To have a worker’s coverage assigned in a manner other than in accordance with normal
coverage rules of the agreement, an employee, employer, or self-employed person may
request a special exception. The employee, employer, or self-employed person should
request the exception before the expiration of the five-year period. The exception
must result in coverage under laws of either the United States or Belgium, but not
both and both countries must agree to grant the exception. If either country does
not agree with granting the exception, the applicable coverage rule of the agreement
determines the worker’s coverage.