GN 00201.100 SSA Foreign Program Forms Authorized for Alternative Signature Methods

A. Background

In 2004, SSA adopted alternative signature methods to the traditional pen-and-ink or wet signature for domestic forms and application processes. We have since expanded the use of alternative signature methods to include several SSA foreign program forms.

For general information about alternative signature methods, see GN 00201.015.

B. Policy

SSA has adopted several alternative signature methods as listed in GN 00201.015. Signature proxy, using the attestation process, is the only type of alternative signature method currently used for foreign forms. To use attestation, the interviewer must read the penalty clause notice, and confirm the individuals intent to submit the information and sign the document. Once complete, the interviewer attests to the fact that the individual agreed to the truthfulness of the information they provided and agreed to sign the form.

1. Foreign forms approved for alternative signature methods

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SSA-21 (Supplement to Claim of Person Outside the United States);
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SSA-7161 (Report to the United States Social Security Administration by Person Receiving Benefits for a Child or for an Adult Unable to Handle Funds); and
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SSA-7162 (Report to the United States Social Security Administration).

2. Employees authorized to use alternative signature methods for foreign forms

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All SSA employees in U.S. Social Security offices who take and input initial claims and post-entitlement changes; and
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Outside the United States, only the Federal Benefits Units (FBUs) within Foreign Service Posts (FSP).

C. Procedure for applying an alternative signature method

Currently, signature proxy (using the attestation process) is the only alternative signature method used for foreign forms. Attestation is the action taken by the authorized employee to confirm:

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the individuals intent to complete the form,
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affirmation under penalty of perjury that the information provided is correct, and
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agreement to sign the form.

1. Interview Instructions

Follow this procedure during the interview:

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Verify the identity of the individual according to relevant procedures for in-person or telephone interviewing.
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Inform the individual that SSA has an alternative method to collect a signature in lieu of a pen-and-ink signature on the form and that our annotation of their:
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  intent to provide the information,
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  affirmation under penalty of perjury that the information provided is correct, and
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  agreement to sign the form in SSA records will constitute a valid legal signature.
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Read the following scripted language: During this interview, we will ask you questions that will be used to complete your [insert name of form]. At the end of the interview, we will ask you to confirm the truthfulness of your answers under penalty of perjury and we will record your response. You should be aware that you can be held legally responsible for giving us false information.
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Confirm the individuals intent to complete and sign the form using attestation.
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Complete the form by obtaining and recording the individuals responses.
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At the end of the interview, read the following scripted language:
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  You will receive a printed copy of the information being used to process your [name of form] to retain for your records. Do you understand that you must review all of this information carefully and let us know right away if anything needs to be corrected OR if any of the information changes?
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  Do you understand that the information you have provided will be used to process your [insert name of form]? Do you declare under penalty of perjury that this information is true and correct to the best of your knowledge?

2. Documentation Requirements of the Signature and Submission Instructions

The individual must answer yes to all of the requirements above (i.e., intent to provide information, truthfulness of it, and agreement to sign it under penalty of perjury) in order to accept the form as a signed form. Individuals answering no to any of the requirements will need to submit the form with a pen-and-ink signature.

Follow the procedure below to document that you attest to the claimants agreement to all requirements and signing of the form:

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Annotate the forms signature field with the following: the individuals name and Attested by (your full name). Office code: (your office code).

Reminder for the SSA-21: The signature block in item 18 of the form will need to be annotated for each beneficiary listed in item 3 of the form.
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Fax actionable forms to the Division of International Operations (DIO) Paperless.
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Store non-actionable forms in the Evidence Portal (EP). For an overview of the EP, see MS 09701.001.
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For the SSA-7161 and SSA-7162: Send the completed form to Wilkes-Barre Direct Operations Center(WBDOC) via the multifunction device (MFD) process. If the FEQ to WBDOC button is unavailable on the MFD, e-fax the completed form to WBDOC FEQ Scan Only eFax inbox.

IMPORTANT: Refer to the Electronic Disability Guide (eDG), DI 81000.000for operational procedures specific to updating the Certified Electronic Folder.
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Issue the Document Processing System (DPS) "Attestation Cover letter" with a copy of the completed form to the respondent.

To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200201100

GN 00201.100 - SSA Foreign Program Forms Authorized for Alternative Signature Methods - 11/04/2026
Batch run: 11/04/2026
Rev:11/04/2026

Program Operations Manual System (POMS)