TN 1 (10-24)

GN 01771.010 How to Develop and Process Applications (Claims) Filed in the Federal Benefits Unit in Rome, Italy under the U.S. - Slovenia Totalization Agreement

A. Processing applications filed in the Rome, Italy Federal Benefits Unit (FBU)

The Rome Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) takes claims from applicants residing in Slovenia who file for U.S. - Slovenia totalization benefits. The FBU follows the same general procedures and obtain the same applications and evidence as SSA field offices (FO) when processing claims under the Agreement but they cannot adjudicate claims. Photocopies of original documents must contain a reference to the number of pages of the original documents and have Slovenia authentication stamps on them. Copies must be made of all pages of working documents, including blank pages.

B. Developing and routing of U.S. claims for U.S. benefits filed at the FBU in Rome, Italy

The following development and routing instructions apply to U.S. claims for U.S. benefits filed at the FBU in Rome under the U.S.- Slovenia Agreement.

1. Development actions taken by the Rome FBU

a. Retirement and disability claims - worker not insured based solely on U.S. coverage

  • Contact the applicant to obtain Form SSA-2490BK (Application for Benefits under a U.S. International Social Security Agreement) and any appropriate U.S. applications.

  • Forward Form SSA e2960 USA-SI 3 (U.S. - Slovenia Agreement on Social Security Transmittal/Request/Certification) and Part I and II of Form SSA-2490BK to the liaison agency in Slovenia to request coverage record;

  • Complete the appropriate MCS application screens including the Totalization (TOTL) Screen (see MS 03509.011) and SSA 2490 Screens (MS 03507.001); and

  • Develop for any evidence needed to complete the application process.

b. Survivor claims under the Agreement - worker not insured based solely on U.S. coverage

  • Complete the appropriate MCS application screens, the totalization (TOTL) Screen (see MS 03509.011);

  • Complete Part 1 of Form-2490BK (Application for Benefits under a U.S. International Social Security Agreement) if the number holder's MBR is not already established with the Totalization agreement;

  • Forward Form SSA e2960 USA-SI 3 (U.S. Slovenia Agreement on Social Security Transmittal/Request/Certification) to the liaison agency in Slovenia to request a coverage record; and

  • Develop for any evidence needed to complete the application process.

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

When all documentation and Slovenian foreign earnings record are received, forward the claim to DIO for processing.

C. Handling claims for Slovenian Benefits

The Rome FBU does not process claims for Slovenian benefits. Refer all inquiries for Slovenian benefits to the Slovenian liaison agency Pension and Disability Insurance Institute of Slovenia. If an applicant contacts the FBU to file for Slovenian benefits, the FBU will send the Slovenian liaison agency the following:

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

  • U.S. coverage record;

  • Supporting evidence for non-disability claims; and

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

For Slovenian 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 Slovenian authorities. If the Slovenian liaison agency needs additional information to process a claim for Slovenian benefits, including a U.S. certified earnings record, entitlement information or both, they will request the information directly from the Rome FBU using Form SSA e2960 USA/SI 3 (U.S.- Slovenia Agreement on Social Security Transmittal/Request/Certification).

D. References

  • GN 01702.001 through GN 01702.525 Development and Routing of Totalization Claims

  • MS 03509.011 Totalization (TOTL)


To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0201771010
GN 01771.010 - How to Develop and Process Applications (Claims) Filed in the Federal Benefits Unit in Rome, Italy under the U.S. - Slovenia Totalization Agreement - 10/22/2024
Batch run: 10/22/2024
Rev:10/22/2024