Effective Dates: 08/19/2009 - Present Previous | Next

TN 1 (12-02)

GN 01737.215 Application for Benefits Under the Greek Agreement

A. Policy

An individual who wishes to file for benefits under the agreement with Greece must complete Form SSA-2490-BK (Application For Benefits Under A U.S. International Social Security Agreement). This is true whether the applicant is filing for benefits only from the United States, only from Greece or from both countries.

NOTE: Applications for Greek benefits may be filed up to 6 months in advance of the entitlement date.

B. Process

1. When the Modernized Claims System (MCS) Version May Be Used

The SSA-2490-BK is available through MCS, but the MCS version may only be used 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 Greek benefits.

2. When the MCS Version May Not Be Used

The MCS version of the SSA-2490-BK may not be used to file for:

  • •

    Greek benefits only, or

  • •

    U.S. or Greek survivors benefits.

A paper or electronic (e-form) SSA-2490-BK application form must be used in these cases. Form SSA-2490-BK is also available through the Totalization Benefits Resource kit .

NOTE: It is not necessary to take an SSA-2490-BK in claims for U.S. auxiliary benefits in life cases or in survivor cases where there was a previously approved award in a life case since this application would have been completed previously in connection with the NH's claim.

C. Procedure — required applications

Use the following information to determine which applications must be completed when taking claims for U.S. Totalization benefits and/or Greek benefits under the agreement with Greece.

1. U.S. totalization benefits only

a. Retirement or disability claims

In retirement or disability claims, complete the appropriate retirement or disability benefit MCS application screens, the TOTALIZATION (TOTL) screen (see MSOM MCS 009.011 ), and the SSA-2490 screens (see MSOM MCS 007.001 ).

b. Survivor claims

In survivor claims, complete the appropriate MCS application screens, the TOTALIZATION (TOTL) screen (see MSOM MCS 009.011 ), and Part I of the paper or electronic (e-form) application Form SSA-2490-BK.

2. Greek benefits only (regular or totalization)

Claims for Greek benefits only (regular or Totalization) are MCS exclusions. Complete Part I and II of the paper or electronic (e-form) application Form SSA-2490-BK.

3. Greek benefits (regular or totalization) and U.S. (regular or totalization) benefits

a. Retirement or disability claims

In retirement or disability claims, complete the appropriate retirement or disability benefit MCS application screens, the TOTALIZATION (TOTL) screen (see MSOM MCS 009.011 ), and the SSA-2490 screens (see MSOM MCS 007.001 ).

b. Survivor claims

In survivor claims, complete the appropriate MCS application screens, the TOTALIZATION (TOTL) screen (see MSOM MCS 009.011 ), and Part I and II of the paper or electronic (e-form) application Form SSA-2490-BK.

NOTE: Form SSA-2490-BK is available through the Totalization Benefits Resource Kit.

D. Procedure – required remarks

If a claimant, other than the worker, was born in Greece but doesn't have a certification of the Greek register record, enter the city and nomarchy (province) of birth in the Remarks section of the Form SSA-2490-BK. (This information is already requested in item 12(b) of the paper or electronic Form SSA-2490-BK for the worker.)

E. References

  • •

    Completing the SSA-2490 on MCS, MSOM MCS 007.001

  • •

    Completing the paper or electronic (e-form) Form SSA-2490-BK, GN 01701.350

  • •

    Totalization requirements, MSOM MCS 009.011

  • •

    Forwarding foreign application to the Office of International Operations, GN 01702.310

To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0201737215
GN 01737.215 - Application for Benefits Under the Greek Agreement - 08/19/2009
Batch run: 04/21/2020
Rev:08/19/2009