The Social Security Administration (SSA) will take an application and effectuate it as an allowance up to 4 months before the applicant meets all the entitlement factors (see GN 00204.007C.). However, some countries permit an application to be filed much further in advance of the entitlement date, particularly if the applicant is living outside that country. Further information concerning the prospective life of an application for a foreign benefit, where available, is contained in the subchapter covering the specific agreement.

Accept applications for foreign benefits even though they are being filed more than 4 months in advance of the entitlement date.