FSP takes claims from individuals in its service area who wish to file for U.S. and/or
            Japanese benefits under the agreement with Japan and also assists in processing certain
            types of claims filed with the Japan Pension Service (JPS) and the other Japanese
            social insurance agencies.
         
         When these claims are being filed by residents of Japan, it is probable that the claim
            will be initiated by a claims lead sheet completed at a Foreign Service Post in Japan
            or at a Japanese agency. FSP will then contact the claimant upon receipt of the lead.
         
         When taking claims under the agreement, FSP should follow the same general procedures
            and obtain the same applications and evidence as SSA field offices.