Basic (04-20)

GN 01762.010 How to Develop and Process Applications Filed in the Federal Benefits Unit in Buenos Aires under the U.S.- Uruguay Totalization Agreement

A. Process for applications filed in the Buenos Aires, Argentina Federal Benefits Unit

The Buenos Aires Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) takes claims from people residing in Uruguay who file for U.S. or Uruguayan totalization benefits. The FBU follows the same general procedures and obtains the same applications and evidence as Social Security Administration (SSA) field offices when processing claims under the agreement. Photocopies of original documents must contain a reference to the number of pages of the original documents and have Uruguay stamps on them to certify that the copies are true and exact copies of the original documents. Copies must be made of all pages of working documents (blank pages included).

B. Procedures for development and routing for U.S. claims filed in Buenos Aires, Argentina

This procedure describes development and routing instructions that apply to U.S. claims filed in Buenos Aires, Argentina under the U.S.-Uruguay agreement.

1. Retirement and Disability claims

The FBU in Buenos Aires contacts the applicant to obtain Form SSA-2490BK (Application for Benefits under a U.S. International Social Security Agreement) and any appropriate U.S. applications. The Buenos Aires FBU forwards Form SSA-e2960 USA-UY 3 and Part I and II of Form SSA-2490 to the liaison agency in Uruguay, to request a coverage record. For retirement and disability claims, complete the appropriate MCS application screens including the TOTALIZATION (TOTL) Screen (see MSOM MCS 009.011) and SSA 2490 screens (MSOM MCS 007.001). The FBU in Buenos Aires will develop for any evidence needed to complete the application process.

2. Survivor claims under the Agreement

For survivor claims, complete the appropriate MCS application screens, the totalization (TOTL) Screen (see MSOM MCS 009.011) and Part 1 of the paper or electronic (eform) application Form SSA 2490 BK.

3. Worker appears not to be insured based on U.S. coverage alone - requesting Uruguayan coverage record

Forward form SSA-e2960 USA-UY 3 to the Uruguayan liaison agency to request the Uruguayan certified coverage record if it appears that the worker is not insured based on U.S. coverage alone.

4. Claim sent to the Division of International Operations (DIO) for processing

Forward the claim to DIO and include a copy of the completed form sent to the Uruguayan liaison agency.

C. Uruguayan Claim

Refer all inquiries received in the FBU in Buenos Aires, Argentina for Uruguayan benefits to the liaison agency. If an applicant contacts the Buenos Aires, Argentina FBU to file for Uruguayan benefits, the FBU will send the following to the liaison agency:

  • Form SSA e2960 USA/UY 3 (U.S.- Uruguay Agreement on Social Security Transmittal/Request/Certification) to certify the filing date for Uruguayan benefits;

  • U.S. coverage record;

  • Supporting evidence for non-disability claims; and

  • Available medical evidence (if the claim is for disability benefits)

For Uruguayan disability claims submitted in the United States, claimants must obtain medical evidence from U.S. health care providers and submit the evidence to the appropriate Uruguayan authorities. If the Uruguayan liaison agency needs a U.S. certified earnings record, entitlement information, or both to process a claim for Uruguayan benefits, it will request the information directly from the Buenos Aires, Argentina FBU using Form SSA 2960 USA/UY 3 (U.S. - Uruguay Agreement on Social Security Transmittal/Request/Certification).

D. References

  • GN 1702.001 through GN 01702.525 Development and Routing of Totalization Claims

  • MSOM MCS 009.011 TOTALIZATION (TOTL)


To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0201762010
GN 01762.010 - How to Develop and Process Applications Filed in the Federal Benefits Unit in Buenos Aires under the U.S.- Uruguay Totalization Agreement - 04/30/2020
Batch run: 04/30/2020
Rev:04/30/2020