BASIC (01-02)

A. Introduction

SVB beneficiaries are instructed to report to SSA any departures from a foreign country to go to the United States to visit or to live. (See VB 01501.005 for SVB reporting responsibilities.) All SVB beneficiaries are informed of this reporting responsibility when applying for SVB. Also, the pamphlet, Social Security: Special Benefits For World War II Veterans, is sent to all SVB beneficiaries when awarded and reminds him or her to report to SSA any visit or return to the United States

IMPORTANT: Reports of an SVB recipient going to (or is in) the United States may be received from sources other than the beneficiary (e.g., a relative or postal authorities, etc.). The guidelines in VB 01501.010 apply for determining and handling first-party and third-party reports. When SSA is notified by a third party that an SVB recipient has gone to the United States but does not know the individual's whereabouts, follow the procedures in VB 01503.300, Whereabouts Unknown. If the third party is able to provide a U.S. address for the SVB recipient, fax and forward the information to the CPS having SVB jurisdiction. The CPS will develop for the recipient's whereabouts and residence.

B. Procedure

When an SVB recipient reports he or she is going to the United States, or that he or she has entered the United States, the office where the event is reported will obtain a signed statement from the beneficiary showing:

• the date he or she will be going to (or entered) the United States;

• the country he or she considers himself or herself to be a resident while in the United States;

• the reason for the trip (e.g., visit relatives, to reside permanently, etc.);

• the address where he or she will be staying while in the United States (if available); and

• the date he or she plans to return to his or her home abroad (or a statement that he or she will not be returning to his or her home abroad).

Follow VB 01503.115 if the SVB recipient is not relinquishing his or her foreign residence or does not expect his or her U.S. visit to exceed 1 calendar month. Follow VB 01503.120 if he or she is relinquishing his or her foreign residency or expects their U.S. visit to exceed 1 calendar month.