TN 2 (09-85)
GN 01704.410 Role and Responsibilities of Benefit Earnings Technicians (BETs)
BETs deal with all aspects of developing totalization claims. Since totalization claims
involve potential entitlement to benefits from both the United States and another
country, effective communications between the two countries are vital.
BETs are responsible for communicating with the foreign agencies responsible for totalization,
as well as with DOs, FSPs and directly with claimants in order to gather the documentation
required to process totalization claims.
BETs must obtain the evidence, forms and applications required to complete totalization
claims. Because each country with which the United States has an agreement uses different
forms and has its own evidence requirements, BETs must be able to identify and satisfy
the requirements of each specific country.
The actions which must be taken by BETs are unique and diversified. Frequently, BETs
must take imaginative one-time-only judgmental actions which cannot be foreseen by
this instruction. Basically, however, BETs:
-
A.
Review totalization applications;
-
-
C.
Request earnings records (ERs) and/or MBRs;
-
D.
Develop totalization documentation through requests to DOs, FSPs, foreign agencies
and individuals;
-
E.
Transmit claims packages to foreign agencies;
-
-
G.
Respond to assistance requests from foreign agencies;
-
H.
Maintain (diary) controls on requests;
-
I.
Certify evidence for foreign agencies; and
-
J.
Respond to status requests concerning totalization claims.
It is essential to document the claims folder on every action taken on that file.
Generally, the file copy of a completed form or notice will suffice. However, occasionally,
annotations must be made concerning actions that are not evident; e.g., “referred to CA for RSDI development,” or “NAN development requested by INPS on 04/15/81, sent 04/21/81.” Always sign and date such dispositions.
In addition, complete a Form SSA-2968 (INTPSC Folder Documentation) when an issue
has been discussed with a CA, BA or a technical assistant. Also, complete an SSA-2968
whenever an explanation of an action taken might be helpful to a technician re-
viewing the folder at a later date. Always sign and date Forms SSA-2968.
Be constantly alert to situations which require CA action because an RSDI issue is
outstanding. These situations frequently arise when potential RSDI claimants are identified
while reviewing totalization applications. Refer these cases to CAs for action.
Do not hesitate to ask the advice or assistance of CAs, BAs or CATAs. It is expected
and unavoidable that BETs will come across issues so complex or so unique that they
cannot possibly be resolved without the aid of additional technical expertise.