Basic (03-86)

DI 43530.020 Inquiries About Benefits, Formal Applications--FAM 241.3-3

1. A. 

   Some posts, in countries where significant numbers of social security claims arise, have been specially trained to develop formal applications for social security benefits. These posts maintain supplies of the application forms used for social security retirement, disability and survivor benefits, and operate under technical instructions and guides supplied by SSA.

2. B. 

   Such claims development work is now carried on by the posts in Austria, Denmark, France, Federal Republic of Germany, Greece, Hong Kong,
   Ireland, Italy, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Israel, Yugoslavia, United Kingdom, Sweden, and Switzerland. The posts at Guadalajara, Hermosillo, Mexico City, and Monterrey, Mexico, also are engaged in the claims development function. In the Philippines, such claims development work is done at the Veterans Administration Regional Office at Manila. Plans call for the introduction of claims taking at additional posts in other countries where the volume of social security claims work warrants.