Effective Dates: 12/10/2021 - Present
Identification Number:
| EM-21069
|
| Intended Audience: | All RCs/ARCs/ADs/FOs/TSCs/PSCs/OCO/OCO-CSTs/
OARO |
| Originating Office: | |
| Title: | One-Time-Only Instructions - Processing Work Continuing Disability Reviews (WCDR) using Internet Ticket Operations Provider Support System (iTOPSS) data. |
| Type: | EM - Emergency Messages |
| Program: | Disability |
| Link To Reference: |  |
|
Retention Date: July 10, 2024
Purpose
The purpose of this EM is to inform the field office (FO) and Program Service Center (PSC) technicians of a new source of earnings data that will be available for technicians to view and use for processing work CDRs.
Background
On December 11, 2021, The Office of Electronic Services and Technology (OEST) released the Consolidated Wage Page (CWP) which displays a consolidated view of commonly used wage data sources via the Electronic Disability Collect System (EDCS). This release is part of the new Work CDR product. For more information about this page, see MSS21-170 EDCS. The data sources displayed in the CWP will include data from the Internet Ticket Operations Provider Support System (iTOPSS). iTOPSS contains pay stub wage data for Ticket to Work users. The pay stub data is provided by employment networks and input by Ticket Program Managers for payment reimbursement purposes. The Office of Research Demonstration and Employment Support (ORDES) will update DI 10505.005C to include iTOPSS as an earnings source.
Policy
Below is the priority list of earnings verification sources for post-entitlement determinations. Verify earnings using the following sources in order. If you believe evidence from a source is not accurate, proceed down the priority list to find earnings that are more accurate.
1. Earnings on file
Use earnings information that indicates when the monthly earnings were earned. Check the pay stub table in Electronic Work (eWork) for submitted wages. eWork automatically converts pay stub information into monthly totals based on pay periods.
2. Electronic wage verification company
If the employer participates with The Work Number, verify earnings using the third-party service. Enter the earnings into the eWork pay stub table.
3. Pay stubs
If the beneficiary can provide pay stub information within 15 days for the FO or 35 days for the PSC, use the pay stub data. When pay period start and end dates are available, enter the earnings into the eWork pay stub table.
4. iTOPSS
iTOPSS contains pay stub wage data for Ticket to Work users. When pay period start and end dates are available, enter the earnings into the eWork pay stub table. Code as "verified by" Pay Stubs. If wage information is incomplete or inconsistent, and you need additional evidence of earnings, proceed to the next source of earnings. You may use a combination of pay stubs and other earnings sources to complete the review.
5. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) verified wages
Check SSI systems for verified monthly earnings. Input the earnings into the eWork Earnings Details screen.
6. National Directory of New Hires (NDNH)
Check the NDNH for quarterly earnings. Enter monthly earnings on the eWork Earnings Details screen.
7. Summary earnings query (SEQY) or detail earnings query (DEQY)
Check the SEQY or DEQY. If you are unable to determine the number of months worked in the year, use the Quick Distribution button to distribute earnings throughout the year.
8. SSA-L725
The SSA-L725 is a last resort. However, if no other source of earnings verification is available, send an SSA-L725 request to the employer. Enter monthly earnings on the eWork Earnings Details screen. Tickle the case for 15 days for FO and 35 days for PSC processing.
Closing paragraph:
Direct all program-related and technical questions to your Regional Office (RO) support staff or PSC Operations Analysis (OA) staff. The RO support staff or the PSC OA staff may refer questions, concerns, or problems to their Central Office contacts.
Reference:
DI 10505.005 Determining and Verifying Gross Earnings from Employment
EM-21069 - One-Time-Only Instructions - Processing Work Continuing Disability Reviews (WCDR) using Internet Ticket Operations Provider Support System (iTOPSS) data. - 12/10/2021