General inquiries are processed in the modules. The module must answer the inquiry
even if there is no record of a prior folder. General inquiries should not be referred
to the International Benefits Unit (IBO), a DO, or an FSP. Although the Translation
and Priority Work Unit (TPWU) is responsible for controlling and preparing the final
replies to sensitive correspondence, TPWU frequently requests the assistance of module
personnel to insure that the replies are correct and comprehensive. Module personnel
should sign and date written information provided to TPWU.
If the inquiry involves a coverage question under an agreement, it should be routed
through the claims authorization technical assistant (CA TA) to IPPS, OIP, OP. If
a coverage inquiry is received by telephone, obtain the caller's name and telephone
number and inform him that you will have someone knowledgeable return his call. Give
the information to the CA TA for referral to the International Program Policy Staff.
1. Processing inquiries about Italian benefits
An inquiry about the Italian social security program should be answered by the Italian
agency responsible for administering the agreement for Italy—the Istituto Nazionale
di Previdenza Sociale (INPS). Inform the inquirer that SSA is not able to answer his
inquiry about the Italian social security system. Advise the writer to write to INPS
at the following address:
-
I.N.P.S.—Direzione Generale
Centro Nazionale per le Prestazioni
in Regime di Convenzione Internazionale
Via della Frezza 17
00177 Rome, Italy
2. Processing inquiries about German benefits
An inquiry about the German social security program should be answered by one of the
German agencies responsible for administering the agreement for Germany. Inform the
inquirer that SSA is not able to answer his inquiry about the German social security
system. Advise the inquirer to write to one of the following agencies, depending on
the individual's German work activity:
-
a.
If the most recent contribution was paid to the Pension Insurance for Wage Earners;
Landesversicherungsanstalt
Freie und Hansestadt Hamburg
Uberseering 10
Postfach
2000 Hamburg 60
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b.
If the most recent contribution was paid to the Pension Insurance of Salaried Employees;
Bundesversicherungsanstalt
fur Angestellte
Postfach
1000 Berlin 88
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c.
If the most recent contribution was paid to the Miners' Pension Insurance, or if there
are at least 60 creditable months (contribution and substitute periods) in the Miners'
Pension Insurance;
Bundesknappschaft
Dezernat 11.8-11
Pieperstrasse 14-28
4630 Bochum
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d.
If the most recent contribution was paid to this Special Institute of the Pension
Insurance of the Wage Earner;
Bundesbahn Versicherungsanstalt
-Bezirksleitung-
Doppersberg 41
5600 Wuppertal-Elbersfeld
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e.
If the most recent contribution was paid to this Special Institute of the Wage Earners'
Pension Insurance, or, if there is at least one contribution as a navigational employee
or as seapilot:
Seekassee
Reimerstwiete
2000 Hamburg II
If you can tell from the letter which agency has jurisdiction, refer the inquirer
to that office; i.e., the letter states the worker's last employment in Germany was
in an underground mine. If you are unable to determine the appropriate office, refer
the inquirer to the Salaried Employees Pension Insurance Agency (b). That office will
determine the appropriate agency to handle the inquiry and make any necessary referrals.
3. Processing inquiries about Swiss benefits
Any inquiry about the Swiss social security program should be answered by the Swiss
Compensation Fund. Inform the inquirier that SSA is not able to answer his or her
inquiry, and advise the inquirer to write to the Swiss Compensation Fund at the following
addresss:
-
Swiss Compensation Fund
Av. Ed. Vaucher 18
1211 Geneva 28 Switzerland