Section 202(t)(1) of the Social Security Act provides that certain alien beneficiaries will have their benefits suspended once they have been outside the United States for more than 6 months.

As explained in GN 01701.150 A.1., alien beneficiaries who would otherwise be subject to suspension under section 202(t)(1) are exempt from suspension if they reside in Norway.

This exemption applies to people who receive regular RSDI benefits as well as those who receive totalization benefits.

Norwegian citizens are already exempt from the alien nonpayment provisions, regardless of where they reside (see RS 02610.015 A.).

If a claimant who does not meet another exception to the alien nonpayment provisions alleges residence in Norway, develop residence status to verify that the exemption provided by the agreement applies.

• •

  Alien nonpayment provisions, RS 02610.000 ff

• •

  Developing residence status, GN 01702.105