Effective Dates: 08/07/2024 - Present Previous | Next

TN 147 (08-24)

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.

To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200307001
GN 00307.001 - Foreign Records and Documents - 08/07/2024
Batch run: 08/07/2024
Rev:08/07/2024