POMS Reference

GN 00904: Jurisdiction and Contacts

TN 15 (02-06)

A. Introduction

To aid in processing claims from individuals outside the U.S., some FSPs (as shown in GN 00904.225C.) have been trained in the taking and development of Social Security claims and related issues.

For consular jurisdiction in countries having more than one claims-taking FSP, see NL 01510.100.

The FSPs listed in GN 00904.225C. accept and develop all types of Social Security claims. When the development is complete, the claim is forwarded to OIO.

Although the FSPs in Japan stock some SSA forms and applications, they are not trained in claims taking. Claims from Japan are developed in the same manner as those from other nonclaims-taking countries.

B. Process

1. FSP Action

Except as provided in GN 00904.225B.2., FSPs take applications by telephone (as explained GN 00203.015 and GN 00204.010), mail or in face-to-face interviews.

When a Form SSA-2514 (Record of Claimant’s Intent to File) is taken by a Federal Benefit Unit (FBU) employee, it will show the date and the signature, title and FSP of the employee preparing the form. Such an SSA-2514 is acceptable in the same manner as one prepared by an SSA employee.

2. Mandatory Face-to Face Interviews

Claims for monthly benefits from individuals in the following areas are taken in face-to-face interviews:

  • Dominican Republic;

  • Hong Kong:

  • Macao;

  • Mexico (except as provided in GN 00905.302); and

  • The Philippines.

C. List of Claims - Taking FSPS

The following list shows the countries and Foreign Service posts which are trained in claims taking. Unless otherwise shown, these offices have responsibility for all residents of that country.

Country

Foreign Service Post

Argentina

Embassy in Buenos Aires

Australia

VARO in Manila

Austria

Embassy in Vienna

Belgium

Embassy in Brussels

 

The Embassy also has responsibility for claims-related activities in Luxembourg.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Embassy in Zagreb, Croatia

Costa Rica

Embassy in San Jose

Croatia

Embassy in Zagreb

 

The Embassy also has responsibility for claims-related activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro, and Slovenia.

Denmark

Embassy in Oslo, Norway

Dominican Republic

Embassy in Santo Domingo

Finland

Embassy in Oslo, Norway

France

Embassy in Paris and consular agency in Nice

Germany

Consulate General in Frankfurt

Greece

Embassy in Athens

Hong Kong

Consulate General

Ireland

Embassy in Dublin

 

NOTE: Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom and serviced by London.

Israel

Consulate General in Jerusalem

Italy

Embassy in Rome and Consulate General in Naples

Luxembourg

Embassy in Brussels, Belgium

Macao

Consulate General in Hong Kong

Macedonia

Embassy in Zagreb, Croatia

Mexico

FSPs in Ciudad Juarez, Guadalajara, and Mexico City

Netherlands

Embassy in Dublin, Ireland

Norway

Embassy in Oslo

Philippines

VARO in Manila

 

VARO also has responsibility for claims-related activities in Australia.

Poland

Embassy in Warsaw and Consulate General in Krakow

Portugal

Embassy in Lisbon

Serbia and Montenegro

Embassy in Zagreb, Croatia

 

The Embassy also has responsibility for claims-related activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Macedonia.

Slovenia

Embassy in Zagreb, Croatia

Spain

Embassy in Madrid

 

NOTE: Embassy handles claims from overseas Spain and those from countries not involved in the claims-taking process. Overseas Spain includes the Canary and Balearic (i.e., Mallorca, Minorca, Ibiza and Formentera) Islands.

Sweden

Embassy in Oslo, Norway

   

Switzerland

Embassy in Bern

United Kingdom

Embassy in London