If the claimant is filing for disability benefits on the record, credit all possible F quarters of coverage to the ER.

If the claimant is not filing for disability benefits on the record, credit only the number of quarters required for insured status.

Determine the maximum possible number of FQCs by dividing the number of months of coverage in each year by 3 (the number of months in a calendar quarter) to determine the maximum possible number of FQCs for that year. Any remainder is considered 1 QC.

Assign FQCs as follows:

• •

  Assign FQCs for each year shown on the Swiss coverage certification starting with the first calendar quarter of the year and continuing consecutively until all FQCs are assigned.

• •

  Do not assign an FQC in a calendar quarter where a U.S. QC is already assigned. When a U.S. QC is assigned within a Swiss period, credit FQCs up to that quarter and begin again in the next available quarter.

• •

  For years after 1977, assign existing U.S. QCs using the flexible crediting provision so as to permit assigning the maximum number of FQCs. (See RS 00301.230 regarding the assignment of QCs.)

If the worker is insured for U.S. totalization benefits after assigning Swiss coverage, process the award (assuming all other entitlement factors are met).

If the claim is for disability benefits or for survivor benefits which could be paid based on currently insured status, recredit coverage per GN 01710.110B.3. However, assign FQCs starting with the last available calendar quarter of each period and continuing backwards consecutively until all FQCs are assigned.

If the worker is insured for U.S. totalization benefits after crediting coverage, , process the award (assuming all other entitlement factors are met).

If the worker is not insured for U.S. totalization benfits after crediting coverage, deny the claim.