The following sections provide instructions on how to identify and process claims leads when the foreign agencies forward:

• •

  a signed statement of intent to file for benefits,

• •

  a liaison form with a checkblock which indicates the claimant wants to file, or

• •

  a liaison form with no checkblock or a checkblock that is not completed.

Reminder: BETs should consider the possibility of a U.S. claim or claims lead on every assistance request received in DIO.

When foreign agencies request assistance for claims filed under an agreement, it is difficult to determine whether or not a claim or claims lead exists for U.S. benefits. The material received from the agencies varies from country to country. For example, the Spanish agencies include a Form USA/E2 (Statement of Intent to File for U.S. Benefits) whenever a claimant wishes to file. Several agencies have checkblocks on their liaison forms which indicate whether or not an individual wishes to file. However, most agencies have no way of indicating on their liaison forms whether or not the claimant wants to file a U.S. claim.