Effective Dates: 8/07/2024 - Present

Identification Number:
GN 00307 TN 147
Intended Audience:See Transmittal Sheet
Originating Office:ORDP OISP
Title:Foreign Evidence
Type:POMS Full Transmittals
Program:All Programs
Link To Reference:
 

PROGRAM OPERATIONS MANUAL SYSTEM

Part GN – General

Chapter 003 – Evidence

Subchapter 07 – Foreign Evidence

Transmittal No. 147, 08/07/2024

Audience

PSC: CA, CS, ICDS, IES, ISRA, RECONR, SCPS, TSA, TST;
OCO-OEIO: BET, CAQCR, CC, CR, CTE, ERE, FCR, FDE, FDEC, RECONR;
OCO-ODO: CR, CST, CTE, CTE TE;
FO/TSC: CS, CS TII, CS TXVI, CSR, CTE, DRT, FR, OA, OS, RR, TA, TSC-CSR;

Originating Component

OISP

Effective Date

Upon Receipt

Background

This transmittal updates the POMS section on foreign records and documents. We are adding citations, revising or adding headings, clarifying information, and applying plain language standards and inclusive language.

Summary of Changes

GN 00307.001 Foreign Records and Documents

Added the Citations, Soc, Sec. Act Sec. 205. (a) 42 U.S.C. 405 (a) to provide further guidance on our authority to collect and evaluate evidence.

Subsection A:

  • •

    Revised the subsection heading for clarity.

Subsection B:

  • •

    Revised the subsection heading for clarity.

  • •

    Explained clearer that we have special policies and procedures, outlined in the GN 00307 chapter.

  • •

    Included information on working with the Federal Benefits Units (FBU) within the Department of State (DOS) to verify the authenticity of evidence..

  • •

    Deleted "Foreign Service Posts (FSPs)" and added "Federal Benefits Unit (FBUs)".

Subsection C:

  • •

    Added two subsections.

  • •

    Added refer to GN 00307.000 for country-specific procedures for requesting evidence.

GN 00307.001 Foreign Records and Documents

CITATIONS:

Soc. Sec. Act Sec. 205(a). [42 U.S.C. 405(a)]

A. Introduction to foreign records and documents

This sub-chapter contains information on foreign records and the procedures that apply to foreign records. 

We have special policies and procedures for evaluating certain foreign evidence because:

  • •

    Countries have unique processes for issuing, maintaining, and certifying records.

  • •

    The quality and reliability of records may vary among countries.

B. Procedure for evaluating foreign records and documents 

When evaluating foreign records and documents:

  • •

    Consider information about the issuance, maintenance, availability, and certification of foreign records. Refer to GN 00307.000 for country-specific policies and procedures.

  • •

    If evidence appears questionable or of unknown value, request assistance from the Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) assigned to that location.  Provide any necessary information to the FBU (including a photocopy of the document).

C. Procedure for evaluating foreign records and documents

1. Required information for requesting foreign birth evidence 

Refer to GN 00307.000 for country-specific procedures for requesting birth evidence. All requests for foreign birth information should include:

  • •

    Claimant's full name at birth (including any double surnames),

  • •

    Claimant's date of birth, alleged date of birth, any date of birth used (actual or not).

  • •

    Claimant's place of birth, including the state and town, village, or city,

    • –

      If known, include the claimant's address at birth.

    • –

      If the claimant's address is unknown, include the name of the nearest known municipality.

  • •

    Claimant's parents' full names,

  • •

    State the type of claim the evidence is for, and

  • •

    Claimant or Number holder’s SSN, if available.

2. Required information for requesting other foreign evidence

Refer to GN 00307.000 for country-specific procedures for requesting evidence.

For other types of evidence (death, marriage, divorce, or adoption, etc.), include all applicable information such as names, dates, places, type of claim the evidence is for, and claimant or Number holder’s SSN, if available.


GN 00307 TN 147 - Foreign Evidence - 8/07/2024