Rarely should LCs need to request assistance from an FSP. Generally, foreign agencies will obtain evidence directly from claimants residing in their respective countries. However, if a request must be sent to an FSP, complete a Form SSA-1320-U4 in legible block printing if there are no attachments and the request does not exceed one page. The Form SSA-1320-U4 must be typewritten in all other instances.

1. 1. 

   Always enter the correct SPR code: SPR558-Module 7, SPR559-Module 8.

2. 2. 

   Show the SSN of the NH and include the claim symbol(s) for the individual(s) whose case is being developed.

3. 3. 

   Date—Enter today's date plus 3 days.

4. 4. 

   Enter the NH's name.

5. 5. 

   Show the name of the claimant/beneficiary about whom the development is being requested.

6. 6. 

   Do not complete this item.

7. 7. 

   Show the name of the individual (or institution). Provide the complete address, as well as the telephone number (if available).

8. 8. 

   LCs should never have to complete this item.

9. 9. 

   List the forms to be completed. (If the request is sent to a claims-taking post, the forms need not be attached unless it is a form not regularly stocked by the FSP.) The FSPs in the following countries are claims-taking posts: Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Norway, Philippines (VARO), Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and Yugoslavia.

10. 10. 

    Always check this block when referring to development instructions in “Remarks.” Always include the following remarks, “Reply to Totalization, P.O. Box 17049, Baltimore, MD 21235.”

11. 11. 

    State the request as simply and concisely as possible. Do not use technical abbreviations. If the request is to a claims-taking post, cite POMS references. (The FSPs do not have any manual other than POMS.)

12. 12. 

    Always indicate the total number of enclosures.

     

1. 1. 

   Dispatch the first and second copies of the form (any attachments should be stapled to these copies). File third and fourth copies in the folder.

2. 2. 

   Prepare an SSA-382-U2 to control the reply to the SSA-1320-U4. Diary the request for 90 days; exceptions: 120 days for requests to Syria, Cape Verde Islands, Madeira, the Azores, Canary Islands, Mallorca and Ibiza; 180 days for requests to Czechoslovakia, Yemen and Southern Yemen. Followups should be diaried for 60 days.

1. 1. 

   If no response is received by the end of the initial diary period, remove the followup request from file. Complete the “Date of Followup” on this copy and the file copy. Release the followup copy and prepare an SSA-382-U2 diaried for 45 days.

   Note: When an FSP submits a status request, rediary for an additional 45 days or the expected completion date shown on the status report (whichever date is later).

2. 2. 

   When a request for assistance to an FSP is outstanding at the expiration of the second diary period (or extended diary period due to receipt of a status report), send a status request by teletype to the FSP and an informational copy to the Federal Benefits Officer for the FSP. Diary for 45 days. If no response is received, route a copy of the third request to the Foreign Operations Branch via a Form OF-41. Diary for 45 days.