Effective Dates: 03/08/2019 - Present Previous | Next

Basic (03-19)

GN 01757.215 Applications for Benefits under the Agreement with Brazil

A. Applications for Benefits under the Agreement with Brazil

An applicant filing for benefits under the agreement with Brazil must complete Form SSA-2490-BK (Application for Benefits Under a U.S. International Social Security Agreement). The applicant must complete this form whether applying for benefits:

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    from the United States only;

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    from Brazil only; or

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    from both countries.

Note: Applicants filing for benefits from Brazil require additional applications. See GN 01757.220.

B. Using the Modernized Claims System (MCS) version of Form SSA-2490-BK

1. When to use the MCS SSA-2490-BK

The SSA-2490-BK is available through MCS. Use the MCS version only when the number holder (NH) is files for:

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    U.S. retirement or disability totalization benefits; or

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    United States retirement or disability benefits (regular or totalization) and Brazilian benefits concurrently.

2. When not to use the MCS SSA-2490-BK

Do not use the MCS version of the SSA-2490-BK when the applicant files for:

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    Brazilian benefits only; or

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    U.S. or Brazilian survivors benefits.

Use a paper or electronic (eform) SSA-2490-BK application form for totalization survivor claims.

For instructions on how to complete the SSA-2490-BK, see GN 01702.110. NOTE: If there is an existing U.S. totalization life claim award, do not take an SSA-2490-BK in claims for U.S. auxiliary benefits or survivors benefits.

C. Determine the application screens on MCS for Totalization benefits

Determine the application screens to complete when taking claims under the agreement with Brazil for United States totalization or Brazilian benefits.

1. U.S. Totalization benefits only

When taking retirement or disability claims, complete the following screens:

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    MCS application;

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    TOTL, see MS MCS 009.011; and

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    SSA-2490-BK, see MS MCS 007.001 (for survivor claims complete Part I of the paper or electronic SSA-2490-BK).

2. Brazilian benefits only (regular or totalization)

Claims for Brazilian benefits only (regular or tTotalization) are MCS exclusions. Complete Parts I and II of the paper or electronic form SSA-2490-BK

3. Brazilian benefits (regular or totalization) and U.S. benefits (regular or totalization)

When taking retirement or disability claims, complete the following screens:

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    MCS application;

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    Totalization (TOTL), see MS MCS 009.011; and

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    Parts I and II of the paper or electronic form SSA-2490-BK

When taking survivor claims, complete:

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    the appropriate MCS screens;

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    Totalization (TOTL), see MS MCS 009.011; and

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    Parts I and II of the paper or electronic SSA-2490-BK.

NOTE: If the claimant presents the Brazilian Social Security card, document that the claimant submitted this evidence under remarks.

D. References

GN 01702.110 Application for Benefits Under a U.S. International Social Security (Totalization) Agreement (Form SSA-2490-BK)

GN 01757.220 Additional Applications for Benefits under the Agreement with Brazil

MS MCS 007.001 Introduction to SSA-2490 - Overview

MS MCS 009.011 Totalization (TOTL)

To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0201757215
GN 01757.215 - Applications for Benefits under the Agreement with Brazil - 03/08/2019
Batch run: 03/08/2019
Rev:03/08/2019