TN 1 (10-20)

RM 03812.013 Benefit Estimate Requested

1. A. 

   Consider a case to be a benefit estimate case where a NH, regardless of age, asks how much money he/she will get from social security when he/she retires, or asks some similar question.

2. B. 

   Request an updated SSA-1826, Social Security Summary Statement of Earnings, (if not previously associated with the case) to obtain accurate QC information.

   NOTE: Accurate QC information must be provided to the FO for all benefit estimate cases. At the present time, the QC information displayed on the MEF or SSA-1826 printout is incomplete. Since the QC totals on an SSA-1826 are accurate, the form must be requested to ensure that correct information is provided.

3. C. 

   Request scouting per RM 03803.028 and RM 03809.

4. D. 

   Upon completion of all scouting, determine if the case is “incomplete” per RM 03803.022 or “complete” per RM 03803.013 If the case is:

   1. 1. 

      Incomplete, take the following actions:

      1. a. 

         Correct the summary earnings record portion of the MEF or SSA-1826 printout by lining through the affected annual earnings totals and QC information, and entering the new figures based on any additional amounts located in suspense, transferred, etc.

      2. b. 

         Enter “Benefit Estimate” at the top of the page.

      3. c. 

         Place the summary earnings portion in front of the MEF or SSA-1826 printout.

      4. d. 

         Initiate an ED, and handle as appropriate per RM 03803.

   2. 2. 

      Complete, take the following actions:

      1. a. 

         Prepare an undated closeout letter per 03803.071 disregarding the request for a benefit estimate.

      2. b. 

         Note the file copy of the closeout letter to show that the FO has been requested to furnish a benefit estimate and to give our letter to the individual.

      3. c. 

         Prepare a copy of the incoming correspondence and the MEF or SSA-1826 printout(s).

      4. d. 

         Correct the annual earnings totals and QC information on the summary earnings record portion of the MEF or SSA-1826 printout(s) based on any additional amounts located in suspense, transferred, etc.

      5. e. 

         Place the summary earnings record portion in the front of the MEF or SSA-1826 printout(s).

      6. f. 

         Forward the closeout letter, copy of the incoming correspondence, and the MEF or SSA-1826 printout(s) to the servicing FO under cover of an OF-41 requesting that a benefit estimate be furnished, and that our letter be dated and given to the NH.

      7. g. 

         Send the original of the incoming and the copy of the MEF or SSA-1826 printout(s) together with the official file copy of our letter, to the files for 4-year filing.