Before releasing information from SSA records, OIO must make certain that:

• •

  the information is needed to process a claim under the agreement, or

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  the claimant has submitted a signed authorization which permits the release of information to the Spanish agency.

Before releasing information to a Spanish agency, make certain that one of the following conditions is met:

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  the Privacy Act authorization block on form E/USA 3 is checked “yes,”

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  the claimant's signed authorization to release information to the Spanish agency is submitted with the request, or

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  there is a totalization application in file.

If none of these conditions is met, do not release information to the Spanish agency. Return the request and ask the agency to resubmit it with the proper authorization.