### Question
How is the term period of coverage defined?


### Answer
The term **period of coverage** is defined in *42 U.S.C. § 433* as the following:

> a period of payment of contributions or a period of earnings based on wages for employment or on self-employment income, or any similar period recognized as equivalent thereto under this subchapter or under the social security system of a country which is a party to an agreement entered into under this section

#### Citation:
  - *42 U.S.C. § 433*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 6-THE CHILDREN'S BUREAU > SUBCHAPTER II-FEDERAL OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE BENEFITS**

