Route any documents, correspondence or other material requiring translation (except
see GN 01704.600B.), to CTS via a Form SSA-533-FC (Translation Request). Most items on the Form SSA-533-FC
are self-explanatory. However, since a Form SSA-533-FC must be completed for each
document which is to be translated, item 3 (number of documents) must reflect the
total number of documents being referred for each case; e.g., if four documents require
translation, item 3 of the four Forms SSA-533-FC should show: “1 of 4,” “2 of 4,” “3 of 4” and “4 of 4.” In addition, if translation of an entire document is not necessary, BETs should specify
the information that is needed in item 5 (facts to be proved).
In order to control the return of the translation, establish a diary for 1 week by
stapling a 3” ×5” paper to the outside of the folder, indicating the number of documents,
language and the date sent. For example, “2 documents, Italian, 11/01/83.”
After the SSA-533-FC is completed, staple it on top of the material to be translated.
Make sure the SSN or “Alpha,” followed by the worker's last name, is written on each piece of material to be translated
so that material can be associated if it gets separated from the Form SSA-533-FC.
The folder will be held in the MISC-HF, pending the return of the material from CTS.
NOTE: CTS will email the response back to the person who faxed the original translation
request. When faxing a translation request (SSA-533) to CTS, include the full name,
email address and telephone number of the person requesting the translation of the
document. CTS will email the translation back to the requestor as a word document
attached to the email. The subject line of the email will contain the social security
number provided by the field office.
Refer foreign language documents that cannot be translated in the region to the CTS
in OIO. (See GN 00301.365C.2. for information on CTS's mailing address and telefax numbers.)