Last Update: 9/28/05 (Transmittal I-2-68)
If documents necessary for the development of a claim are in a foreign language, obtain a translation from an authorized translator of the HO, FO, the Central Translation Section in the Office of International Operations (OIO).
The document must be translated on Form SSA-533
The translator must sign the translation.
A translation form must include any descriptive information, such as the language involved, the type of document, the issuing agency, etc.
The translation must be of the original document or a certified copy.
The original document and the translation must be made exhibits.
OIO has overall responsibility for the administration of Social Security programs abroad, including liaison and coordination, as well as FO and program service center functions. The ALJ must request assistance from OIO through the OHA RO.
An ALJ may not take administrative notice of foreign law. Therefore, the ALJ must develop adequate proof of relevant foreign law and admit this evidence into the record at the hearing. If the ALJ needs proof or interpretation of a foreign law, he or she must request the information from the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) through the OHA RO.
SSA uses the FOs located on the Canadian and Mexican borders to obtain development in those countries, and has agreements with other agencies for obtaining development in other countries.
For development in Canada and Mexico, the ALJ or HO staff must request the development through the appropriate border area FO by following the procedure outlined in I-2-5-70, Obtaining Evidence Through an SSA Field Office.
For development in other countries, the ALJ or HO staff must request the development through the OHA RO.
NOTE:
For information concerning HO jurisdiction in processing foreign claims, see I-2-0-72, Assigning and Processing Requests for Hearing Filed by Claimants Who Do Not Reside in the United States.