1. Totalization benefits only - Form SSA-2490-BK
When an applicant files for U.S. Totalization benefits under the U.S. - U.K. Agreement,
the field office (FO) must complete Part I and Part II of Form SSA-2490-BK (Application
For Benefits Under A U.S. International Social Security Agreement) using the appropriate
Modernized Claim System (MCS) screens. The FO must also complete the appropriate retirement,
survivors, or disability insurance application(s).
2. U.S. Totalization and U.K. benefits - Special U.K. application form
An individual who wishes to file for both U.S. Totalization benefits and U.K. benefits
must complete Part I and Part II of Form SSA-2490-BK, the appropriate retirement,
survivors or disability insurance application(s) and Form SSA-1278 (Request for Payment
of Reimbursable Expenses under the U.S.A. - United Kingdom Agreement on Social Security).
You can access the special U.K. form in the Totalization Benefits Resource
Kit online.
NOTE: When an applicant is filing for regular (non-Totalization) benefits from the U.S.
and benefits from the U.K. (regular or Totalization), it is not necessary to complete
the SSA-2490. However, the Modernized Claims System (MCS) will not allow clearance
of the claim for U.S. benefits until the path for the SSA-2490 is entered. To clear
the U.S. claim, complete only the first (FINF) screen in the SSA-2490 path. This will
release the claim for U.S. benefits for award or denial. The claim for U.K. benefits
should then be completed using the U.K. forms described in GN 01719.215C.