TN 9 (09-23)

RS 00209.010 One-Half Support Provisions for Parent's Benefits

A. Policy for dependency point

Determine the point at which the beneficiary must meet one-half support requirement by these conditions:

  • If the worker did not have a period of disability or, their established period of disability ended before their death, the beneficiary can only meet the one-half support requirement at the time of the worker's death.

  • If the worker had a period of disability that did not end before death, the one-half support requirement can be met at the beginning of a period of disability or at the time of the worker’s death.

B. Policy for the period for filing proof of support

1. Time period

The dependency point determines the start of a two-year period during which the worker or the worker’s survivor must submit proof of one-half support. There can be no interchange of such periods.

  • If the beginning of a period of disability is the dependency point, the worker must submit proof of support within two years after the month in which they filed the application for disability.

  • If the worker’s death is the dependency point, the worker’s survivor must submit proof of support within two years after the worker’s date of death.

2. Good cause

There is an unlimited extension for filing proof of support where there is “good cause” for the claimant's failure to file within the two-year period. For a discussion of good cause and for conditions permitting extension of the time for filing proof of support, see RS 01301.225.

C. Operating policy

In cases where the parent is not filing an application but is filing proof of support, make a support determination and forward it and the proofs to the appropriate payment center for review and appropriate notice.

D. Related policy

For instructions on developing and determining one-half support, see

Living With, Contributions and One-Half Support RS 01301.001.

E. Reference

RS 01301.020 Considering the Period in Determining Support for Stepchildren


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http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300209010
RS 00209.010 - One-Half Support Provisions for Parent's Benefits - 09/14/2023
Batch run: 09/14/2023
Rev:09/14/2023