There is no bar to sending checks to individuals in the People's Republic of China
(PRC). The PRC servicing Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) in Manila has special procedures
for the development of claims and verification of evidence.
Before July 1991, SSA did not have sufficient information to make a decision on the
social insurance system of the PRC. As a result, the application of the alien nonpayment
provisions to PRC citizens caused confusion and was often the subject of inquiries
from, or on behalf of, individuals in the PRC.
In July 1991, SSA determined that effective April 1989, citizens of the PRC can receive
benefits outside the United States if they meet certain exceptions to the alien nonpayment
provisions, as explained in RS 02610.015.
Notice of this decision was sent to those PRC beneficiaries in suspense who it appeared
could meet an exception to the alien nonpayment provisions.