TN 3 (02-03)

GN 01717.215 Application for Benefits under the Swedish Agreement

A. Policy

An individual who wishes to file for benefits under the agreement with Sweden must complete Form SSA-2490-BK (Application For Benefits Under A U.S. International Social Security Agreement). This is true whether the applicant is filing for benefits only from the United States, only from Sweden or from both countries.

B. Process

1. When the Modernized Claims System (MCS) Version May Be Used

The SSA-2490-BK is available through MCS, but the MCS version may only be used when the number holder (NH) is filing for:

  • U.S. retirement or disability Totalization benefits only, or

  • U.S. retirement or disability benefits (regular or Totalization) and concurrently for Swedish benefits.

2. When the MCS Version May Not Be Used

The MCS version of the SSA-2490-BK may not be used to file for:

  • Swedish benefits only, or

  • U.S. or Swedish survivors benefits.

A paper or electronic (e-form) SSA-2490-BK application form must be used in these cases. Form SSA-2490-BK is also available through the Totalization Benefits Resource Kit.

NOTE: It is not necessary to take an SSA-2490-BK in claims for U.S. auxiliary benefits in life cases or in survivor cases where there was a previously approved award in a life case since this application would have been completed previously in connection with the NH's claim.

C. Procedure — Required applications

Use the following information to determine which applications must be completed when taking claims for U.S. Totalization benefits and/or Swedish benefits under the agreement with Sweden.

1. U.S. Totalization Benefits Only

a. Retirement or Disability Claims

In retirement or disability claims, complete the appropriate retirement or disability benefit MCS application screens, the TOTALIZATION (TOTL) screen (see MSOM MCS 009.011 ), and the SSA-2490 screens (see MSOM MCS 007.001 ).

b. Survivor Claims

In survivor claims, complete the appropriate MCS application screens, the TOTALIZATION (TOTL) screen (see MSOM MCS 009.011 ), and Part I of the paper or electronic (e-form) application Form SSA-2490-BK.

2. Swedish Benefits Only (Regular or Totalization)

Claims for Swedish benefits only (regular or Totalization) are MCS exclusions. Complete Part I and II of the paper or electronic (e-form) application Form SSA-2490-BK.

3. Swedish Benefits (Regular or Totalization) and U.S. (Regular or Totalization) Benefits

a. Retirement or Disability Claims

In retirement or disability claims, complete the appropriate retirement or disability benefit MCS application screens, the TOTALIZATION (TOTL) screen (see MSOM MCS 009.011 ), and the SSA-2490 screens (see MSOM MCS 007.001 ).

b. Survivor Claims

In survivor claims, complete the appropriate MCS application screens, the TOTALIZATION (TOTL) screen (see MSOM MCS 009.011 ), and Part I and II of the paper or electronic (e-form) application Form SSA-2490-BK.

NOTE: Form SSA-2490-BK is available through the Totalization Benefits Resource Kit .

D. References

  • Completing the SSA-2490 on MCS, MSOM MCS 007.001

  • Completing the paper or electronic (e-form) Form SSA-2490-BK, GN 01701.350

  • Totalization requirements, MSOM MCS 009.011

  • Forwarding foreign application to the Office of International Operations


To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0201717215
GN 01717.215 - Application for Benefits under the Swedish Agreement - 05/27/2010
Batch run: 04/28/2020
Rev:05/27/2010