An applicant for U.S. Totalization benefits must complete the normal title II application(s) (e.g., an SSA-1, Application for Retirement Insurance Benefits). In addition, the applicant must complete an SSA-2490-BK (Application For Benefits Under A U.S. International Social Security Agreement). Except under the agreements with Australia, Canada (including Quebec), Japan, South Korea or Spain, an applicant must also complete form SSA-2490-BK to apply for foreign benefits. (See GN 01702.120 for applications required to apply for benefits from Australia, Canada/Quebec, Japan, South Korea or Spain).

Only one SSA-2490-BK is required to protect the rights of all applicants listed on the application. However, if the applicant files under more than one Social Security number (SSN), the applicant should complete a separate SSA-2490-BK for each SSN.

The proper applicant must complete the SSA-2490-BK. If someone who is not the proper applicant under U.S. law files an application for U.S. benefits with a foreign country and a loss of benefits will result, the application is a protective writing that protects the filing date, provided the proper applicant subsequently files the appropriate application forms. If a person files an application for foreign benefits through a Social Security Administration field office using an SSA-2490-BK but is not the proper applicant under the other country's policies, the other country will subsequently develop an application from the proper applicant as determined by its policy.