Explain that an insured beneficiary will become entitled to full retirement benefits upon the attainment of full retirement age even if they continue to work (i.e., work and earnings will not affect their ability to receive SSA benefits).

Access the appropriate queries (e.g., MBR, MCS, etc.) to determine the status of the individual's entitlement.

Establish a protective writing, whenever necessary, based on the date of the inquiry to prevent loss of benefits. Follow the Protective Filing instructions located in GN 00204.010B.

Do not schedule an appointment earlier than the month following the date of the notice in NL 00722.155C. if the individual is making an inquiry concerning their retirement insurance benefit (RIB) and wants their Month of Election (MOEL) effective the month they attain age 70. The system cannot process advance file cases any earlier than four months prior to the MOEL.

In most cases, a claimant who continues to work will not lose any benefits if:

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  they make an appointment,

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  we establish a date of entitlement prior to the month of attainment of age 70, and

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  we place them in work suspense through the month of attaining age 70.

In all other situations, follow routine procedures for scheduling appointments.