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35 Koreans and foreigners are treated equally under the NPS in that there is no discrimination based on the amount of benefits received; in fact, even if you are no longer living in Korea — yet still entitled — the NPS will remit your payments abroad. (Just keep in mind that, although they take care of any remittance fees, you will be responsible for any receiving bank fees.) This all appears to be in order, however, unknown to many when they first arrive. There are distinctions made as to how and when you can receive your collective contributions. Lump-sum refund A lump-sum refund (of all your and your employer’s contributions) is not paid to foreign workers upon departing Korea except under the following circumstances: 1) When your home country grants a lump-sum refund to Koreans (Please see the NPS website for the entire list of countries with this operation.) 2) When your home country has an existing social security agreement with Korea specifically providing for a lump-sum refund. As of November 2013, this applies to Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and the U.S. 3) Those on E-8 (Employment for Training), E-9 (Non- professional Employment) or H-2 (Visiting Employment) visas For those lucky individuals entitled to claim, there are details of the application procedure (including forms) on the NPS website. However, providing evidence that you are leaving or have left will allow you to claim before you go, whether it happens at the airport or after you have departed. No lump sum — A U.K. example Shocked and disgruntled would be two appropriate words to describe the average Brit arriving here to receive the most disturbing news: Not only do they (including myself) not get a lump sum, but one has to wait until retirement age to start receiving payments. In theory, it means Brits are being treated equally with Korean nationals, but the practical side reveals that this means 10 years of contributions must be made in Korea in order to be entitled to receive them. For those Brits who have already been here a decade or plan to stay that long, this isn’t a problem. But should one leave before and never return, the present situation means you will lose out on all your contributions! Not to worry, though; you can always come back and add later in life, since your ARC number will never change. For information on other nations, please visit the NPS website on www.nps.or.kr or — more conveniently — visit www.nps.or.kr/ jsppage/english/contact/telephone.jsp for a list of the appropriate contact details for your region. Tip Be sure to ask how many years of contributions have been made and from which employers. It is not unheard of for unscrupulous employers (usually hagwons) to skip contributing on your behalf. Koreans and foreigners are treated equally under the NPS in that there is no discrimination in terms of the amount of benefts received; in fact, even if you are no longer living in Korea — yet still entitled — the NPS will remit your payments abroad. (Just keep in mind that although they take care of any remittance fees, you will be responsible for any receiving bank fees.) Where my child’s smile is concerned, I want the best. Any father would feel the same. Pediatric dentistry & Orthodontics for all ages ExpEriEncE rEputation rEsults Give your children the smiles they deserve 71-9, Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 서울특별시 강남구 청담동 71-9 청담 IVY 교정전문클리닉 www.ivysmile.kr 02.518.2722 U.S. Certifed Orthodontic Specialist Member of American Dental Association TRICARE Dental Program Preferred Provider Assistance with all dental insurance paperwork > Dr.Jay H Kim D.M.D., M.S. US-Trained and licensed dentist Member of American Dental Association > Dr. David John Choie D.M.D fnd us at FB “ivy dentalclinic” Chungdam IVY ORTHODONTICS VIPS HONDA Hotel Riviera COEX Sinsa Stn. Gangnam-gu Offce Line7 Cheongdam Stn. EXIT 12 IVY Dental Clinic