TN 38 (12-23)

RM 03870.070 How to Develop YCER Cases

A. Policy

Every effort must be made by SSA to verify that the earnings belong to the reported SSN; i.e., to a child age 6 or younger. If development reveals that the NH is not a young child, then action must be taken to either correct the Numident or determine to whom the earnings actually belong.

B. Procedure

Follow the instructions below to resolve YCER cases.

1. Employer Inquiry

If the employer questions Form SSA-L3231-C1, explain that:

  • SSA records show the SSN belongs to a child;

  • SSA is verifying whether the earnings in question belong to the reported SSN; and

  • We cannot post the earnings to the reported SSN until SSA verifies to whom the earnings belong.

Advise the employer to return the completed form so that we can either credit the earnings to the reported SSN or take action to credit the earnings to the correct SSN and NH.

2. NH Inquiry - Nonclaims Case

If the NH (or legal guardian) contacts SSA concerning form SSA-L3232-C1 or Form SSA-L3241-C1, take the following action:

  1. a. 

    Determine the identity for the NH, name, DOB, SSN, etc. (RM 10210.430)

  2. b. 

    Obtain a Numident, SEQY and DEQY for the NH.

  3. c. 

    Determine whether the earnings belong to the NH.

3. Earnings Belong to NH

If the earnings belong to the NH, and the SSN and DOB are correct (i.e., the NH is a child 6 or younger), request a a copy of the W-2 or SE tax return. (RM 03870.075)

If the earnings belong to the NH and the SSN is correct, but the DOB is incorrect, request evidence to establish the correct DOB. When development is complete, correct the DOB on the Numident. (RM 03870.075A)

4. Earnings Do Not Belong to NH

  1. a. 

    If the earnings do not belong to the NH, determine from SEQY and/or DEQY if any other years are involved. If the NH states earnings from previous years also do not belong to them, obtain disclaimer statement from NH, (or legal guardian) for applicable years per RM 03870.060.

  2. b. 

    Develop to identify to whom the earnings belong per RM 03870.045-RM 03870.062.

5. FO Development - Per OCO Request

OCO may request FO development to resolve DOB discrepancies or to obtain additional information from the NH(s). The FO should take the following action:

  1. a. 

    Obtain a Numident, SEQY and DEQY for the NH.

  2. b. 

    Develop per OCO request.

  3. c. 

    If the NH fails to cooperate or is not located, advise OCO of the efforts made to contact the NH. OCO will close the case for that year; however until the NH attains age 7 or the issue is resolved, the YCER alert will be generated.

6. PC Development - Claims Case

In claims cases, OCO will forward the information to the PC for development. The PC will:

  1. a. 

    Obtain Numident, SEQY, DEQY and MBR.

  2. b. 

    If NH contact is necessary, request FO development to determine if the earnings belong to the NH and if not, to resolve the earnings issue. (In some cases the PC may use direct contact. Each case must be evaluated independently to determine whether a personal interview/contact is necessary.)

  3. c. 

    Advise the FO to correct the Numident if necessary before returning development.


To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0103870070
RM 03870.070 - How to Develop YCER Cases - 12/27/2023
Batch run: 12/27/2023
Rev:12/27/2023