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 U.S. for more than 6 months.

As explained in GN 01701.150A.1., certain alien beneficiaries who would otherwise be subject to suspension under section 202(t)(1) are exempt from suspension if they reside in a country with which the U.S. has a Totalization agreement. This exemption applies to residents of France who receive regular RSDI benefits as well as those who receive Totalization benefits.

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

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  Alien nonpayment provisions, RS 02610.000 ff.

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  Definition of the Territory of France, GN 01723.115

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  Developing residence status, GN 01702.220 - GN 01702-225.