Effective Dates: 04/10/2019 - Present Previous | Next

TN 2 (04-19)

GN 01758.010 How to Develop and Process Applications Filed in the Benefits unit in Lisbon, Portugal under the U.S. Brazil Totalization Agreement

A. Process for applications filed in the Lisbon, Portugal Foreign Service Post

The Lisbon Foreign Benefit Unit (FBU) takes claims from individuals residing in Brazil who file for U.S. Brazil totalization benefits.

The FBU follows the same general procedures and obtains the same applications and evidence as SSA field offices when processing claims under the agreement.

Photocopies of original documents must contain a reference to the number of pages of the original documents and have Brazil authentication stamps on them. Copies must be made of all pages of working documents (blank pages included).

B. Procedure for development and routing for U.S. claims filed in Lisbon, Portugal

This procedure describes development and routing instructions that apply to U.S. claims under the U.S. Brazil agreement filed in Lisbon, Portugal.

1. Retirement and Disability claims

The Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) in Lisbon contacts the applicant to obtain Form SSA-2490BK (Application for Benefits under a U.S. International Social Security Agreement) and any appropriate U.S. applications. The Lisbon FBU forwards a liaison Form SSA-e2960 USA-BR 3 and Part I and II of Form SSA-2490 to the liaison agency in Brazil, to request a coverage record. For retirement and disability claims, complete the appropriate MCS application screens and the TOTALIZATION (TOTL) Screen (see MS 03509.011) and SSA 2490 screens (MS 03507.001). The FBU in Lisbon will develop for any evidence needed to complete the application process.

2. Survivor claims under the Agreement

For survivor claims, complete the appropriate MCS application screens, the Totalization (TOTL) Screen (see MS 03509.011) and Part 1 of the paper or electronic (eform) application Form SSA 2490 BK.

3. Worker appears not to be insured based on U.S. coverage alone - requesting Brazilian coverage record

Forward a liaison Form SSA-e2960 USA-BR 3 to the Brazilian liaison agency to request the Brazilian certified coverage record if it appears that the worker is not insured based on U.S. coverage alone.

4. Claim sent to the Division of International Operations (DIO) for processing

Forward the claim to DIO and include a copy of the completed liaison form sent to the Brazilian liaison agency.

C. Brazil Claim

Refer all inquiries for Brazilian benefits received in the FBU in Lisbon, Portugal to the liaison agency INSS.

If an applicant contacts the Lisbon, Portugal FBU to file for Brazilian benefits, the FBU will send INSS the following:

  • •

    Form SSA 2960 USA/BRA 3 (U.S. Brazil Agreement on Social Security Transmittal/Request/Certification) to certify the filing date for Brazilian benefits;

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    U.S. coverage record

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    supporting evidence for non-disability claims; and

  • •

    available medical evidence (if the claim is for disability benefits)

For Brazilian disability claims submitted in the U.S., claimants must obtain medical evidence from U.S. health care providers and submit the evidence to the appropriate Brazilian authorities.

If the Brazilian liaison agency needs a U.S. certified earnings record, entitlement information, or both, to process a claim for Brazilian benefits, it will request the information directly from Lisbon, Portugal FBU using Form SSA 2960 USA/BRA 3 (U.S. Brazil Agreement on Social Security Transmittal/Request/Certification).

D. References

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    GN 1702.001 through GN 01702.525 Development and Routing of Totalization Claims

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    MS 03509.011 Totalization (TOTL)

To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0201758010
GN 01758.010 - How to Develop and Process Applications Filed in the Benefits unit in Lisbon, Portugal under the U.S. Brazil Totalization Agreement - 04/10/2019
Batch run: 04/10/2019
Rev:04/10/2019