A worker or employer who wishes to apply for a special exception writes to the designated agency in the country where the worker wishes to remain covered. The letter should:

• •

  give all the information necessary to issue a certificate of coverage under the U.S.-Portuguese agreement (see RS 2001.580); and

• •

  explain why a special exception should be granted.

Individuals wishing to request an exception granting U.S. coverage should write to the following address:

Social Security Administration
Division of Training and Program Support
International Support Branch
P.O. Box 17741
Baltimore, MD 21235-7741
FAX number: 410-966-1861

or, if courier service is used:

Social Security Administration
Division of Training and Program Support
International Support Branch
NT 03-A-09
6100 Wabash Ave
Baltimore, MD 21235

Individuals wishing to request an exception granting Portuguese coverage should write to the address below:

Instituto da Segurança Social, I.P.
Largo do Rato, 1
1259-144 Lisboa
PORTUGAL

Upon receipt of a request for a special exception, the agency that receives the request will consider it in collaboration with the other country's agency. If both agencies approve the request for a special exception, the agency that receives the request will issue a certificate of coverage. The certificate of coverage will serve as proof of exemption from coverage and taxes in the other country.