A worker or employer who wishes to apply for a special exception writes to the designated agency in the country where the worker wishes to remain covered. The letter should:

• •

  give all the information necessary to issue a certificate of coverage under the U.S.-German agreement; and

• •

  explain why a special exception should be granted.

Individuals wishing to request an exception granting U.S. coverage should write to the following address:

Social Security Administration
Division of Training and Program Support
International Support Branch
P.O. Box 17741
Baltimore, MD 21235-7741
USA
Fax: (410) 966-1861
Request online: https://opts.ssa.gov

Individuals wishing to request an exception granting German coverage should write to the address below:

GKV-Spitzenverband
Deutsche Verbindungsstelle
Krankenversicherung - Ausland (DVKA)
Pennefeldsweg 12 c
D-53177 Bonn
GERMANY

The letter requesting the special exception should:

• •

  provide all of the information needed to issue a certificate of coverage (see RS 02001.145); and

• •

  explain the reason for the special exception request.

Upon receipt of a request for a special exception, the agency that receives the request will consider it in collaboration with the other country's agency. If both agencies approve the request for a special exception, the agency that receives the request will issue a certificate of coverage. The certificate of coverage will serve as proof of exemption from coverage and taxes in the other country.