PolicyNet/Instructions Updates/EM-22045: Obsoletion of Form SSA-704 and Changes to the Death Information Processing System (DIPS)-One-Time -Only Instructions

Effective Dates: August 15, 2022 - Present

Identification Number:	EM-22045
Intended Audience:	All RCs/ARCs/ADs/FOs/TSCs/PSCs/OCO/OCO-CSTs/OARO
Originating Office:	DCO OPSOS
Title:	Obsoletion of Form SSA-704 and Changes to the Death Information Processing System (DIPS)-One-Time -Only Instructions
Type:	EM - Emergency Messages
Program:	All Programs
Link To Reference:	See Reference at the end of this EM.

Retention Date: October 15, 2024

Purpose

This Emergency Message (EM) notifies you of a change in proof of death options in the Death Information Processing System (DIPS).

Background

The SSA-704

Certification of Contents of Documents or Records

was historically used to record evidence for records of age for claim purposes but could also be used for certifying proof of relationships, citizenship, marriage, death, military service, and to evaluate a family bible or other family record.

Form SSA-704 has been obsoleted and will be removed from the “Death Proof Type” dropdown in DIPS. We will no longer accept it as proof of death.

Processing Instructions

These instructions will provide a guideline on how to process proof of death in DIPS during and after the obsoletion process of form SSA-704.

If you receive an SSA-704 before the DIPS update, continue to use as a dropdown option in to input death.

If you receive an SSA-704 after the DIPS update, input the death as “other proof of death document” in the DIPS “Death Proof Type” dropdown.

Once the removal of the SSA-704 is final, technicians should follow

GN 02602.050B

for acceptable documents which can be used as proof of death.

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

Reference:
GN 02602.050 Reports of Death
GN 00304.005 Preferred Evidence of Death

EM-22045 - Obsoletion of Form SSA-704 and Changes to the Death Information Processing System (DIPS)-One-Time -Only Instructions - August 15, 2022