General Provisions

Article 1

Where terms that appear in the Agreement are used in this Administrative Arrangement, they shall have the same meaning as they have in the Agreement.

Administrative Article 1 annotation

Article 2

  1. The Liaison Agencies referred to in Article 8(a) of the Agreement shall be:
    1. for the United States of America, the Social Security Administration; and

    2. for the Republic of Slovenia,

      1. for the Laws referred to under Article 2, paragraph 1, subparagraph (b)(i) of the Agreement: the Pension and Disability Insurance Institute of Slovenia, and

      2. for the Laws referred to under Article 2, paragraph 1, subparagraph (b)(ii) of the Agreement: the Health Insurance Institute of Slovenia.

    Administrative Article 2.1 annotation

  2. The Liaison Agencies designated in paragraph 1 of this Article shall decide upon the joint procedures, methods, and bilingual forms necessary for the implementation of the Agreement and this Administrative Arrangement.

Administrative Article 2.2 annotation

Chapter II
Provisions on Coverage

Article 3

  1. Where the Laws of one Contracting State are applicable in accordance with any of the provisions of Article 5 of the Agreement, the Agency of that Contracting State, upon request of the employer or self-employed person, shall issue a certificate stating that the employee or self-employed person is subject to those Laws and indicating the duration for which the certificate shall be valid.  This certificate shall be evidence that the employee or self-employed person is exempt from the Laws on compulsory coverage of the other Contracting State.
  2. Administrative Article 3.1 annotation

  3. The certificate referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article shall be issued:

    1. in the United States, by the Social Security Administration; and

    2. in the Republic of Slovenia, by the Health Insurance Institute of Slovenia.

    Administrative Article 3.2 annotation

  4. The Agency of a Contracting State that issues a certificate referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article shall furnish a copy of the certificate or mutually decided information from the certificate to the Liaison Agency of the other Contracting State as needed by the Agency of the other Contracting State.
  5. Administrative Article 3.3 annotation

  6. The Competent Authorities referred to in paragraph 8 of Article 5 of the Agreement shall be:
    1. for the United States of America, the Commissioner of Social Security; and

    2. for the Republic of Slovenia, the Ministry of Labor, Family, Social Affairs, and Equal Opportunities.

Administrative Article 3.4 annotation

Chapter III
Provisions on Benefits

Article 4

  1. Claims for Benefits under the Agreement shall be submitted on forms to be developed by the Liaison Agencies of the two Contracting States.

  2. Administrative Article 4.1 annotation

  3. The Agency of the Contracting State with which a claim for Benefits is first filed in accordance with Article 14 of the Agreement, shall provide the Agency of the other Contracting State with such evidence and other information in its possession as may be required to complete action on the claim.
  4. Administrative Articles 4.2 and 4.3 annotation

  5. The Agency of a Contracting State which receives a claim that was first filed with an Agency of the other Contracting State, shall without delay provide the Agency of the other Contracting State with such evidence and other available information in its possession as may be required for it to complete action on the claim.

  6. The Agency of the Contracting State with which a claim for Benefits has been filed shall verify the information pertaining to the applicant and the applicant’s family members.  The Liaison Agencies of both Contracting States shall decide upon the types of information to be verified.
  7. Administrative Article 4.4 annotation

  8. Upon request, the Agency of one Contracting State shall inform the Agency of the other Contracting State on bilingual forms of its decision to award or deny a claim filed under Part III of the Agreement.
  9. Administrative 4.5 annotation

CHAPTER IV
Miscellaneous Provisions

Article 5

  1. In accordance with measures to be decided upon pursuant to paragraph 2 of Article 2 of this Administrative Arrangement, the Agency of one Contracting State shall, upon request by the Agency of the other Contracting State, furnish available information relating to the claim of any specified individual for the purpose of administering the Agreement.
  2. Administrative Article 5.1 annotation

  3. For the purpose of facilitation of the implementation of the Agreement and this Administrative Arrangement, the Liaison Agencies may decide on measures for the provision and transmission of the electronic exchange of data.

Administrative Article 5.2 annotation

Article 6

The Liaison Agencies shall exchange statistics on the number of certificates issued under Article 3 of this Administrative Arrangement and on the payments made to beneficiaries under the Agreement.  These statistics shall be furnished annually in a manner to be decided upon by the Liaison Agencies.

    Administrative Article 6 annotation

Article 7

  1. Where administrative assistance is requested and provided under Article 9 of the Agreement, expenses other than regular personnel and operating costs of the Agency providing the assistance shall be reimbursed, except as may be otherwise agreed to by the Competent Authorities or Liaison Agencies of the Contracting States.

  2. Administrative Article 7.1 annotation

  3. Upon request, the Agency of either Contracting State shall furnish without cost to the Agency of the other Contracting State any medical information and documentation in its possession relevant to the disability of the claimant or beneficiary.

  4. Administrative Article 7.2 annotation

  5. Where the Agency of a Contracting State requires that a person in the territory of the other Contracting State who is receiving or applying for Benefits under the Agreement submit to a medical examination, such examination, if requested by that Agency, shall be arranged by the Agency of the other Contracting State in accordance with the rules of the Agency making the arrangements and at the expense of the Agency requesting the examination.
  6. Administrative Article 7.3 annotation

  7. The Agency of one Contracting State shall reimburse amounts owed under paragraphs 1 or 3 of this Article upon presentation of a statement of expenses by the Agency of the other Contracting State.
  8. Administrative Article 7.4 annotation

Article 8

  1. The Agency shall pay Benefits directly to the beneficiary or his or her designee.
  2. Administrative Article 8.1 annotation

  3. Upon request of the Agency referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article, a beneficiary shall submit proof, annually at minimum, that he or she is still alive.
  4. Administrative Article 8.2 annotation

Article 9

The Competent Authorities shall notify each other, in writing, of changes in the names of the Liaison Agencies without the need to modify the Administrative Arrangement.

Administrative Article 9 annotation

Article 10

This Administrative Arrangement shall enter into force on the date of entry into force of the Agreement and remain in force so long as the Agreement is in force.

Administrative Article 10 annotation

DONE at Ljubljana, this 17th day of January, 2017, in duplicate in the English and Slovenian languages, both texts being equally authentic.


FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA:

Brent R. Hartley

FOR THE REPUBLIC OF SLOVENIA

Anja Kopač Mrak


Administrative Signatory annotation