POMS Reference

GN 01701: Totalization Benefits - General

TN 10 (03-04)

A. Policy

The only acceptable evidence that a foreign pension is based on an agreement with the United States is a document (e.g., award notice or letter) issued by the foreign agency paying the pension. The document must indicate that the pension is based on an agreement with the United States.

B. Procedure

Request the beneficiary to submit the foreign award notice if it shows that the foreign pension is based on an agreement with the United States. If an award notice is not available, or if it does not indicate the pension is based on an agreement with the United States, ask the beneficiary to write to the agency paying the foreign pension to request a letter clearly stating whether the foreign pension is based on an agreement with the United States. If the beneficiary does not know the address of the paying agency, provide the address of the foreign agency as shown in the specific country subchapter.

C. Reference

Development of Pensions, RS 00605.366