There are two ways in which the French local office may handle claims for U.S. benefits.

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  If the request for U.S. benefits is not in writing, the office refers the claimant to the FSP in Paris.

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  If the request for U.S. benefits is in writing, the office prepares a liaison form (SE 404-3), certifies the filing date, and sends the form, written statement, and a copy of the French coverage record to the FSP in Paris.

If the French agency needs a U.S. coverage record in connection with a claim for French benefits they request it:

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  directly from DIO if they are not referring a claim to the FSP.

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  through the FSP if they are sending a claim for U.S. benefits to the FSP.