Effective Dates: 03/12/2024 - Present Previous | Next

TN 21 (03-24)

GN 00904.202 Functions of the Division of International Operations

A. Introduction

The Division of International Operations (DIO), within the Office of Earnings and International Operations, coordinates foreign claims and related issues. DIO has processing center (PC), disability determination service (through its International Disability Unit (IDU)) and field office (FO) functions.

The Office of Income Security Programs' Office of Strategic Planning, Notices, and International Policy has program and policy responsibility for administering the Social Security program outside the United States.

B. Policy

1. FO function

DIO is the servicing office if the principal beneficiary or claimant:

  • •

    resides in a foreign country;

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    uses an address in a foreign country; or

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    uses a foreign army post office (APO) or fleet post office (FPO) address (i.e., one which is not listed in the Detailed Office Organization Resource System (DOORS)).

2. PC function

DIO has PC jurisdiction if at least one beneficiary:

  • •

    resides in a country to which the payment of benefits is barred (as shown in RS 02650.001 - RS 02650.020);

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    will be outside the United States for at least 6 months, even if the beneficiary uses a U.S. mailing address;

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    uses a foreign mailing address, including a foreign APO or FPO address;

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    resides in the United States and is entitled to totalization benefits; or

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    resides in the United States, is not insured for Retirement, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (RSDI) benefits but has at least 6 U.S. quarters of coverage, and their claim for totalization benefits has been denied.

To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200904202
GN 00904.202 - Functions of the Division of International Operations - 03/12/2024
Batch run: 03/12/2024
Rev:03/12/2024