Effective Dates: 10/03/2022 - Present Previous | Next

TN 4 (02-23)

GN 01755.210 Developing Evidence and Establishing Entitlement Factors in Claims for Hungarian Benefits

Under the agreement with Hungary, the Social Security Administration (SSA) takes applications for both regular and Totalization benefits on behalf of Hungary. SSA also provides limited assistance in obtaining evidence required to support the claim (see GN 01755.125).

A. Using evidence previously submitted for claims for U.S. benefits

Applicants do not need to resubmit the evidence previously used and verified to establish factors of entitlement for U.S. Social Security benefits. The evidence previously submitted is sufficient for Hungary to establish the same factor for Hungarian benefits.

B. Establishing entitlement factors for Hungarian retirement, survivor, and disability benefits

1. All claims

Establish entitlement factors as follows:

  • •

    worker’s date of birth; and

  • •

    worker’s Hungarian Social Security Identification Number (TAJ).

2. Retirement claims

Establish entitlement factors as follows:

  • •

    marital status;

  • •

    family composition;

  • •

    dates of birth of all family members; and

  • •

    disability status of all family members.

3. Survivor claims

Establish entitlement factors as follows:

  • •

    date and proof of death of the worker;

  • •

    date of marriage (if widow(er)’s benefit claim);

  • •

    the surviving spouse's disability status if applicable ; and

  • •

    age and relationship of child (if child’s benefit claim).

4. Disability claims

The only additional entitlement factor for Hungarian disability claims is the degree of the worker’s disability (medical evidence).

C. Developing evidence for Hungarian benefits

Take the following actions when developing evidence to support claims for Hungarian benefits:

1. Research the types of evidence

Refer to this chart if the applicant requests guidance on the type of evidence to submit:

Type of evidence

Reference

Age

GN 00302.000

Death

GN 00304.000

Marital relationship

GN 00305.000

Parent/child relationship

GN 00306.000

Support

RS 01301.000

2. Accepting evidence

Follow this process to accept evidence:

  • •

    accept any evidence the applicant submits;

  • •

    if the applicant does not want to release an original document, photocopy the evidence and certify the copy, see GN 00301.105;

  • •

    do not hold claims for Hungarian benefits for prolonged periods pending receipt of evidence;

  • •

    if an applicant is unable to obtain the necessary evidence within a reasonable time, transmit the claim without the evidence to the Division of International Operations (DIO) using this address:

    Social Security Administration

    Office of Earnings and International Operations

    Division of International Operations

    P.O. Box 17769

    Baltimore, MD 21235-7769
  • •

    complete the Modernized Development Worksheet (MDW) screen to show the date the FO sent the Hungarian claim to DIO. Show “Totalization” as the ISSUE;

  • •

    inform the applicant that the responsible Hungarian agency will contact the applicant directly to obtain any necessary evidence to make a determination.

3. Documenting the file

Document the file as follows:

  • •

    indicate on the Hungarian benefit claim file any factor of entitlement verified previously for the U.S. claim; and

  • •

    for concurrent Title II claims, send the claim and relevant evidence to the Program Service Center of jurisdiction. Electronically send a certified photocopy of the relevant evidence with the Hungarian claim to DIO.

4. Obtain the number holder’s (NH) U.S. earnings record

Obtain the NH’s U.S. earnings records in all claims for Hungarian benefits as follows:

  • •

    when the applicant is filing for both U.S. and Hungarian benefits, complete the Modernized Claims System (MCS) screens. The MCS screens will automatically generate a separate earnings record for the Hungarian claim;

  • •

    when the applicant files for Hungarian benefits only, which is and MCS exclusion, request an Informational/Certified Earnings Record (ICERS) per MS ICER 001.004; and

  • •

    obtain proof of lag earnings (unposted paid earnings in the current and preceding year) if U.S. covered work in the lag period is alleged and the applicant is filing for any Hungarian benefit.

    For proof of lag wages, see RS 01404.005 through RS 01404.018.

    For proof of lag self-employment income, see RS 01804.100.

5. Developing medical evidence under the agreement

In addition to developing evidence, take the following actions to develop medical evidence for Hungarian disability claims:

a. Hungarian benefits only

  1. 1. 

    Accept any medical evidence the applicant submits when the claim is for Hungarian benefits only. Do not attempt to secure evidence for the applicant or offer advice as to what types of evidence Hungary may need.

  2. 2. 

    Send any medical evidence submitted and the claims file to OEIO at the following address:

    Social Security Administration

    Office of Earnings and International Operations

    Division of International Operations

    P.O. Box 17769

  3. 3. 

    Complete the Modernized Development Worksheet (MDW) screen to show the date the FO sent the Hungarian claim to OIO. Show “Totalization” as the ISSUE.

  4. 4. 

    Transmit the file without medical evidence if the evidence is not readily available. Advise the applicant that the Hungarian agency will contact the applicant directly to obtain any required evidence.

b. Hungarian benefits and concurrent Title II claims

To process claims for Hungarian disability benefits and concurrent Title II disability claims, follow the instructions in GN 01702.400 through GN 01702.415.

D. References

GN 01755.125 Application Process for Benefits Under the Agreement with Hungary

GN 00302.000 Proof of Age

GN 00304.000 Proof of Death

GN 00305.000 Proof of Marital Relationship

GN 00306.000 Child Relationship and Dependency

RS 01301.000 Living With, Contributions and One-Half Support

GN 00301.105 Certification of Evidence for Totalization Claims

MS ICER 001.004 Informational/Certified Earnings Record – Totalization (ICIC)

GN 01702.400 Developing Medical Evidence in Claims for U.S. Totalization Disability Benefits, through

GN 01702.415 Development of Medical Evidence and Routing of Claims for Foreign Disability Benefits

 

To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0201755210
GN 01755.210 - Developing Evidence and Establishing Entitlement Factors in Claims for Hungarian Benefits - 10/03/2022
Batch run: 02/08/2023
Rev:10/03/2022