PolicyNet/Instructions Updates/EM 25007: Discontinue Processing Work CDRs for Deceased Individuals

Effective Dates: 01/15/2025 - Present

Identification Number:	EM 25007
Intended Audience:	All RCs/ARCs/ADs/FOs/PSCs/OCO/OCO-CSTs
Originating Office:	DCO OPSOS
Title:	Discontinue Processing Work CDRs for Deceased Individuals
Type:	EM - Emergency Messages
Program:	Title II (RSI)
Link To Reference:	See Reference at the end of this EM

Retention Date 7/15/2025

A. Purpose

This Emergency Message (EM) instructs technicians to stop development of Work Continuing Disability Reviews (WCDRs) after they become aware that the beneficiary has died, unless ending development would disadvantage the claimant through current WCDR development or a related pending appeal.

B. Background

To make an accurate WCDR determination, SSA must determine the claimant’s monthly earnings and must consider any subsidies, impairment related work expenses or special pay situations that could impact the claimant’s countable earnings. Unfavorable determinations require prior notification and explanation of SSA’s findings. Additionally, we provide the claimant an opportunity to review and update any incorrect information. When the claimant is deceased, developing additional factors impacting our earnings determination can be difficult or impossible.

C. Procedure

Technicians may process WCDRs to completion where development and effectuation could be favorable to the beneficiary and/or survivors. See

DI 13010.026

for guidance processing eWORK exclusion cases.

When you verify the beneficiary has died and development is incomplete, or has not been initiated, and determine that ceasing development will not disadvantage the beneficiary and/or survivors, you will:

Ensure that all appropriate systems are updated. For more information on proof and reports of death see

GN 00304.000

and

GN 02602.050

Perform a Stop CDR on the DCF.

On the MCDR screen, select 2=FO UPDATE or 3=PC UPDATE and enter the claim number

On the ECDR screen, select 6=T2 WORK

On the IFOA screen, in the “Select Event Type” field, choose 5=SSR/MBR/STOP CDR

Add a remark on the IRMK screen that provides the date of the Stop CDR and states, “WCDR Stopped – Deceased Beneficiary”.

Have your supervisor or delegated official delete the pending eWork case (if applicable). Only a user with administrative rights to eWork can delete a pending case.

Direct all program-related and technical questions to your Regional Office (RO) support staff using vHelp or Program Service Center (PSC) Operations Analysis (OA) staff. RO support staff or PSC OA staff may refer questions, concerns or problems to their Central Office contacts.

References
GN 02602.050 Processing Reports of Death
GN 00304.001 Proof of Death Requirements
DI 13010.025 Field Office (FO) Responsibility in Work Issue CDRs
DI 13010.026 Processing eWork Exclusion Cases
DI 13010.500 Updating and Clearing Actions on the DCF
eWork User Support Site

EM 25007 - Discontinue Processing Work CDRs for Deceased Individuals - 01/15/2025