TN 3 (06-96)
The FSP in Bern, Switzerland takes claims from individuals who wish to file for benefits under the agreement and also assists in processing claims filed with the Swiss social security agency.
When taking applications under the agreement, the FSP should follow the same general procedures and obtain the same applications and evidence as SSA field offices. (See GN 01702.001 through GN 01702.525 for FO and FSP development and GN 01709.205 through GN 01709.215 for special evidence and application requirements for the agreement with Switzerland.)
Follow the procedure below which describes special development and routing instructions that apply to claims filed in the FSP.
If this is a U.S. claim, do the following:
Obtain Form SSA-2490-F4, Application for Benefits Under a U.S. International Social Security Agreement (Part 1) and the appropriate RSDI applications.
Request a Swiss coverage record from the Swiss agency.
In disability claims, if the claimant has previously filed for Swiss disability benefits, request a copy of the medical evidence from the Swiss agency's records.
Forward the claim to DIO along with the Swiss coverage record.
If this is a Swiss claim, do the following:
Refer the claimant to the appropriate Swiss local office to file a claim.
If the claimant insists on filing a claim for Swiss benefits at the FSP, take a protective statement on Form SSA-795 and send it to the Swiss agency.
If this is a concurrent U.S./Swiss claim, do the following:
Obtain Form SSA-2490-F4 (Parts I & II) and the appropriate RSDI applications.
Request a Swiss coverage record and inform the Swiss agency of the filing date.
Forward the claim to DIO, along with the Swiss coverage record.
Refer the claimant to the appropriate Swiss local office to complete the required Swiss applications.