The benchmark year in Totalization claims is determined in the same manner as for non-Totalization claims. When a Totalization benefit is payable and, subsequently, a non-Totalization benefit becomes payable, the period of entitlement to Totalization benefits must be considered when determining the benchmark year for the non-Totalization benefit.

The number holder (NH), who was born February 15, 1939, files for disability benefits alleging an onset of July 11, 1995. The NH has 36 quarters of coverage (QCs) but needs to use coverage under the German system to meet disability insured status. Based on the record of coverage certified by Germany, the NH is insured and entitlement to a disability Totalization benefit is established with an onset of July 11, 1995.

In 2/2001 the NH attains age 62. The NH was entitled to a disability benefit in the 12-month period prior to attainment of age 62. Therefore, the benchmark year for the non-Totalization retirement insurance benefit (RIB) is established as 1995. The NH only needs 34 QCs to be fully insured rather than 40 because the 6-year period of disability must be excluded when determining insured status. Since the NH has 36 U.S. QCs, the NH is insured for a non-Totalization RIB.

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  Benchmark year defined, RS 00605.005

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  Technical entitlement to a Totalization DIB during entitlement to a non-Totalization RIB, GN 1701.225A.4.