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.
Example: A widow wishes to file for U.S. Totalization retirement benefits based on her combined
U.S. and U.K. coverage, a U.K. retirement pension, and for widows benefits based on
her husband's combined U.S. and U.K. coverage. She is also applying for benefits for
her children under her SSN and her husband's SSN. In addition to the normal title
II applications, she would have to complete one SSA-2490-BK under her SSN and another
under her husband's SSN.