TN 3 (03-97)
The Foreign Service Post (FSP) in Frankfurt takes claims from individuals who wish to file for benefits under the agreement and assists in processing claims filed with the German agencies.
When taking applications under the agreement, the FSP should follow the same general procedures and obtain the same applications and evidence as SSA FOs. (See GN 01702.001 - GN 01702.525 for FO and FSP development and GN 01707.205 for specific evidence and application requirements for the agreement with Germany.)
Follow the procedure below which describes special development and routing instructions that apply to claims under the agreement filed in FSP.
Obtain Form SSA-2490-F4 (Application for Benefits Under a U.S. International Social Security Agreement (Part I)) and the appropriate RSDI applications.
Forward a liaison Form SSA-2960-U3-GE to the appropriate German agency to request a German coverage record if it appears the worker is not insured based on U.S. coverage alone. (See GN 01708.025 to determine the proper agency and GN 01708.100 regarding the amount and period of German coverage.)
If, in a disability case, the claimant has previously filed for German disability benefits, request a copy of the medical evidence from the agency's records, via an SSA-2960-U3-GE.
Forward the claim to DIO, and include the file and follow-up copies of the liaison form sent to the German agency.
Take a protective statement on form SSA-795 (Statement of Claimant or Other Person) indicating a desire to file for German benefits and send it to the appropriate German agency under cover of form SSA-2960-U3-GE.
Inform the claimant that the German agency will contact him/her directly to complete the required German applications.
Obtain form SSA-2490-F4 (Parts I &II) and the appropriate RSDI applications.
Forward a liaison form SSA-2960-U3-GE to the appropriate German agency to request a German coverage record (if it appears the worker is not insured based on U.S. coverage alone) and to certify the protective filing date.