When a worker files an application for retirement benefits, obtain the following evidence:

• •

  Worker's date of birth; and

• •

  Worker's Korean insurance number; and

• •

  Marital status, if spouse's supplement is claimed; and

• •

  Family composition; and

• •

  Dates of birth of all family members; and

• •

  Age and relationship of child, disability status, and school attendance if a child's supplement is claimed; and

• •

  Age, marriage and divorce, if divorced spouse's benefit is claimed; and

• •

  Age and relationship of parent, if parent's (or spouse's parent's) supplement is claimed; and

• •

  Disability status of all family members.

When a person files an application for survivors benefits, obtain the following evidence:

• •

  Worker's Korean insurance number; and

• •

  Worker's date of birth; and

• •

  Date and proof of death of the worker; and

• •

  Date of marriage or partnership registration (if surviving spouse/divorced spouse or surviving registered/dissolved registered partner's benefit claim); and

• •

  Widower's age and disability status; and

• •

  Age or disability status of child or grandchild (if child's benefits claimed); and

• •

  Age or disability status of parents or grandparents (including spouse's parents or grandparents).

Entitlement factors for Korea are based on the degree of the worker's disability. Medical evidence must support the disability.

Take the following actions when developing evidence to support applications for Korean benefits:

• •

  Worker's date of birth; and

• •

  Worker's Korean insurance number; and

• •

  Degree of disability (medical evidence required); and

• •

  Marriage, if spouse's supplement is claimed; and

• •

  Age, marriage and divorce, if divorced spouse's benefit is claimed; and

• •

  Age and relationship of child, if child's supplement is claimed; and

• •

  Age and relationship of parent, if parent's (or spouse's parent's) supplement is claimed.

The applicant must submit the evidence noted in GN 01702.200 - GN 01702.230 whenever Totalization benefits are claimed from Korea.

• •

  SSA accept any medical evidence the applicant wishes to submit; and

• •

  If the applicant does not want to release an original document, photocopy the evidence and certify the copy; and

• •

  Do not attempt to secure evidence for the applicant or offer advice as to what types of evidence Korea may need; and

• •

  Send all submitted medical evidence and the claims file to Division of International Operations (DIO) at the following address:

  Social Security Administration

  Division of International Operations

  P.O. Box 17769

  Baltimore, Maryland 21235-7769

  FAX number: 410-966-1861

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

  Social Security Administration

  Division of International Operations

  6100 Wabash Avenue

  Baltimore, MD 21215

• •

  Complete the Modernized Development Worksheet (MDW) screen to show the date the FO sent the Korean claim to DIO. Show "Totalization" as the ISSUE; and

• •

  Inform the applicant that the responsible Korean agency will contact the applicant directly to obtain any further documents or evidence to make a determination.

CAUTION: Do not hold claims for Korean benefits for prolonged periods pending receipt of evidence. If an applicant is unable to obtain needed evidence within a reasonable time, transmit the claim to DIO without the evidence.

If the applicant requests guidance on the type of evidence to submit, see these references:

• •

  GN 00302.000, Proof of age.

• •

  GN 00304.000, Proof of death.

• •

  GN 00305.000, Proof of marriage.

• •

  GN 00306.000, Proof of child relationship and dependency.

• •

  RS 00205.350B1., Proof of school attendance.

• •

  RS 01301.000, Living With, Contributions and One-Half Support.

Document the file as follows:

• •

  Indicate on the Korean benefit claim file any factor of entitlement verified previously for the U.S. claim; and

• •

  For concurrent Title II claims, send the Title II claim and relevant evidence to the Program Service Center (PSC) of jurisdiction; and

• •

  Electronically send a certified photocopy of the relevant evidence with the Korean claim to DIO.

Obtain the NH's U.S. earnings record in all claims for Korean benefits as follows:

• •

  When the applicant is filing for both U.S. and Korean benefits, complete the Modernized Claims System (MCS) screens; and

• •

  The MCS screens will automatically generate a separate earnings record for the Korean claim; and

• •

  When the applicant files for Korean benefits only, which is an MCS exclusion, request an Informational/Certified Earnings Record (ICERS) per MS 02101.004; and

  • Obtain proof of lag earnings (unposted paid earnings in the current or preceding year) if the applicant alleges U.S. covered work in the lag period and is filing for any Korean benefit; and

• •

  For proof of lag wages, see RS 01404.005 and RS 01404.018; and

• •

  For proof of lag self-employment income, see RS 01804.100D.

• •

  Accept any medical evidence the applicant submits. Do not attempt to secure evidence for the applicant or offer advice as to what types of evidence Korea may need; and

• •

  Send all submitted medical evidence and the claims file to DIO at the following address:

• •

  Complete the Modernized Development Worksheet (MDW) screen to show the date the FO sent the Korean claim to DIO. Show "Totalization" as the ISSUE.

• •

  Transmit the file without medical evidence if the evidence is not readily available. Advise the applicant that the Korean agency will contact them directly to obtain any required evidence.

To process claims for Korean disability benefits and concurrent Title II disability claims, follow the instructions in GN 01702.400 - GN 01702.415.