Effective Dates: 04/02/2026 - Present Previous | Next

TN 72 (04-26)

GN 00205.001 Application Forms

A. Introduction

1. Acceptable application

An acceptable application for benefits can be any of the following.

  • •

    A Modernized Claims System (MCS) or Modernized Supplemental Security Income Claims System (MSSICS) printout.

  • •

    An SSA-approved application produced by personal computer (see GN 00204.001C.1.a. for prescribed applications).

  • •

    An Internet claim (iClaim) application printout. (For more information about iClaims, see GN 00204.055.) or

  • •

    A traditional paper application form.

2. Purpose of the application

The application:

  • •

    serves as a claim when the applicant signs and files the application. (For more information about valid applications, see GN 00204.001.)

  • •

    secures information needed for adjudicating the claim.

  • •

    provides the field office (FO) and Program Service Center (PSC) with leads and information about development needed on some phase of entitlement, computations, or payment.

  • •

    may contain lead questions about other possible benefits for claimants, or may serve as a protective filing for prospective beneficiaries named on the application. (For more information on protective filing, see GN 00204.010.)

B. Description of consequences of certain answers

If

Then

The claimant does not answer all questions affecting entitlement.

Do not process an award.

The claimant refuses to agree to notify us of events that would stop payments, require deduction, or terminate entitlement.

We cannot make payment (we can process an award).

We know of no events that would terminate entitlement or bar payment.

We can make payment (but future termination of suspension actions may occur).

C. References

To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200205001
GN 00205.001 - Application Forms - 04/02/2026
Batch run: 04/02/2026
Rev:04/02/2026