Effective Dates: 08/20/2004 - Present Previous | Next

Basic (09-87)

GN 00302.810 Service Provided by Bureau of the Census

A. Introduction

For a $65 fee, the Bureau of the Census will search one census year. Except as noted in GN 00302.810G. for the 1910 census, only one record will be forwarded for a single $65 fee.

B. Normal Search Routine of Bureau of Census

 

C. Additional Searches in the Same Year

The Bureau of the Census will make additional searches for the same fee in the same census year under certain circumstances. These circumstances are as follows.

IF... AND the information... THEN...
Additional identifying information is provided for the same year Is presented to the Bureau of the Census within 120 days of the original request No additional fee is required
​ Is not presented to the Bureau of the Census within 120 days of the original request An additional fee is required.

D. Note

When a second search is being requested, show the date and Census Case Number of the prior request (located in the upper right corner).

E. Ages of Other Members of the Household

In a few difficult cases, the ages of other members of the household may be helpful in arriving at a correct DB determination. Use the following procedure to obtain such information.

Step Action

1
  • •

    Submit a statement from the individual(s) consenting to the release of this information, or

  • •

    Submit proof of the other individual's death

2

Request the additional information on:

  • •

    A new BC-600, or

  • •

    The reverse side of a BC-649 (“no record” form letter from Bureau of the Census), or

  • •

    A letter from the claimant

NOTE:  Do not  use an SSA-1535-U3

3

Had the claimant authorized the Bureau of the Census, on the original request, send a copy of the record to the DO?

  • •

    If yes, go to step 4.

  • •

    If no, go to step 5.

4
  • •

    Do not obtain another authorization

  • •

    Go to step 6.

NOTE:  You may, if you prefer, prepare another BC-600 or complete the reverse of the BC-649 for the claimant during a telephone interview and forward it, without the claimant's signature, to the Bureau of the Census for the claimant.

5
  • •

    Obtain claimant's written authorization for the Bureau of the Census to forward a copy of the report to the DO.

  • •

    Encourage the claimant to show his/her address as “in care of” the DO.

NOTE:  This ensures that the DO receives the reply. The Bureau sends only one copy of a report of inability to locate a record. If the claimant objects to the “in care of” address, honor the preference. If the DO receives two copies of a transcript, mail one copy to the claimant.

6

Reference the current request to the date and Census Case Number of the prior request (located in the upper right corner).

7

Forward the request to the Bureau of the Census.

F. Complex Requests

In the few cases where the request for specific information is very complex, the parallel FO in New Albany, Indiana may assist.

Use the SSA-562-U3 for further explanation of the required data. When the SSA-562-U3 is sent subsequent to receipt of correspondence from the Bureau of the Census, show the Census Case Number on the SSA-562-U3.

G. Special Service Provided with the 1910 Census

If the claimant disavows the age shown on the census record, age information from other census records may sometimes be helpful. For this reason, if the claimant's alleged DB is shown as discrepant by more than one year on the 1910 census record, the Bureau of the Census will provide the 1920 census record also, for the same fee. If the 1920 census is searched but no record is located, a notation to this affect is placed on the 1910 record.

This practice does not apply to the 1920 or later census records.

To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200302810
GN 00302.810 - Service Provided by Bureau of the Census - 08/20/2004
Batch run: 08/26/2004
Rev:08/20/2004