FO/TSC: CS, CS TII, DRT, FR, OA, OS, RR, CSR, TA, CTE, TSC-CSR;
PSC: CA, SCPS, CS, TSA, TST, ICDS, IES, ISRA, RECONR;
OCO-ODO: CR, CST, CTE, CTE TE;
OCO-OEIO: CR, CTE, FCR, RECONR;
Background
A Totalization Agreement with Iceland became effective March 1, 2019. This agreement has two main purposes. First, it eliminates dual social security coverage and taxation, which occurs when both the United States and Iceland require a worker to pay social security taxes on the same earnings. Second, the agreement helps fill gaps in benefit protection for workers who divide their careers between the United States and Iceland.
Summary of Changes
GN 01772.005 How the Division of International Operations (DIO) Modules Review Claims under the U.S-Iceland Totalization Agreement
This section gives the specific instruction for reviewing claims for benefits under the U.S. – Iceland agreement.
GN 01772.010 How to Develop and Process Applications Filed in the Foreign Benefits Unit in Oslo, Norway under the U.S. – Iceland Totalization Agreements
This section gives specific processing instructions when claims are filed in the Foreign Benefits Unit (FBU) in Oslo, Norway under the U.S. – Iceland agreement.
GN 01772.012 How the Foreign Benefits Unit in Oslo, Norway Processes and Develops Claims filed with the Iceland Liaison Agency
This section is about how the Foreign Benefits Unit (FBU) processes and develops claims for those eligible for U.S. benefits.
GN 01772.025 Iceland Social Insurance Administration (Iceland Liaison Agency)
This section provides information on the Icelandic liaison agency and using Totalization Data Collection Program (TDCP) under the Iceland Totalization Agreement.
GN 01772.105 Icelandic Certified Coverage Record
This section is about the Icelandic certified coverage record (Form IS-205) and exhibit.
GN 01772.110 How to Credit Quarters of Coverage Based on the Icelandic Certified Coverage Record
This section gives instruction on how to assign and credit quarters of coverage from an Icelandic certified coverage record for U.S. benefits.
GN 01772.205 Preparing Claims Packages in the Division of International Operations (DIO) for Claims Filed outside of Iceland
This section is about the procedure in preparing claims packages when filing a claim outside of Iceland.
GN 01772.210 Preparing Claims Packages in the Division of International Operations (DIO) for Claims Filed in Iceland
This section is about the procedure in preparing claims packages when filing in Iceland.
GN 01772.220 Completing the Form SSA e2960 USA/IS3 (U.S. – Iceland Agreement on Social Security Transmittal/Request/Certification)
This section is about how to complete claims and related material to the Icelandic liaison agencies.
GN 01772.230 Controlling Requests Sent to the Icelandic Liaison Agency on Form SSA e2960 USA//IS3 (Transmittal/Request/Certification)
This section gives instructions on how to prepare a diary for information that the Icelandic liaison agency has requested.
GN 01772.235 Facts about the Icelandic Liaison Agency Liaison Form SSA e2960 USA/IS3 (Transmittal/Request/Certification)
This section gives instruction on using Form SSA e2960 (USA/IS3).
GN 01772.305 Life- to- Death Conversions – Icelandic Agreement
This section is about the conditions that must be met before a survivor can receive benefits.
GN 01772.310 Icelandic Liaison Agency Requests for Medical Examinations
This section gives instruction on how to process the requests for medical examinations from the Icelandic liaison agency.
GN 01772.315 Iceland Birth Registration Number
This section is about how Iceland determines birth registration numbers.
GN 01772.320 Icelandic Medical Exam Reimbursement Form
This section gives instruction about the form.
GN 01772.325 Social Security Administration (SSA) Medical Exam Reimbursement Form
This section gives instruction about the SSA form used to obtain reimbursement for medical expenses incurred between Iceland and the U.S.
GN 01772.005 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:
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.
Confirm that we included all available medical evidence if the claim is for disability benefits.
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
GN 01772.010 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
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.
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.
GN 01772.012 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.
GN 01772.025 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
IcelandGN 01772.105 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 01772.110 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.
If the claimant is filing for disability benefits, credit all possible foreign quarters of coverage to the U.S. record.
2.
If the claimant is filing for retirement or survivor benefits, credit only the number of quarters required for insured status.
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.
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.
Assign foreign quarters as follows:
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
If the worker does not meet insured status for U.S. totalization benefits after crediting U.S. and Icelandic coverage, deny the claim.
GN 01772.205 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.
GN 01772.210 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.
request the Icelandic certified coverage record; and
2.
send the Icelandic liaison agency any information or documentation it may have requested.
GN 01772.220 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:
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.
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:
e. Worker’s U.S. Social Security Number (SSN)
Enter the worker’s U.S. SSN.
g. Claimant’s name at birth
If the claimant’s name has changed, enter the individual’s name at the time of birth.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Check this block when including a U.S. earnings record.
b. Icelandic applications
Check this block when including Icelandic applications.
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.
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.
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.
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 01772.230 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 01772.235 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 01772.305 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.
GN 01772.310 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 01772.315 Icelandic 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 01772.320 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 01772.325 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