Basic (09-26)

GN 01775.010 How to Develop and Process Applications (Claims) Filed in the Federal Benefits Unit in Naples, Italy under the U.S.- Romania Totalization Agreement

 

  • A. Processing applications filed in the Naples, Italy Federal Benefits Unit (FBU)

The Naples Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) takes claims from applicants residing in Romania who file for U.S. - Romania totalization benefits. The FBU follows the same general procedures and obtains the same applications and evidence as SSA field offices (FO) when processing claims under the Agreement, but they cannot adjudicate claims.

  • B. Developing and routing of U.S. claims for U.S. benefits filed at the FBU in Naples, Italy

The following development and routing instructions apply to U.S. claims for U.S. benefits filed at the FBU in Naples under the U.S.- Romania Agreement.

  • 1. Development actions taken by the Naples FBU

  • a. Retirement and Disability claims - worker not insured based solely on U.S. coverage

    • Contact the applicant to obtain Form SSA-2490BK (Application for Benefits under a U.S. International Social Security Agreement ) and any appropriate U.S. applications.

 

  • Forward Form SSA e2960 USA-RO 3 (U.S. - Romania Agreement on Social Security Transmittal/Request/Certification ) and Part I and II of Form SSA-2490BK to the liaison agency in Romania to request coverage record;

 

  • Complete the appropriate MCS application screens including the Totalization (TOTL) Screen (see MS 03509.011 ) and SSA 2490 Screens (MS 03507.001 ); and

 

  • Develop for any evidence needed to complete the application process.

    • b. Survivor claims under the Agreement - worker not insured based solely on U.S. coverage

      • Complete the appropriate MCS application screens, the Totalization (TOTL) Screen (see MS 03509.011 );

 

  • Complete Part 1 of Form-2490BK (Application for Benefits under a U.S. International Social Security Agreement ) if the number holder's MBR is not already established with the Totalization agreement;

 

  • Forward Form SSA e2960 USA-RO 3 (U.S. Romania Agreement on Social Security Transmittal/Request/Certification ) to the liaison agency in Romania to request a coverage record; and

 

  • Develop for any evidence needed to complete the application process.

 

  • 2. Claim sent to the International Benefits and Processing (IBP) for processing

When all documentation and Romanian foreign earnings record are received, forward the claim to IBP and include a copy of the completed liaison form sent to the Romanian liaison agency.

  • C. Handling claims for Romanian Benefits

Refer all inquiries for Romanian benefits received in the FBU in Naples, Italy to the Romanian liaison agency National House of Public Pensions. If an applicant contacts the Naples, Italy FBU to file for Romanian benefits, the FBU will send the Romanian liaison agency National House of Public Pensions the following:

  • Form SSA-e2960 USA/RO 3 (U.S.- Romania Agreement on Social Security Transmittal/Request/Certification ) to certify the filing date for Romanian benefits and to certify established factors of entitlement such as date of birth;

  • U.S. coverage record; and

  • Available medical evidence (if the claim is for disability benefits).

For Romanian disability claims submitted in the United States, claimants must obtain medical evidence from U.S. health care providers and submit the evidence to the appropriate Romanian authorities. If the Romanian liaison agency needs additional information to process a claim for Romanian benefits, including a U.S. certified earnings record, entitlement information or both, they will request the information directly from the Naples FBU using Form SSA e2960 USA/RO 3 (U.S.- Romania Agreement on Social Security Transmittal/Request/Certification).

  • D. References

    • GN 01702.001 through GN 01702.525 Development and Routing of Totalization Claims

    • MS 03509.011 Totalization (TOTL)


To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0201775010
GN 01775.010 - How to Develop and Process Applications (Claims) Filed in the Federal Benefits Unit in Naples, Italy under the U.S.- Romania Totalization Agreement - 09/02/2026
Batch run: 09/02/2026
Rev:09/02/2026