97-3468. Supplementary Agreement on Social Security Between the United States and Austria; Entry Into Force

[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 29 (Wednesday, February 12, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 6598]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-3468]


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SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

Supplementary Agreement on Social Security Between the United 
States and Austria; Entry Into Force

    The Commissioner of Social Security gives notice that a 
supplementary agreement entered into force on January 1, 1997, which 
amends the Social Security agreement between the United States (U.S.) 
and Austria that has been in effect since November 1, 1991. The 
supplementary agreement, which was signed on October 5, 1995, was 
concluded pursuant to section 233 of the Social Security Act.
    The supplementary agreement amends the original agreement to update 
and clarify several of its provisions. The most important of these 
amendments introduces a new method of computing Austrian benefits under 
the agreement. The new computation method replaces a provision in the 
original agreement that would have resulted in reduced Austrian Social 
Security benefits for certain individuals who have divided their 
careers between the U.S. and Austria. This reduction provision was 
scheduled to take effect on November 1, 1996 (5 years after the 
effective date of the original agreement) but, as a result of the 
supplementary agreement, it will not be implemented.
    Individuals who wish to obtain copies of the supplementary 
agreement or want general information about its provisions may write to 
the Social Security Administration, Office of International Policy, 
Post Office Box 17741, Baltimore, Maryland 21235. Individuals who wish 
to obtain information about how the new computation method will affect 
their Austrian benefits should write to the Main Association of 
Austrian Social Insurance Agencies (Hauptverband der Oesterreichischen 
Sozialversicherungstraeger), Kundmanngasse 21, 1030 Vienna, AUSTRIA.

    Dated: February 3, 1997.
Shirley S. Chater,
Commissioner of Social Security.
[FR Doc. 97-3468 Filed 2-11-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4890-29-P