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

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

provided they are:

• •

  refugees or stateless persons, or

• •

  alien auxiliary or survivor beneficiaries entitled on the SSN of a worker who is (or was at the time of death) a U.S. citizen, Swedish citizen, or refugee or stateless person.

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

If a claimant who does not meet another exception to the alien nonpayment provisions appears to fall into one of the above categories and alleges residence in Sweden, verify that the exemption provided by the agreement applies by developing the following:

• •

  residence status

• •

  refugee or stateless person status, if the claimant alleges such status, or in the case of a dependent or survivor it is alleged that the worker is (or was at the time of death) a refugee or stateless person

• •

  citizenship of the worker, if a dependent or survivor alleges that the worker is (or was at the time of death) a U.S. or Swedish citizen.

• •

  Alien nonpayment provisions, RS 02610.000ff

• •

  Developing refugee or stateless person status
  
  

• •

  Developing citizenship and residence status, GN 01702.230