In addition to Form SSA-2490-BK, an applicant for Portuguese benefits must complete one or more special Portuguese application forms. The form(s) they must complete vary depending on the type of benefit they are claiming.

Field Offices (FOs) do not take special Portuguese application forms. After receiving a claim for Portuguese benefits that an applicant filed with SSA, the Portuguese agency will mail the appropriate Portuguese special application form(s) to the applicant. The Portuguese agency instructs the applicant to complete the forms and mail them directly to the Portuguese agency with any required evidence needed in the application process.

If an applicant brings any special Portuguese application forms to the FO, the FO should:

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  Accept, photocopy, and certify the photocopied application; and

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  Complete the appropriate MCS application screens for retirement, disability or survivors’ benefits; and

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  Complete the TOTALIZATION (TOTL) screen (see MSOM MCS 009.011 ); and

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  Photocopy and certify any additional documents (evidence) the Portuguese agency requested the applicant to include with the Portuguese claim; and

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  Request an "Informational/Certified Earnings Record" (ICERS) as described in MS ICERS 02101.004; and

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  Process the insured-status in accordance with GN 01702.315; and

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  Return to the applicant any original evidence documents and the certified photocopy of the application; and

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  Send the original Portuguese application and any certified photocopies or additional claims material to the Division of International Operations (DIO) in Baltimore at the following address:

  Social Security Administration

  Division of International Operations

  P.O. Box 17769

  Baltimore, Maryland 21235-7769

  NOTE: If a courier service is used, mail to:

  Social Security Administration

  Division of International Operations

  6100 Wabash Avenue

  Baltimore, Maryland 21215

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  GN 01702.110, Application for Benefits Under a U.S. International Social Security (Totalization) Agreement (Form SSA-2490-BK).

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  GN 01702.310, Routing of Claims for U.S. Benefits Involving Totalization.

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  MS 03507.001, Introduction to SSA-2490 - Overview.

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  MS 03509.011, Totalization (TOTL) screen.