Effective Dates: 3/12/2025 - Present

Identification Number:
GN 01764 BASIC
Intended Audience:See Transmittal Sheet
Originating Office:DCO OCO OEIO DTPS
Title:DIO and FSP Processing Under the Agreement with Iceland
Type:POMS Full Transmittals
Program:All Programs
Link To Reference:
 

PROGRAM OPERATIONS MANUAL SYSTEM

Part GN – General

Chapter 017 – Totalization Benefits

Subchapter 64 – OEIO, DIO, and FSP Processing under the Agreement with Iceland

Transmittal No. BASIC, 03/12/2025

Audience

FBU: CS, FSP Supervisors, OS, RFBO, RTA, SR;
OCO-OEIO: BET, Division Analysts, FCTE, FCTE TE, Managers;

Originating Component

OCO

Effective Date

Upon Receipt

Background

This transmittal is a new subchapter. We are moving all sections in subchapter GN 01772.000 to GN 01764.000. GN 01772.000 will be archived after this transmittal is published. We are changing the sequence of numbers per Office of Data Exchange.

Summary of Changes

GN 01764.005 How the Division of International Operations (DIO) Modules Review Claims under the U.S- Iceland Totalization Agreement

We moved GN 01772.005 to this new section.

GN 01764.010 How to Develop and Process Applications Filed in the Federal Benefits Unit in Oslo, Norway under the U.S. – Iceland Totalization Agreement

We moved GN 01772.010 to this new section.

GN 01764.012 How the Federal Benefits Unit in Oslo, Norway Processes and Develops Claims Filed with the Icelandic Liaison Agency

We moved GN 01772.012 to this new section.

GN 01764.025 Icelandic Social Insurance Administration (Icelandic Liaison Agency)

We moved GN 01772.025 to this new section.

GN 01764.105 Icelandic Certified Coverage Record

We moved GN 01772.105 to this new section.

GN 01764.110 How to Credit Quarters of Coverage Based on the Icelandic Certified Coverage Record

We moved GN 01772.110 to this new section.

GN 01764.205 Preparing Claims Packages in the Division of International Operations (DIO) for Claims Filed Outside of Iceland

We moved GN 01772.205 to this new section.

GN 01764.210 Preparing Claims Packages in the Division of International Operations (DIO) for Claims Filed in Iceland

We moved GN 01772.210 to this new section.

GN 01764.220 Completing the Form SSA e2960 USA/IS3 (U.S. – Iceland Agreement on Social Security Transmittal/Request/Certification)

We moved GN 01772.220 to this new section.

GN 01764.230 Controlling Requests Sent to the Icelandic Liaison Agency on Form SSA e2960 USA/IS3 (Transmittal/Request/Certification)

We moved GN 01772.230 to this new section.

GN 01764.235 Facts about the Icelandic Liaison Agency Form SSA e2960 IS-USA 3 (Transmittal/Request/Certification)

We moved GN 01772.235 to this new section.

GN 01764.305 Life- to- Death Conversions – Icelandic Agreement

We moved GN 01772.305 to this new section.

GN 01764.310 Icelandic Liaison Agency Requests for Medical Examinations

We moved GN 01772.310 to this new section.

GN 01764.315 Iceland Birth Registration Number

We moved GN 01772.315 to this new section.

GN 01764.320 Icelandic Medical Exam Reimbursement Form

We moved GN 01772.320 to this new section.

GN 01764.325 Social Security Administration (SSA) Medical Exam Reimbursement Form

We moved GN 01772.325 to this new section.

Conversion Table
Old POMS ReferenceNew POMS Reference
GN 01772.005GN 01764.005
GN 01772.010GN 01764.010
GN 01772.012 GN 01764.012
GN 01772.025GN 01764.025
GN 01772.105GN 01764.105
GN 01772.110GN 01764.110
GN 01772.205GN 01764.205
GN 01772.210GN 01764.210
GN 01772.220GN 01764.220
GN 01772.230GN 01764.230
GN 01772.235GN 01764.235
GN 01772.305GN 01764.305
GN 01772.310GN 01764.310
GN 01772.315GN 01764.315
GN 01772.320GN 01764.320
GN 01772.325GN 01764.325

GN 01764.005 How the Division of International Operations (DIO) Modules Review Claims under the U.S - Iceland Totalization Agreement

A. Procedure for reviewing claims under the U.S. - Iceland Totalization Agreement

Follow these steps for reviewing claims under the U.S. - Iceland Totalization Agreement:

  1. 1. 

    Review the file for the required applications and evidence listed in GN 01763.205 through GN 01763.220.

  2. 2. 

    Check the file for a U.S. totalization earnings record that we can send to the Iceland Liaison Agency the Social Insurance Administration (SIA). If one is not in the file, request an ICERS record following the instructions in MSOM ICERS 001.001 and MSOM ICERS 001.004 for inclusion in the claims package to the Liaison Agency.

  3. 3. 

    Confirm that we included all available medical evidence if the claim is for disability benefits.

  4. 4. 

    When all required material is in the file, prepare a claims package for Iceland according to the guidelines in GN 01763.205 through GN 01763.210 and send the claims package to the Icelandic Liaison Agencies:

For All Claims:

Iceland Social Insurance Administration (SIA)

Tryggingastofnun International

Hlíðasmári 11,

201Kópavogur

Iceland

If claim requires escalating to a higher level based on extreme delays of 120 days or more:

Send to OEIO, DTPS in paperless

B. References

GN 01764.010 How to Develop and Process Applications Filed in the Federal Benefits Unit in Oslo, Norway under the U.S. – Iceland Totalization Agreement

A. Process for applications filed in the Oslo, Norway Federal Benefits Unit

The Oslo, Norway Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) takes claims from persons residing in Iceland who wish to file for U.S. Social Security benefits.

In processing claims for U.S. benefits under the U.S. - Icelandic Totalization Agreement the FBU should follow the same general procedures as Social Security Administration (SSA) field offices when processing domestic claims.

B. Procedure for development and routing of U.S. claims for U.S. benefits filed at the FBU in Oslo, Norway

The following development and routing instructions apply to claims U.S. benefits under the U.S. - Icelandic Totalization Agreement filed at the FBU in Oslo, Norway.

1. Retirement and Disability Claims - worker not insured based solely on U.S. coverage

  • •

    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.

  • •

    forwards a liaison Form SSA-e2960 USA/IS3 and Parts I and II of Form SSA-2490 to the Liaison Agency in Iceland to request a coverage record; and

  • •

    completes the appropriate MCS application screens, the TOTALIZATION (TOTL) Screen (see MSOM MCS 009.011), and the SSA 2490 screens (MSOM MCS 007.001).

 

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

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 Iceland coverage record

Forward a liaison form SSA-e2960 USA-IS3 to the Iceland Liaison Agency to request the Iceland certified coverage record if it appears that the worker is not insured based on U.S. coverage alone.

4. Send claim to the Division of International Operations (DIO) for processing

Forward completed claims to DIO with a copy of the completed liaison form sent to the Iceland Liaison Agency attached.

C. Iceland Claim

Refer all inquiries for Icelandic benefits received in the FBU in Oslo, Norway to the Icelandic Liaison Agency SIA.

If an applicant contacts the Oslo, Norway FBU to file for Icelandic benefits, the FBU will send the Iceland Liaison Agency SIA the following:

• Form SSA-e2960 USA-IS3 (U.S-Iceland Agreement on Social Security Transmittal/Request/Certification) to certify the filing date for Icelandic benefits;

• U.S. coverage record;

• Supporting evidence for non-disability claims; and,

  • •

    Available medical evidence if the claim is for disability benefits.

D. References

GN 01764.012 How the Federal Benefits Unit in Oslo, Norway Processes and Develops Claims Filed with the Icelandic Liaison Agency

A. Process to file a claim for U.S. benefits

When a person contacts the Icelandic Liaison Agency (Social Insurance Administration - SIA) to file a claim for U.S. benefits, the Agency sends the following information to the Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) in Oslo, Norway:

  • •

    Form SSA-e2960 USA-IS3, (U.S.- Iceland Transmittal/Request/Certification) certifying the filing date of the claim;

  • •

    Icelandic certified coverage record IS-205;

  • •

    supporting evidence for non-disability claims; and,

  • •

    available medical evidence if the claim is for disability benefits.

B. Procedure for FBU to process referrals from the Icelandic Liaison Agency

This procedure explains how the Oslo, Norway FBU processes referrals from the Icelandic Liaison Agency.

1. Claimant already entitled to U.S. benefits

If the claimant is already entitled to the type of U.S. benefit for which he or she is applying, forward all material to the Division of International Operations with the annotation “already entitled to U.S. benefits”.

2. Claimant not already entitled to U.S. benefits

If the claimant is not already entitled to the type of U.S. benefit for which he is she is applying, process the claim in the same manner described in GN 01772.010B.

C. Reference

GN 01764.025 Icelandic Social Insurance Administration (Icelandic Liaison Agency)

A. Introduction to the Icelandic Liaison Agency

There is one Iceland Liaison Agency. We will communicate with this agency to process claims for benefits under the U.S.-Iceland Totalization Agreement.

B. Procedure for requesting information from the SIA

Transmit information to or request information from the SIA using the Totalization Data Collection Program (TDCP).

SSA-e2960 USA-IS 3(Transmittal/Request/Certification).

Pre-addressed to:

 

Iceland Social Insurance Administration (SIA)

Tryggingastofnun International

Hlíðasmári 11,

201 Kópavogur

Iceland

GN 01764.105 Icelandic Certified Coverage Record

A. Policy for forwarding certified coverage records

The Icelandic certified coverage record is the Form IS-205 (Icelandic Coverage Certification). It is the only acceptable form for the certification of an Iceland coverage record. Forward certified coverage records in any other format to the Office of Earnings and International Operations, Division of Training and Program Support for approval.

GN 01764.110 How to Credit Quarters of Coverage Based on the Icelandic Certified Coverage Record

A. Policy – Icelandic certified coverage record

Use the Icelandic certified coverage record to assign foreign (“F”) quarters of coverage to the U.S. coverage record.

  • •

    There is no minimum amount of Icelandic coverage that must be earned before the United States can use it;

  • •

    The Social Security Administration (SSA) will credit one quarter of coverage for every three months of coverage certified by the agency of Iceland;

  • •

    SSA will not credit months of coverage under Iceland’s social insurance system that fall within a calendar quarter that SSA already credited as a U.S. quarter of coverage; and

  • •

    SSA will not credit more than four quarters of coverage for any calendar year, or consider periods of Icelandic coverage credited prior to 1937, (the earliest date for which U.S. law permits crediting periods of coverage).

B. Procedure to assign Iceland coverage

In determining entitlement to a U.S. benefit under the U.S. - Icelandic Totalization Agreement, take the following steps to assign Icelandic coverage:

  1. 1. 

    If the claimant is filing for disability benefits, credit all possible foreign quarters of coverage to the U.S. record.

  2. 2. 

    If the claimant is filing for retirement or survivor benefits, credit only the number of quarters required for insured status.

  3. 3. 

    To determine the maximum possible number of foreign quarters (“F”) of coverage, divide the number of months in each insurance period by 3 (the number of months in a quarter). Consider any remainder of one foreign quarter.

  4. 4. 

    If there is a period of coverage that begins or ends in the same calendar quarter as another period of coverage, determine the number of “F” quarters for each period separately.

  5. 5. 

    Assign foreign quarters as follows:

    1. a. 

      Assign “F” quarters for each creditable period shown on the Iceland coverage certification record starting with the calendar quarter in which the period begins and continuing consecutively until all foreign quarters are assigned

    2. b. 

      Do not assign a foreign quarter in a calendar quarter where a U.S. quarter is already assigned. When a U.S. quarter is assigned in the same period as an Icelandic period of coverage for years 1977 or earlier, do not assign a foreign quarter of coverage for that period. Begin assigning foreign quarters again in the next available quarter.

    3. c. 

      For years after 1977, assign U.S. quarters using the flexible crediting provision to permit assigning the maximum number of foreign quarters. RS 00301.230

    4. d. 

      Do not skip over a foreign quarter assigned based on another period of Icelandic coverage. If foreign quarters based on separate periods of Icelandic coverage fall with the same calendar quarter, cancel one of the overlapping foreign quarters.

  6. 6. 

    Process the award (assuming all other entitlement factors are met) if the worker is insured for U.S. totalization benefits after crediting Icelandic coverage.

  7. 7. 

    If the worker is not insured based on combined coverage and the claim is for disability benefits or for survivor benefits paid based on currently insured status, re-credit the foreign coverage. Follow GN 01772.110B step 4, except assign foreign quarters starting with the last available quarter of each period and continuing backwards consecutively until all foreign quarters are assigned.

  8. 8. 

    If the worker does not meet insured status for U.S. totalization benefits after crediting U.S. and Icelandic coverage, deny the claim.

C. Reference

GN 01764.205 Preparing Claims Packages in the Division of International Operations (DIO) for Claims Filed Outside of Iceland

A. Procedure – Initial claims packages

Prepare initial claims packages to request Icelandic certified coverage records and to inform the Icelandic Social Insurance Administration (SIA), about claims for Icelandic benefits.

B. Procedure – U.S. claims

Prepare form SSA-e2960 USA-IS 3 (Transmittal/Request/Certification) and forward it to the SIA, if the Icelandic certified coverage record is not in the claims file.

C. Procedure - Claims for Icelandic - totalization benefits filed in the United States

Prepare a claims package that includes:

  • •

    Form SSA-e2960 USA-IS 3 to request an Icelandic certified coverage record if needed. Use this form to certify the filing date for Icelandic benefits, to establish factors of entitlement, and to give U.S. benefit information;

  • •

    U.S. totalization earnings record;

  • •

    Medical evidence already in file, if the claim is for disability benefits; and,

  • •

    Any other relevant evidence that Iceland requires to take action on the claim.

D. Reference

GN 01764.210 Preparing Claims Packages in the Division of International Operations (DIO) for Claims Filed in Iceland

A. Procedure – U.S. claim

Prepare a Form SSA-e2960 USA-IS3 (Transmittal/Request/Certification) if an Icelandic certified coverage record is required, but was not requested.

B. Procedure – Claims for U.S. and Icelandic benefits or Icelandic benefits only

Prepare Form SSA-e2960 USA-IS 3 (Transmittal/Request/Certification) to:

  1. 1. 

    request the Icelandic certified coverage record; and

  2. 2. 

    send the Icelandic liaison agency any information or documentation it may have requested.

GN 01764.220 Completing the Form SSA e2960 USA/IS3 (U.S. – Iceland Agreement on Social Security Transmittal/Request/Certification)

A. Process for the SSA e2960 USA-IS3

The Division of International Operations (DIO) and the Oslo, Norway Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) complete the SSA-e2960 USA-IS 3 via the Totalization Data Collection Program (TDCP). Use the SSA-e2960 USA-IS 3 to:

  • •

    transmit claims and related material to the Icelandic Liaison Agency;

  • •

    request information from the Icelandic Liaison Agency; and,

  • •

    respond to requests from the Icelandic Liaison Agency.

B. Procedure for completing the eForm SSA 2960 USA/IS 3

Use the following procedures to complete the items on the eForm SSA 2960 USA-IS3:

Item

Explanation

Date of Original field

Date automatically propagates

Date(s) of Follow-ups field

Follow-up date(s) automatically propagates

To field

Select the appropriate foreign agency

From Field

Office/Office Code and Fax numbers (if provided automatically propagate based on user's profile

1. Information about the claim

Complete the following information about the claim on the SSA-e2960 USA-IS 3:

a. Name of worker

Enter the first and last name(s) of the worker.

b. Name of worker at birth

Enter the worker's name at birth if it has changed.

c. Worker’s sex

Check the appropriate sex of the worker.

d. Iceland National Identification Number

Enter the Icelandic National Identification Number, if it appears on the application or on the Icelandic liaison form. If the claimant did not provide the Icelandic National Identification Number, indicate UNKNOWN in the Remarks field and provide the following information about the claimant:

  • •

    given name,

  • •

    surname,

  • •

    date of birth, and

  • •

    place of birth

e. Worker’s U.S. Social Security Number (SSN)

Enter the worker’s U.S. SSN.

f. Claimant’s name

Enter claimant’s name.

g. Claimant’s name at birth

If the claimant’s name has changed, enter the individual’s name at the time of birth.

h. Claimant’s U.S. SSN

Enter claimant’s U.S. SSN when he or she is not the worker entered in item A on the form.

i. Claimant’s address and telephone number

Enter the complete address and telephone number of the claimant.

j. Type of benefits claimed

On initial claims packages, indicate the type of claim for U.S. benefits or Icelandic benefits in the appropriate columns.

k. Date claim filed

Enter the filing date certified to the Icelandic Liaison Agency on all initial claims packages or in response to the agency’s request for the filing date.

l. Certification of Data

Complete the Certification of Data part of the form only when transmitting a claim for Icelandic benefits, or in response to the Icelandic Liaison Agency’s request for specific information.

If the requested information is not available, indicate “unknown.” If our records do not verify the known requested information, enter the information but do not check the “Verified” block.

m. Name Birth/Name

Enter the names of all claimants and, in survivor cases, the name of the deceased worker.

Enter the date of birth (DOB) for all claimants and, if applicable, for the deceased worker.

Check the “Verified” block if we used the DOB to award U.S. benefits, or if the master beneficiary record (MBR) has a proof code for the DOB.

n. Worker/Contributor’s date of death

Enter the deceased worker’s date of death in survivor claims.

Check the “Verified” block if SSA used the date of death to award U.S. benefits, or if the MBR has a proof code for the date of death.

o. Date of marriage

Enter the date of marriage if a spouse or widow(er) is claiming benefits. Check “Verified” if we used the date of marriage to award U.S. benefits or if the MBR has a proof code for the date of marriage.

p. Date of divorce

Enter the date of divorce if a divorced spouse or widow(er) is claiming benefits. Check “Verified” if we used the date of divorce to award U.S. benefits or if the MBR has a proof code for the date of the divorce.

q. Country of birth

Enter the country of birth for the worker. Check “Verified” if we used the data to award U.S. benefits or if the MBR has a proof code for the country of birth.

r. Worker’s citizenship

Enter the country of citizenship of the worker. Check “Verified” if we used the data to award U.S. benefits or if the MBR has a proof code for the worker’s citizenship.

2. Providing information to Icelandic Liaison Agency

If you send an initial claims package or respond to an assistance request, check all appropriate blocks to indicate the type of material you sent to the Icelandic Liaison Agency.

a. Coverage record

Check this block when including a U.S. earnings record.

b. Icelandic applications

Check this block when including Icelandic applications.

c. Medical evidence

Check this block when including medical evidence the claimant submitted or from SSA files.

d. Date information requested

Indicate the date of the Icelandic Liaison Agency’s request if responding to a request from them.

e. Other

If attaching material not covered by any block shown, briefly explain the attachment in the space provided for “Remarks.”

3. Information SSA needs from the Icelandic Liaison Agency

If you are requesting information under the Agreement, check “Yes.”

If you answer “No,” attach a consent statement.

Check at least one block to indicate the type of material we are requesting from the Liaison Agency:

a. Icelandic coverage record

Check this block to request the Icelandic certified coverage record.

b. Medical evidence

Check this block to request medical evidence from the Icelandic Liaison Agency.

c. Status of request date

Check this block to follow up on an earlier request to the Icelandic Liaison Agency. Show the date of the original request in the space provided.

d. Other

If requesting information not covered by items in GN 01772.220B.3.a. through GN 01772.220B.3.c., briefly explain the request in the space provided for in “Remarks.”

4. Remarks

Add only necessary remarks and make them clear and concise. Do not use technical jargon or abbreviations. Be sure to enter your name in the signature block.

 

GN 01764.230 Controlling Requests Sent to the Icelandic Liaison Agency on Form SSA e2960 USA/IS3 (Transmittal/Request/Certification)

A. Procedure to prepare a diary

Prepare a diary for information requested from the Icelandic Liaison Agency:

  • •

    diary initial request for 60 days;

  • •

    diary follow-up requests for 15 days; and

  • •

    notify your Deputy Module Manager (DMM) or Module Manager (MM) if there is no response after 2 follow-ups.

GN 01764.235 Facts about the Icelandic Liaison Agency Form SSA e2960 IS-USA 3 (Transmittal/Request/Certification)

A. Procedure – When to use Form SSA-e2960 (IS-USA 3)

The Icelandic Liaison Agency uses the Form SSA e2960 IS-USA 3 to:

  • •

    transmit material to the Division of International Operations (DIO) or the Oslo, Norway Federal Benefits Unit (FBU);

  • •

    send information to DIO or the Oslo, Norway FBU, and

  • •

    request information from DIO.

GN 01764.305 Life-to-Death Conversions – Icelandic Agreement

A. Policy for life-to-death conversions

The Icelandic Liaison Agency requires that the survivor files an application and meets certain conditions to receive survivor’s benefits when a worker dies after the entitlement of a dependent. An automatic conversion process does not occur.

B. Reference

GN 01764.310 Icelandic Liaison Agency Requests for Medical Examinations

A. Background – Icelandic Liaison Agency requests a medical examination

If the Icelandic Liaison Agency requests a medical examination for a U.S. resident, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will schedule the examination and send the results to the liaison agency.

B. Process for Icelandic Liaison Agency to obtain medical examinations

To obtain medical examinations for the Icelandic Liaison Agency, use the following process:

1. Icelandic Liaison Agency requests for medical examinations

The Icelandic Liaison Agency requests medical examinations using the Form SSA e2960 IS-USA 3 (Iceland – U.S. Agreement on Social Security Transmittal/Request/Certification Form).

2. SSA schedules examination or forwards medical evidence

Medical evidence is evidence that SSA obtained in connection with a continuing disability review or a disability claim filed or adjudicated within a year of the date for which the Icelandic Liaison Agency has specifically requested medical evidence. SSA schedules an examination, or forwards “pertinent medical evidence” from SSA files to the Icelandic Liaison Agency. SSA's files include paper claims folders and electronic files.

3. SSA requests reimbursement for cost of medical examinations

SSA requests reimbursement for the cost of medical examinations obtained for the Icelandic Liaison Agency using Form SSA 1278 U.S. - IS-9 (Request for Payment of Reimbursable Expenses under U.S./Iceland Agreement on Social Security). Once the form is completed, scan it into the electronic file and send a copy to:

Iceland Social Insurance Agency (SIA)

Tryggingastofnun International Hlíðasmári 11,

201 Kópavogur

Iceland

NOTE: 

You can print this form from the SSA Totalization Forms section of the Office of Earnings and International Operations, Division of International Operations Totalization Resource Kit.

GN 01764.315 Iceland Birth Registration Number

A. Background on the birth registration number

The Icelandic birth registration number (or "Kennitala" number) is issued at birth. the kennitala number consists of ten numeric digits, which include:

  • •

    The first two digits represent the day of birth;

  • •

    The next two digits represent the month of birth;

  • •

    The net two digits represent the year of birth; and

  • •

    The last four digits represent the century

NOTE: 

Include the kennitala number on all correspondence. If you do not provide the kennitala number, provide the worker’s date of birth, place of birth, and name used when the person worked in Iceland.

GN 01764.320 Icelandic Medical Exam Reimbursement Form

The Icelandic Liaison Agency will use the SSA 2960 IS-USA 3 (U.S.A. – Iceland Agreement on Social Security Transmittal/Request/Certification Form) for reimbursement of medical expenses regarding requests for exams, and will attach a detailed statement of expenses incurred as a result of the medical examination.

GN 01764.325 Social Security Administration (SSA) Medical Exam Reimbursement Form

SSA uses the Form SSA 1278 U.S.- IS 9 (Request for Payment of Reimbursable Expenses under U.S.A.–Iceland Agreement on Social Security) for reimbursement of medical expenses regarding requests for exams.

The Form SSA 1278 U.S.- IS 9 (Request for Payment of Reimbursable Expenses under U.S.A. – Iceland Agreement on Social Security) is available on the SSA Totalization Forms section of the Office of Earnings and International Operations, Division of International Operations, Totalization Resource Kit.

Mail the form to:

For Disability Claims:

Social Insurance Administration

Tryggingastofnun International

Hlíðasmári 11,

201 Kópavogur

Iceland

GN 01764 BASIC - DIO and FSP Processing Under the Agreement with Iceland - 3/12/2025