GN 02405.200 How to Process Local Currency Checks Received in the Field Office

A. Background

In certain foreign countries, SSA pays benefits in local currency rather than in U.S. dollars (e.g., Pakistani rupees). Return local currency checks undeliverable due to death or change of address of the beneficiary to the American Embassy or Consulate, convert to U.S. dollar checks, and mail to the Office of International Operations (OIO) for deposit.

Occasionally, the FO receives these checks for processing. Follow procedures to process returned benefit checks more than one year old, see GN 02405.300.

B. Interviewer Procedure

The interviewer must follow the procedures when processing local currency checks:

Step	Action
1	• Enter the check information into the Debt Management System (DMS) see, MSOM DMS 003.002. • Code FOREIGN CURRENCY as “Type of Remittance” and the foreign currency amount as the “Amount of the Remittance”. • Issue a system-generated receipt and give to the remitter.
2	Hand carry the check to the remittance clerk for safekeeping.

C. Remittance Clerk Procedure

The remittance clerk must follow the procedures when processing local currency checks:

Step	Action
1	Obtain the Field Office Remittance Transmittal (FORT) at the end of the day and associate the check(s) with the transmittal(s).
2	Give the FORT and remittances to the remittance supervisor.

D. Remittance Supervisor Procedure

The remittance supervisor must follow the procedures when processing local currency checks:

Step	Action
1	Review each line item on the FORT to ensure that the transmittal(s) and the returned check(s) are in complete agreement.
2	Review the mailroom and the reception area logs completed that day to ensure that any local currency check(s) listed on the transmittal show the same date.
3	Resolve any discrepancies between the FORT, mailroom and reception area logs, and checks or other remittances.
4	Sign the transmittal on the signature line, including complete title and printed name.
5	Place the FORT and local currency check(s) in an envelope addressed to: Social Security Administration Office of Earnings and International Operations P.O. Box 17769 Baltimore, Maryland 21235-6401 RESULT: OEIO mails the check back to the American Embassy or Consulate, which converts the local currency check(s) to U.S. dollars and issues a check made payable to SSA for the equivalent amount. Mail the check to OEIO for deposit to the appropriate trust fund.

E. References

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GN 02401.065 Checks Issued to Beneficiaries Residing in Foreign Countries
•

GN 02403.004 Remittance Handling in the FO Mailroom and Reception Area
•

GN 02403.008 Processing Remittances Received Outside the FO
•

GN 02403.130 Completing Form SSA-1395-BK (Manual Receipt)
•

MSOM DMS 003.007 Automated Receipt, Field Office Payment Coupon and Forwarding Instruction Sheets
•

MSOM DMS 003.002 Remittance Process Menu (RPMU)
•

MSOM DMS 004.006 Remittance Transmittal Request (RFPR)

To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0202405200

GN 02405.200 - How to Process Local Currency Checks Received in the Field Office - 03/14/2024
Batch run: 03/14/2024
Rev:03/14/2024

Program Operations Manual System (POMS)