### Question
How does SOCIAL SECURITY define period of coverage?


### Answer
Under *42 U.S.C. § 433*, **period of coverage** is defined as:

> 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 7-SOCIAL SECURITY > SUBCHAPTER II-FEDERAL OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE BENEFITS**

