Effective Dates: 01/22/2025 - Present Previous | Next

TN 2 (01-25)

GN 01744.010 How to Develop and Process Applications Filed in the Manila Federal Benefits Unit

A. The Manila Federal Benefits Unit (FBU)

The Manila FBU takes claims from individuals in their service area who wish to file for U.S. and/or Australian benefits under the Australian agreement and also assists in processing certain types of claims filed with Centrelink.

When taking claims under the agreement, the Manila FBU should follow the same general procedures and obtain the same applications and evidence as SSA field offices.

B. What is the procedure for processing claims in the Manila FBU ?

This section describes special development and routing instructions that apply to claims under the agreement filed in the Manila FBU .

1. U.S. Claim

a. Retirement and Disability Claims

In retirement and disability claims, complete the appropriate MCS application screens, the TOTALIZATION (TOTL) screen (see MSOM MCS 009.011) and the SSA-2490 screens (see MSOM MCS 007.001).

b. Survivor Claims

In survivor claims, complete the appropriate MCS application screens, the TOTALIZATION (TOTL) screen (see MSOM MCS 009.011) and Part I of the paper or electronic (e-form) application Form SSA-2490-BK.

c. Worker Appears Not to Be Insured Based On U.S. Coverage Alone-Requesting Australian Working Life Record

Forward a liaison form SSA-2960-AUS, U.S. - Australia Agreement on Social Security Request/Transmittal/Certification Form, to Centrelink to request the Australian working life residence record if it appears that the worker is not insured based on U.S. coverage alone.

NOTE: 

Form SSA-2960 may be printed from the SSA Totalization Forms section of the Totalization Resource Kit.

d. Claim to DIO

Forward the claim to DIO and include a copy of the completed liaison form sent to Centrelink.

2. Australian Claim

a. Application for Australian Benefits

Have the applicant complete the application for Australian benefits (AUS/USA 4) and form Mod (i).

NOTE: 

The Australian application (Part B), instructions for completing the application (Part A), and form Mod (i) may be printed from the SSA Totalization Forms section of the Totalization Resource Kit.

b. Australian Application, Form Mod (i), ICERS,SSA-2960-AUS

Mail the Australian application, form Mod (i), a copy of the U.S. coverage record (ICERS) and any evidence the applicant wants to submit to Centrelink under cover of Form SSA-2960-AUS. Be sure to enter the protective filing date on the form.

NOTE: 

Form SSA-2960-AUS may be printed from the SSA Totalization Forms section of the Totalization Resource Kit.

c. Australian Disability Benefits

If the claim is for Australian disability benefits, give the applicant the Australian Work Ability form (Form WA) to complete.

NOTE: 

: The Australian Work Ability Form may be printed from the SSA Totalization Form section of the Totalization Resource Kit.

d. Additional Information

Inform the applicant that Centrelink will contact him/her directly if they need any additional information.

3. U. S. and Australian Claim

a. Retirement and Disability Claims

In retirement and disability claims, complete the appropriate MCS application screens, the TOTALIZATION (TOTL) screen (see MSOM MCS 009.011) and the SSA-2490 screens (see MSOM MCS 007.001).

b. Survivor Claims

In survivor claims, complete the appropriate MCS application screens, the TOTALIZATION (TOTL) screen (see MSOM MCS 009.011), and Part I of the paper or electronic (e-form) application Form SSA-2490-BK.

c. Australian Benefits

Have the applicant complete the application for Australian benefits (AUS/USA- 4) and form Mod (i).

NOTE: 

The Australian application (Part B), instructions for completing the application (Part A), and form Mod (i) may be printed from the SSA Totalization Forms section of the Totalization Resource Kit.

d. Australian Application,Form Mod (i), ICERS, Form SSA-2960-AUS

Mail the Australian application, form Mod (i), a copy of the U.S. coverage record (ICERS or MCS) and any evidence the applicant wants to submit to Centrelink under cover of Form SSA-2960-AUS. Be sure to enter the protective filing date on the form and request an Australian coverage record if it appears the worker is not insured based on U.S. coverage only.

NOTE: 

Form SSA-2960-AUS may be printed from the SSA Totalization Forms section of the Totalization Resource Kit.

e. Australian Disability Benefits

If the claim is for Australian disability benefits, give the applicant the Australian Work Ability form (Form WA) to complete.

NOTE: 

The Australian Work Ability Form may be printed from the SSA Totalization Forms section of the Totalization Resource Kit.

f. U.S. Claim to DIO

Forward the U.S. claim to DIO and include a copy of the completed liaison form sent to Centrelink.

g. Additional Information

Inform the applicant that Centrelink will contact him/her directly if they need any additional information regarding the claim for Australian benefits.

C. References

FO and FSP Development, GN 01702.001 through GN 01702.525

Evidence and Application Requirements, GN 01743.205 through GN 01743.225

Completing the TOTALIZATION (TOTL) Screen, MSOM MCS 009.011

Completing the SSA-2490 Screens, MSOM MCS 007.001

To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0201744010
GN 01744.010 - How to Develop and Process Applications Filed in the Manila Federal Benefits Unit - 01/22/2025
Batch run: 01/22/2025
Rev:01/22/2025