Dependents and survivors benefits generally may not be paid to aliens who have been outside the United States for more than six months and who first became eligible for the benefits after 1984, unless they satisfy certain U.S. residency requirements (5-year residency rule).

As explained in GN 01701.150A.2., citizens or residents of a country with which the U.S. has a Totalization agreement are exempt from these requirements unless the agreement includes a limitation on the exemption. The U.S. - Belgian agreement does not contain a limitation. Therefore, Belgian citizens, regardless of where they reside, and residents of Belgium are exempt from these requirements.

If an alien dependent or survivor, who does not meet the 5-year residency requirement, alleges that they are a citizen or resident of Belgium, develop citizenship or residence status.

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  Developing citizenship and residence status, GN 01702.220 - GN 01702.230.

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  Residency requirements for alien dependents and survivors outside the United States, RS 02610.025