Effective Dates: 01/20/1995 - Present Previous | Next

Basic (01-95)

GN 01720.110 How to Credit U.K. Coverage

A. Policy

The U.K. coverage certification is used to assign foreign (F) quarters of coverage to the U.S. earnings record.

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    All periods of coverage certified by the United Kingdom are creditable, including non-contributory and non-work related credits granted during periods of invalidity.

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    The presence of U.K. coverage after disability onset is not necessarily an indication of work. Development of substantial gainful activity should not be initiated based only on the U.K. coverage.

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    There is no minimum amount of U.K. coverage which must be earned before the U.S. can use it.

B. Procedure

Follow these steps to assign U.K. coverage.

Step Action

1

Is the claimant filing for disability benefits on this record?

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    If yes, credit all possible F quarters of coverage.

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    If no, credit only the number of quarters required for insured status.

2

Determine the maximum possible number of FQCs as follows:

Divide the number of weeks of coverage in each insurance period by 13 (the number of weeks in a calendar quarter) to determine the maximum possible number of FQCs for that period. Consider the remainder as 1 FQC.

3

Is there a "from - to" period which begins or ends in the same calendar quarter as another "from -to" period?

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    If yes, determine FQCs for each period separately and go to Step 4.

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    If no, go on to Step 4.

4

Assign FQCs as follows:

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    Assign FQCs for each period shown on the U.K. coverage certification starting with the calendar quarter in which the period begins and continuing consecutively until all FQCs are assigned.

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    Do not assign FQCs after the calendar quarter in which the U.K. period ends.

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    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 U.K. period, credit FQCs up to that quarter and begin again in the next available quarter.

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    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 quarters of coverage.)

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    Do not skip over an FQC that was assigned based on another U.K. period. If FQCs based on separate U.K. periods fall within the same calendar quarter, cancel one of the overlapping FQCs.

5

Is the worker insured for U.S. totalization benefits after assigning U.K. coverage?

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    If yes, process the award (assuming all other entitlement factors are met).

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    If no, go to Step 6.

6

Is the claim for disability benefits or for survivor benefits which could be paid based on currently insured status?

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    If yes, recredit coverage following Step 4, exceptassign FQCs starting with the last available calendar quarter of each period and continuing backwards consecutively until all FQCs are assigned and go to Step 7.

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    If no, deny the claim.

7

Is the worker insured for U.S. totalization benefits after crediting coverage following Step 6?

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    If yes, process the award.

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    If no, deny the claim.

8

Were any FQCs cancelled because they fell within the same calendar quarter and were therefore considered overlapping? (See last instruction for STEP 4 above.)

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    If yes, forward the case to IOTS for evaluation.

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    If no, deny the claim.
To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0201720110
GN 01720.110 - How to Credit U.K. Coverage - 01/20/1995
Batch run: 10/17/2016
Rev:01/20/1995