Basic (09-82)

GN 01704.050 Use of a Bank Address by a Beneficiary Receiving Totalization Benefits

When a beneficiary has his checks sent to a bank, either in the United States or in a foreign country, we may lose track of his actual residence address if he neglects to promptly report all changes to us. However, if the beneficiary is receiving benefits based on his residence in either the United States, Italy, Germany or Switzerland, it is essential that we know his country of residence at all times. Therefore, if a case is listed under codes 994 or 996, secure a copy of the beneficiary's complete home mailing address and a statement of his actual place of residence. (Give GN 01702.230 as a reference when requesting this development from a DO or FSP.) In addition, diary the case for 12 months for a benefit authorizer contact to confirm the beneficary's continued residence at that address. However, if the file raises any doubt of his or her residence; e.g., he or she moves frequently or statements about residence are confusing or evasive, give the case to a claims authorizer for a determination. Finally, the initial notice to the beneficiary explaining that future checks will be sent directly to the bank must include a paragraph directing the beneficiary to notify us if his or her home mailing address changes.