An applicant for U.S. Totalization benefits must complete the normal title II application(s)
(e.g., an SSA-1, Application for Retirement Insurance Benefits). In addition, the
applicant must complete an SSA-2490-BK (Application For Benefits Under A U.S. International
Social Security Agreement). Except under the agreements with Australia, Canada (including
Quebec), Japan, South Korea or Spain, an applicant must also complete form SSA-2490-BK
to apply for foreign benefits. (See GN 01702.120 for applications required to apply for benefits from Australia, Canada/Quebec, Japan,
South Korea or Spain).
Only one SSA-2490-BK is required to protect the rights of all applicants listed on
the application. However, if the applicant files under more than one Social Security
number (SSN), the applicant should complete a separate SSA-2490-BK for each SSN.
Example: A surviving spouse wishes to file for U.S. Totalization retirement benefits based
on the surviving spouse's own combined U.S. and U.K. coverage, a U.K. retirement pension,
and surviving spouse's benefits based on the deceased spouse's combined U.S. and U.K.
coverage. The surviving spouse is also applying for benefits for the children under
the surviving spouse's SSN, as well as the deceased spouse's SSN. In addition to the
normal title II applications, the surviving spouse would have to complete one SSA-2490-BK
under the surviving spouse's SSN and another under the deceased spouse's SSN.