TN 8 (05-21)

GN 01705.215 Applications for Benefits under the U.S. - Italian Agreement

A. Filing for benefits using multiple application forms

Form SSA-2490-BK

An applicant filing for benefits under the agreement with Italy must complete Form SSA-2490-BK (Application for Benefits under a U.S. International Social Security Agreement).

The applicant must complete this form whether the application is for benefits from the following:

  • United States; or

  • Italy; or

  • Both countries.

B. Using the Modernized Claims System (MCS) version of form SSA-2490-BK

1. When to use the MCS version

Form SSA-2490-BK is available through MCS. Use the MCS version only when the Number Holder (NH) is filing for:

  • U.S. retirement or disability Totalization benefits only; or

  • U.S. retirement or disability benefits (regular or Totalization) and concurrently for Italian benefits.

2. When not to use the MCS version

Do not use the MCS version of Form SSA-2490-BK when the applicant is filing for:

  • Italian benefits only; or

  • U.S. or Italian survivor's benefits.

Use the paper or electronic Form SSA-2490-BK for Totalization survivor claims. For instructions on how to complete the SSA-2490-BK, see GN 01702.110.

NOTE: If there is an existing U.S. Totalization life claim award, do not take an SSA-2490-BK in claims for U.S. auxiliary benefits or survivor claims. This is not required because an SSA-2490-BK was previously completed in connection with the NH's claim.

C. Determining the required application screens on MCS for Totalization benefits

Use the following information to determine the application screens to complete when taking claims under the U.S. - Italian agreement for U.S. Totalization or Italian benefits.

1. U.S. Totalization benefits only

a. Retirement or disability claims

Complete the following screens:

  • MCS application; and

  • SSA-2490 (MSOM) see MS 03507.001); and

  • TOTALIZATION (TOTL) see MSOM MS 03509.011.

b. Survivor claims

Complete the following screens:

  • MCS application; and

  • TOTALIZATION (TOTL) see MSOM MS 03509.011; and

  • Part I of the paper or electronic Form SSA-2490-BK.

2. Italian benefits only (regular or Totalization)

Claims for Italian benefits only (regular or Totalization) are MCS exclusions. Complete Parts I and II of the paper or electronic Form SSA-2490-BK.

3. Italian benefits (regular or Totalization) and U.S. (regular or Totalization) benefits

a. Retirement or disability claims

In retirement or disability claims, complete the following screens:

  • MCS application; and

  • SSA-2490 (See MSOM MS 03507.001); and

  • TOTALIZATION (TOTL) see MSOM MS 03509.011.

b. Survivor claims

In survivor claims, complete the following screens:

  • MCS application; and

  • TOTALIZATION (TOTL) see MSOM MS 03509.011; and

  • Parts I and II of the paper or electronic Form SSA-2490-BK.

D. References

  • GN 01702.110 Application for Benefits under a U.S. International Social Security (Totalization) Agreement (Form SSA-2490-BK).

  • GN 01702.310 Routing of Claims for U.S. Benefits Involving Totalization.

  • MS 03507.001 Introduction to SSA-2490 - Overview.

  • MS 03509.011 TOTALIZATION (TOTL) screen.


To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0201705215
GN 01705.215 - Applications for Benefits under the U.S. - Italian Agreement - 05/13/2021
Batch run: 05/13/2021
Rev:05/13/2021