Do not make direct mail contact with individuals outside the US other than claimants, beneficiaries, legal guardians or legal representatives; i.e., do not write directly to civil authorities, record-keeping agencies, etc. For title VIII claims development purposes , Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands and American Samoa are not considered to be outside the US.

When it is necessary to elicit evidence to establish one or more qualification requirements or to establish residence outside the US (see VB 00102.001), write directly to the claimant or make contact through an FBU, depending on where the claimant lives or the source of the evidence. When the claimant resides in the Philippines, see VB 00210.001C.2.

Servicing FBU in Manila will contact residents by telephone, direct mail, or in person.

Servicing SSA FOs will contact residents by telephone, direct mail, or in person.

Servicing SSA FOs will contact Canadian residents by telephone, direct mail, or in person (as explained in GN 00905.100).

Make all contacts with claimants, etc., in Mexico through the FBU. Addresses for the FBUs may be found in GN 00307.670D.2. or FOs may access TRIDE for FBU addresses and/or fax numbers.

Make requests for FBU assistance detailed and specific since, generally speaking, FBU personnel have had only limited training in SSA matters. Diary request for 60 days. If the FBU has not replied within that period, fax a copy of the original letter to SSA , Office of International Programs, at 410-966-7025. SSA will follow up with the FBU.

Handle contacts with claimants, etc., in other countries as follows:

1. a. 

   Contact claimants in all other countries (see VB 00210.001C.6.b. for exceptions) through direct mail. If the claimant needs special assistance or contact is to be with a third party, request the assistance of an FBU as in VB 00210.001C.5.

2. b. 

   Some countries require special procedures for SSA to use when contacting individuals or third parties. See GN 00905.100 for a list of countries and their procedures. Send a detailed letter to the State Department as in VB 00210.001C.5. Do not send any requests for assistance directly to the Office of International Operations.