Effective Dates: 09/15/2026 - Present Previous | Next

Basic (09-26)

GN 01765.215 Application for Benefits under the U.S. - Romania Agreement

A. Filing for benefits using multiple application forms

1. Totalization benefits only - Form SSA-2490-BK

When an applicant files for U.S. Totalization benefits under the U.S. - Romania Agreement, the field office (FO) must complete Part I and Part II of Form SSA-2490-BK (Application For Benefits Under A U.S. International Social Security Agreement) using the appropriate Modernized Claim System (MCS) screens. The FO must also complete the appropriate retirement, survivors, or disability insurance application(s).

2. U.S. Totalization and Romania benefits - Special Romanian application form

An individual who wishes to file for both U.S. Totalization benefits and Romanian benefits must complete Part I and Part II of Form SSA-2490-BK, the appropriate retirement, survivors or disability insurance application(s) and Form SSA – 2960-RO-3

You can access the special Romanian form in the Totalization Benefits Resource Kit online.

NOTE: 

 

When an applicant is filing for regular (non-Totalization) benefits from the U.S. and benefits from Romania (regular or Totalization), it is not necessary to complete the SSA-2490. However, the Modernized Claims System (MCS) will not allow clearance of the claim for U.S. benefits until the path for the SSA-2490 is entered. To clear the U.S. claim, complete only the first (FINF) screen in the SSA-2490 path. This will release the claim for U.S. benefits for award or denial. The claim for Romanian benefits should then be completed using the Romanian forms described in GN 01774.215D.

B. Using the Modernized Claims System (MCS) version of Form SSA-2490-BK

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 Number Holder's (NH's) claim.

1. When to use the MCS version

Form SSA-2490-BK is available through Modernized Claims System (MCS). Use the MCS version only when the 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 Romanian benefits

2. When not to use the MCS version

Do not use the MCS version of the Form SSA-2490-BK when the applicant is filing for

  • •

    Romanian benefits only, or

  • •

    U.S. or Romanian survivors benefits

Use the paper or electronic Form SSA-2490-BK for Totalization survivor claims. For instructions on how to complete the SSA-2490-BK, see GN 01702.110.

If there is an existing U.S. Totalization life claim award, do not take an SSA-2490-BK in claims for U.S. auxiliary benefits or survivor claims.

C. Determining the required application screens on MCS for Totalization benefits

Use the following information to determine which application screens to complete when taking claims for U.S. Totalization benefits under the Agreement with Romania.

1. Retirement or disability claims

In retirement or disability claims, complete the appropriate retirement or disability benefit MCS application screens, the TOTALIZATION (TOTL) screen (see MS 03509.011 ), and the SSA-2490 screens (see MS 03507.001)

2. Survivors claims

In survivors claims, complete the appropriate MCS application screens, the TOTALIZATION (TOTL) screen (see MS 03509.011), and Part I and Part II of the paper or electronic Form SSA-2490-BK

D. Applications for Romanian benefits

1. The application process

Along with the Form SSA-2490-BK, an applicant for Romanian benefits must complete one or more special Romanian application forms. The form(s) required vary depending on the type of benefit claimed.

FOs do not take the special Romanian application forms. After receiving an application for Romanian benefits filed with SSA, the Romanian agency mails the appropriate Romanian application forms directly to the applicant. The Romanian agency instructs the applicant to complete the forms and mail them directly to the Romanian agency with any required evidence needed in the application process.

2. Applicant brings Romanian special application forms to the FO

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

  • •

    Accept, photocopy, and certify the photocopied application,

  • •

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

  • •

    Request an Informational/Certified Earnings Record (ICERS) as described in MS ICERS 02101.004 ,

  • •

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

  • •

    Send the original Romanian application and any certified photocopies or additional claims material to the Central Processing - International Operations (CP/IO), International Benefit & Processing (IBP) in Baltimore at the following address:

Social Security Administration
CP/IO - IBP
P.O. Box 17769
Baltimore, Maryland 21235-7769
FAX number: 877-385-0645

NOTE: 

 

If a courier service is used, mail to:

Social Security Administration
Central Processing - International Operations
International Benefit & Processing
6100 Wabash Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21215

 

E. References

  • •

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

  • •

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

  • •

    GN 01702.315 Processing Totalization Insured - Status Notices in Claims for U.S. Benefits

  • •

    MS 03507.001 Introduction to SSA-2490 – Overview

  • •

    MS 03509.011 Totalization (TOTL)

To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0201765215
GN 01765.215 - Application for Benefits under the U.S. - Romania Agreement<EndLine/> - 09/15/2026
Batch run: 09/15/2026
Rev:09/15/2026