Effective Dates: 12/27/2023 - Present Previous | Next

TN 87 (12-23)

RM 10205.055 Proper Applicant is an Individual who can Establish Relationship and Responsibility

A. Proper applicant is an individual who can establish relationship and responsibility

An individual who applies on behalf of another individual (adult or child) who can establish relationship and responsibility for that individual is a proper applicant when no one higher on the list of proper applicants in RM 10205.025 exists. When number holders (NH) are age 18 or older, the applicant must also establish that they are unable to file an application on their own behalf.

B. Evidence needed for individual with relationship and custody to be a proper applicant

In addition to documents required for the person to whom the SSN is issued, i.e., evidence of age, identity, and U.S. citizenship or current lawful alien status (or, if not authorized to work in the U.S., evidence of a current valid nonwork need) appropriate to the type of SSN card requested, you must also obtain the following evidence from the proper applicant:

1. Proof of identity of the applicant

We must see proof of identity for the person filing the application.

2. Evidence of applicant’s relationship to NH

Applicants must establish their relationship to the NH. A court document showing the applicant has custody is sufficient to establish relationship, even when there is no blood or marital relationship.

3. Evidence of custody/responsibility

The applicant must submit evidence to establish custody or responsibility. A court document showing the applicant has custody is sufficient to establish custody and responsibility.

Absent court documents, the applicant may provide other evidence of custody or responsibility, such as a letter from a State Social Services agency placing the NH in the individual's household, a school record indicating that the individual has responsibility for the NH, or a rental agreement listing the NH in the household of the applicant.

4. Evidence that NH is unable to apply on his or her own behalf

When NHs are age 18 or over, we must see evidence showing they cannot apply on their own behalf. Evidence from a third party (e.g., a physician) must specifically address capability related to applying for an SSN card.

Use the Remarks field on the Summary screen in SSNAP to describe the NH’s limitations that prevent them from applying on their own behalf.

a. NH is physically unable to apply

Applicants must show that the NH’s physical limitations prevent the NH from filing an application for an SSN card on their own behalf.

NHs, age 18 or older, should file the application on their own behalf when he or she is capable of either:

  • •

    Traveling to an FO, providing the information necessary to complete SSNAP screens, reviewing the summary sheet printout, and meeting signature proxy requirements; or

  • •

    Providing the information to complete a Form SS-5 and reviewing and signing the Form SS-5, filled out by either the NH or another person.

b. NH is mentally unable to apply

The applicant must show that the NH is not capable of understanding and answering the questions required to apply for an SSN card.

C. References

To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110205055
RM 10205.055 - Proper Applicant is an Individual who can Establish Relationship and Responsibility - 12/27/2023
Batch run: 12/27/2023
Rev:12/27/2023