The agreement with Italy generally excludes persons working in Italy, except certain
U.S. citizens, from U.S. coverage. Therefore, if an alien alleges that his employment
or self-employment in Italy is not covered, accept the allegation and apply the FWT.
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a.
Employed U.S. citizens- Generally, a U.S. citizen whose employment would normally
be covered under title II rules will continue to be so covered under the agreement.
Those not covered under title II (e.g., working for a non- American employer) are
not covered under the agreement.
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Accept an allegation of noncovered employment by a U.S. citizen and apply the FWT.
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Question an allegation of noncovered employment only if earnings are credited to the
U.S. earnings record after the date the beneficiary began working in Italy.
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b.
Self-employed U.S. Citizens-These citizens are generally covered under normal title
II rules under the agreement; i.e., covered under U.S. Social Security.
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Assume earnings in Italy are covered by U.S. system and apply the AET.
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Apply the FWT only if the beneficiary has been granted a special exception under the
agreement to permit Italian coverage.
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Do not accept an allegation that a special exception has been granted unless the beneficiary
submits a certificate of coverage issued by Italy (form IT/USA-4) showing that the
self-employment is covered by Italy.
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Keep a copy of the certificate for the claims folder.