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GN 00905.110: Claims and Evidence from the Cape Verde Islands (CVI)

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  • Effective Dates: 04/20/2018 - Present
  • Effective Dates: 05/02/2018 - Present
  • TN 7 (03-90)
  • GN 00905.110 Claims and Evidence from the Cape Verde Islands (CVI)
  • A. Background
  • Validations and special studies in the Cape Verde Islands (CVI) have shown significant irregularities in documentary evidence from that area.
  • The U.S. Embassy in Praia on the island of Santiago handles Social Security claims and related matters involving residents of the CVI.
  • The Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) in Portugal handles Social Security claims and related matters involving residents of the CVI.
  • Since the CVI were an overseas territory of Portugal prior to July 5, 1975, the CVI followed Portuguese law for determining relationship questions prior to that date.
  • B. Procedure— general
  • Examine carefully claims from individuals in the CVI or involving evidence from the CVI.
  • Be alert for:
  • * Discrepancies;
  • * Questionable identity—Many individuals in the CVI have the same or similar names. Thus, it is important to ensure that the evidence submitted refers to the claimant; and
  • * Altered documents.
  • Reconcile any discrepancies between the evidence submitted and/or the information in file in the name of the claimant, parents' names, spouse's name, place of birth, date of birth, etc.
  • If the claimant cannot provide a logical explanation of the discrepancy(ies), obtain an explanation from the appropriate Island official through the FBU.
  • See GN 00307.400 - GN 00307.401 for detailed information on CVI proofs and relationship problems.
  • C. Procedure— request for FBU assistance
  • Consider the distances involved and the difficulty of travel between the islands when requesting FBU assistance. Do not request a personal contact or a personal examination of source records unless it is necessary.
  • Provide a full explanation of the issue/problem involved and what assistance is needed from the FBU.
  • Send an SSA-562 to the International Benefits Office (IBO) requesting assistance from the Regional Federal Benefits Officer (RFBO). Include a full explanation of the issue/problem involved and what assistance is needed.
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