Application for Benefits (Non-Disability) (Form SSA-2490-BK)

Who qualifies

People who worked in both the U.S. and an agreement country and need combined social security credits to qualify for retirement or survivor benefits.

The step-by-step roadmap

1. 1

   Verify Country Agreement

   Confirm that the country where you worked has a totalization agreement with the United States.

   Watch out: Credits cannot be combined with countries outside official bilateral agreements.

   Common rejection reason: Applying under an unsupported foreign pension system.
2. 2

   Gather Work and Identity Proof

   Collect foreign social insurance numbers, U.S. work history, and certified birth or marriage records.

   Watch out: Foreign documents must often be translated and certified.

   Common rejection reason: Submitting unverified or incomplete foreign employment records.
3. 3

   Complete Form SSA-2490-BK

   Report full employment periods in both countries and declare any foreign pensions received.

   Watch out: Inconsistent work dates between countries delay agency cross-checks.

   Common rejection reason: Omission of foreign identification numbers or pension account details.
4. 4

   Submit and Await Verification

   File the form with the Social Security Administration or the foreign social security agency.

   Watch out: International verification between agencies can take several months.

   Common rejection reason: Filing with the wrong agency without coordinating foreign records.

Documents you'll need

• Proof of Age and Identity

  Official birth certificate or valid passport for the applicant and eligible dependents.

  Note: Original documents or certified copies required.

• Foreign Social Security Card or Records

  Statements showing foreign pension account numbers and covered employment dates.

  Note: May require certified English translation.

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Status

  U.S. passport, certificate of naturalization, or lawful permanent resident card.