SSA - POMS: SI 00502.142 - Qualified Aliens Who Are Blind Or Disabled And Were Lawfully Residing In The U.S. On 8/22/96

A. Introduction

On 8/22/96, P.L. 104-193, the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) allowed qualified aliens who were lawfully residing in the U.S. on 8/22/96, and who are blind or disabled, to be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, provided all other eligibility requirements are met. The alien's immigration status and document must be verified with DHS via an online Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) request in all cases, including initial claims prior to approval, redeterminations, and immigration status changes. Follow SI 00502.110 for general alien development. For verification of status with DHS via SAVE, see SI 00502.115.

IMPORTANT: If a qualified alien is eligible for SSI benefits based on another exception condition without a time limit (e.g., Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) with 40 QQs or the military service conditions), then it is not necessary to develop eligibility under the provision described in this section.

The material in this section is organized as follows:

Topic	Reference
Eligibility Under the Provision	See SI 00502.142B.1.
Lawfully Residing in the U.S.	See SI 00502.142B.2.
• Resident of the U.S.	See SI 00502.142B.2.a.
• Lawful Presence	See SI 00502.142B.2.b.
Policy - Who is a Lawfully Present Alien?	See SI 00502.142C.
Procedure - Developing Lawfully Residing in the U.S.	See SI 00502.142D.
Procedure - Processing Initial Claims-Claimant is Under Age 65	See SI 00502.142E.
• Obtain Medical Decision	See SI 00502.142E.1.
• Establish Systems Record	See SI 00502.142E.2.
• Case is Medically Allowed	See SI 00502.142E.3.
• Case is Medically Denied	See SI 00502.142E.4.
Procedure - Initial Claims - Claimant is age 65 or older • Claimant is eligible under time-limited category • Special Systems Processing Instructions for Presumptive Disability Cases • No Alien Eligibility Possible Without Disability Allowance	See SI 00502.142F. Step-Action Chart
Special Systems Processing Instructions for Couples Cases	See SI 00502.142G.
Procedure - Processing Posteligibility Cases	See SI 00502.142H.
• Aliens for Whom Eligibility Determinations Under This Provision May Be Necessary	See SI 00502.142H.1.
• When to Determine Eligibility Under This Provision	See SI 00502.142H.2.
• Developing Eligibility Under this Provision	See SI 00502.142H.3.
References	See SI 00502.142I.

B. Policy—Rules for Eligibility Under This Provision

1. General

Qualified aliens who were lawfully residing in the U.S. on 8/22/96 and who are blind or disabled can be eligible for SSI (assuming all other factors of eligibility are met) regardless of--

•

the alien's age; or
•

whether onset of blindness or disability occurs before, on, or after 8/22/96; or
•

when the SSI application is filed.

See SI 00502.100A.2 for a list of qualified alien categories.

NOTE: This provision applies to SSI aged and non-aged qualified aliens. Qualified aliens who meet this provision's criteria do not have to meet the 40 QQs or the veteran/active duty military exceptions or the other SSI alien eligibility requirements described in SI 00502.100A.3. Also, keep in mind that all SSI claimants who file as aged individuals (or aged spouses) must establish that they are age 65 or older in order to qualify for benefits.

2. Lawfully Residing in the U.S. on 8/22/96

Under this provision, an alien was lawfully residing in the U.S. if they were a resident of the U.S. and were "lawfully present" as defined by PRWORA.

a. Resident of the U.S.

A U.S. resident is an individual who establishes residency in the U.S. with the intent to continue living within the geographic limits of the U.S.

NOTE: For purposes of the alien eligibility provision described in this section, "resident of the U.S." includes a resident of the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, or the Virgin Islands of the United States. However, keep in mind that, unless there is an exception (for example, certain children of military parents stationed abroad (SI 00501.415)), to actually receive SSI benefits an individual must be a resident of the U.S., as defined in GN 00303.700B.4, during the month of eligibility.

A U.S. resident is generally physically present during the period of residency. However, a temporary absence of less than six months from the U.S. with no intention of abandoning U.S. residency does not terminate or interrupt the individual's period of U.S. residency. If the resident is absent for more than six months, we presume that U.S. residency was abandoned unless the individual presents evidence of their intent to resume U.S. residency. The residency development instructions in GN 00303.740 apply in these cases. An alien who is residing in the U.S. must also be "lawfully present" as explained in SI 00502.142B.2.b to be eligible under the exception condition described in this section.

b. Lawful Presence

In order to be lawfully present under this provision, the individual must also establish their lawful presence in the U.S. on 8/22/96. If the alien was temporarily outside the U.S. on that date, they must establish that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would or did allow their lawful reentry into the U.S. See RS 00204.025 and SI 00502.142C for who is a lawfully present alien.

C. Policy—Who is a Lawfully Present Alien

In accordance with RS 00204.025, the following categories of aliens meet the definition of "lawfully present" for SSI purposes:

1.

Qualified Alien (SI 00502.100A.2);

NOTE: Aliens who have been subjected to battery or extreme cruelty as described in SI 00502.116 are not considered to be lawfully present in the U.S. based on that status alone. Instead, use the individual's immigration status on 8/22/96 (not SSA's finding that the battery/extreme cruelty criteria are met) to determine whether they were lawfully present in the U.S. on 8/22/96 for purposes of the provision described in this section.

Aliens paroled under section 212(d)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) for less than 1 year (except for aliens paroled for deferred inspection or exclusion proceedings under section 236(a) of the INA or prosecution in the U.S. under 8 CFR 212.5(a)(3));
2.

Aliens inspected and admitted to the U.S. and who have not violated the applicable terms of their status;
3.

Most legal nonimmigrant aliens, including visitors, students, fiancées of citizens, and citizens of States in the Compact of Free Association (CFA);
4.

Aliens with a pending application for political asylum under section 208(a) of the INA, or a pending application for withholding of deportation under section 243(h) of the INA or removal withheld under section 241(b)(3) of the INA, and employment authorization has been granted and such applicants under age 14 who have had an application pending for at least 180 days; and
5.
Aliens in the following categories permitted to remain in the U.S. under U.S. law or policy, for humanitarian or other public policy reasons:
1. a.
  
  Temporary resident status under section 210 or 245A of the INA;
2. b.
  
  Temporary Protected Status under section 244A of the INA;
3. c.
  
  Individuals from Cuba or Haiti who meet the requirements of P.L. 99-603, section 202(b) as amended (IRCA). These individuals may or may not be qualified alien “Cuban and Haitian entrants” as defined in the Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980. See SI 00502.108F.2.
4. d.
  
  Family Unity beneficiary status under section 301 of P.L. 101-649, as amended;
5. e.
  
  Deferred Enforced Departure status under a decision made by the President;
6. f.
  
  Deferred action status under DHS Operations Instructions at OI 242.1(a)(22); and
7. g.
  
  Spouses and children of U.S. citizens whose visa petitions have been approved and who have pending applications for adjustment of status.
  
  NOTE:
  
  Any alien who had qualified alien status on 8/22/96 and was residing in the U.S. meets the "lawfully residing" criteria.
  
  IMPORTANT: An alien who did not have qualified alien status on 8/22/96 but who was "lawfully residing" on 8/22/96 may be eligible under this provision if they are blind or disabled and is a qualified alien at the time of application for benefits.
  
  IMPORTANT: For purposes of this provision, a determination that an individual is ineligible for SSI benefits due to absence from the U.S. (N03) (as explained in SI 00501.410) does not preclude a finding of lawful presence in the U.S.
  
  EXAMPLE: An LPR alien leaves the U.S. in 8/96 and returns in 4/97. They are readmitted to the U.S. as LPR, and apply for SSI disability in 5/97 but does not have 40 QQs. They submit convincing evidence that they did not intend to abandon their U.S residence during the period of absence from the U.S.--rent receipts for their apartment for the period of absence. The field office (FO) confirms that the individual was lawfully present in the U.S. on 8/22/96 (that is, DHS did not revoke LPR status) based on an adjustment date before 8/22/96 on DHS Form I-551. The FO makes a determination of U.S. residency (per GN 00303.740C). If the FO determines that the individual did not abandon U.S. residency and was in lawful presence status on 8/22/96, the alien may be eligible for SSI if they are determined to be disabled.
  
  For development of lawful presence in the U.S., follow the instructions in SI 00502.142D in this section.

D. Procedure - Developing Lawfully Residing in the U.S.

1. Obtain Allegation of U.S. Residence

Ask the individual if they were lawfully residing in the U.S. on 8/22/96. If so, request DHS documents showing the individual's immigration status for that date. Verify the DHS document via SAVE. Develop residence under SI 00502.142B.2.a.

We base the determination of whether an alien meets the lawful presence requirements on documents issued by DHS and verified by an online SAVE request. Follow the procedures in the next two subsections to verify lawful presence on or before 8/22/96.

2. Verifying Lawful Presence Based on Individual's Immigration Documents

If a qualified alien was a U.S. resident on 8/22/96 and has current (unexpired) immigration documents that were effective on or before 8/22/96, the alien was lawfully present in the U.S. on 8/22/96 and meets the "lawfully residing in the U.S. on 8/22/96" requirement. Reverify the individual's immigration status via on online SAVE request.

A qualified alien who was a U.S. resident on 8/22/96, and whose current alien status was granted after 8/22/96, may be able to provide a document (for example, a passport with an I-94 stamp) that shows that:

•

the alien was in an earlier status in one of the categories listed in SI 00502.142B.2; and
•

the earlier status was granted before 8/22/96.

If such a document conforms to the description in RS 00204.025B and appears authentic, it establishes lawful presence. Reverify the immigration document via an online SAVE request.

See RM 10214.100 through RM 10214.170 and SI 00502.115 for immigration information available through the SAVE program.

E. Procedure - Processing Initial Claim for Claimant Under Age 65

1. Obtain Medical Decision

Complete all necessary disability forms and forward them to the Disability Determination Services (DDS). If appropriate, make a presumptive disability determination (DI 11055.230 and DI 11055.240). Since the claimant is under age 65, SSI eligibility cannot be determined until a disability decision is made.

NOTE: If the individual is under age 65 and receiving Title II benefits based on a (prior) determination that the individual is disabled, add the "Potential Collateral Estoppel Apply" flag in EDCS and request a disability determination from the DDS.

2. Establish Systems Record

Follow current systems instructions pertaining to individuals under age 65 who are filing for SSI based on blindness or disability. Routine processing can be used for both MSSICS and non-MSSICS claims effective 5/11/98, with the following exception: Do not close the MSSICS event prior to receipt of the DDS decision.

IMPORTANT: Leave the case in H80. Otherwise, MSSICS will build an erroneous N13 denial.

3. Case is Medically Allowed

Follow current update procedures if an allowance is returned. MSSICS will process these cases correctly once the Disability Clearance page is completed.

4. Case is Medically Denied

If the case is medically denied, the DDS will release the medical denial notice and post the medical denial code to the Supplemental Security Record (SSR). If the denial is not posted by the DDS, the medical denial code can be keyed into the Denial Code option on the Adjudicative Decision (DADJ) screen (over-key the systems-generated N13 denial).

IMPORTANT: An individual under age 65 must be blind or disabled in order to receive SSI. If the DDS determines the individual is neither blind nor disabled, the individual is ineligible for SSI-based on medical reasons and irrespective of alien status.

F. Procedure - Processing Initial Claim for Claimant Age 65 or Older

Use the following Step-Action chart to determine what development and adjudicative actions are necessary for aged aliens who are seeking eligibility under the condition for qualified aliens who are blind/disabled and were lawfully residing in the U.S. on 8/22/96. This chart includes procedures for aged aliens who--

•

Can be paid under the 7-year time-limited provision,
•

Need a medical allowance to be eligible,
•

Meet the requirements for payments based on presumptive disability/blindness.

See SI 00502.142F for special procedures for handling aged couples cases under this provision. Refer to SI 00502.142G for the procedure for post-eligibility cases.

Step	Action
1	Does the aged alien claimant allege that they were lawfully residing in the U.S. on 8/22/96 or that they entered the U.S. before 8/22/96? • If yes, continue with Step 2. • If, no, STOP. Eligibility is not possible under the exception condition for qualified aliens who are blind/disabled and were lawfully residing in the U.S. on 8/22/96.
2	Is the aged alien claimant potentially eligible under a time-limited category (e.g., refugee, asylee, etc.) in accordance with SI 00502.106B? • If yes, continue with Step 3. • If no, skip to Step 9.
3	Did the alien submit acceptable documentary evidence, verified via an online SAVE request, that proves they are now in time-limited alien category, or, if currently LPR, was previously in a time-limited category? (See SI 00502.130 for acceptable documentary evidence.) • If yes, continue with Step 4. • If no, obtain documentary evidence of immigration status in accordance with SI 00501.130. Scan legible copies of both sides of the immigration document into the electronic folder (e.g., Evidence Portal, eView). If the document includes an Alien Registration Number (ARN or A#), enter the ARN in Person Information. Return the immigration document to the claimant. After receiving the SAVE response, update the status code on the record as appropriate and store a copy of the SAVE response in the electronic folder. Once the immigration status has been verified via SAVE, continue developing other eligibility requirements, as appropriate. Verify the document via online SAVE request, per SI 00502.115. Continue with step 4.
4	If the aged alien claimant is potentially eligible for SSI because they meet one of time limited categories based on documentary evidence and DHS verification via SAVE, take the following actions: a. Adjudicate the application as an aged claim; and b. If the aged alien claimant alleges disability/blindness, establish the systems record as follows: • Answer the appropriate disability/blindness questions on the Additional Client Data (ACLD) screen in MSSICS with “Y.” • MSSICS will build the type of claim as an Aged Individual (AI). • The Development Worksheet page will control the receipt of the DDS decision. • Send to the SSR via BTS (DSSR) and close the event. Payments will begin under the applicable time-limited eligibility category. NOTE: The SSR can reflect only one alien eligibility (AER) code at a time (SM 01005.642). The record of a refugee whose eligibility is limited to seven years (AR code = "F”) will show an AER code “1.” The record of an alien whose deportation or removal is being withheld (AR = "J”) will show an AER code “2.” For aged aliens with eligibility limited to seven years, the system will automatically build an AER code “8” (“aged alien requiring disability decision”) only for asylees (AR = "L”), Amerasian immigrants (AR = "3”), and Cuban/Haitian Entrants (AR = "X”) who allege being blind or disabled. c. Obtain the medical determination on a post-adjudicative basis using the following guidelines: • NOTE: If the individual who is age 65 or older is receiving Title II benefits, do not adopt a prior Title II disability determination (if one was made in the case). Instead, obtain a new disability decision for purposes of establishing alien eligibility under the provision for blind/disabled qualified aliens who were lawfully residing in the U.S. on 8/22/96. • When sending the claim to the DDS for a medical decision, include the following notation in the “Remarks” portion of the “Title II/Title XVI Information” screen in MSDCT or SSA-831-U3: “Title XVI Aged Alien – Blindness/Disability Alleged – Systems Limitation.” Refer to instructions in DI 11055.130 for preparing Form SSA-831-U3 (Disability Determination and Transmittal). IMPORTANT: When the Aged Alien “System Limitation” annotation is included on the SSA-831-U3 and the DDS determines the individual is neither blind nor disabled, the DDS will prepare a write-up entitled “Information About the Disability Decision” that will provide the individual with a personalized explanation of the medical decision their case. The DDS will place the write-up in the medical folder and return the folder to the FO. d. Continue with Step 5
5	After the initial claim based on the 7-year provision has processed, has the medical determination for the aged alien been received? • If yes, continue with step 6. • If no, follow up on status of pending medical determination. When determination has been received, continue with step 6.
6	Was the aged alien medically allowed by DDS? • If yes, continue with Step 7. • If no, skip to Step 8.
7	Process medical allowance for aged alien who is currently eligible based on 7-year provision as follows (post-entitlement): a. If MSSICS case, input as follows: • Update by establishing a “STAND ALONE PE EVENT.” • Complete the Disability Clearance page, including the appropriate Multi-category Eligibility Code. • Send to the SSR via BTS (DSSR) and close the event. This will build the transaction that will establish the multi-category code, as well as other disability data, on the SSR. b. If non-MSSICS case, input as follows: Transmit an SSA-1719B with the appropriate disability data per SM 01301.605 (Multi-category, or “CM” field) and SM 01305.855 (Date of Onset field). c. Prepare Manual Notice for MSSICS and Non-MSSICS cases as follows: Prepare a manual SSA-L8166, “SSI Important Information,” using the Document Processing System (DPS) if appropriate. Explain in the notice that: • Although the prior notice (initial claim award) indicated that the individual’s eligibility was limited to seven years, the individual is now eligible to receive SSI benefits without a time limit; (assuming all other factors of eligibility continue to be met); and • This is the case because the individual has been determined to be blind or disabled and was lawfully residing in the U.S. on 8/22/96. STOP! No further action is necessary.
8	Process medical denial for aged alien who is currently eligible based on 7-year provision as follows (post-entitlement): a. If MSSICS case, input as follows: • Update MSSICS by establishing a “STAND ALONE PE EVENT.” • Record in SSR Remarks (CRMK) the date and denial code of the DDS decision. • Receipt the Development Worksheet page for the medical decision. b. If non-MSSICS case, input as follows: • Transmit the date and denial code of the DDS decision via SSA-1719B in the Remarks field. NOTE: No other systems input is needed. The aged alien recipient’s SSI benefits will be suspended (N13) when the 7-year period expires, assuming the alien coding on the record shows no basis for eligibility past the 7-year period. c. Prepare a manual notice for both MSSICS and Non-MSSICS cases as follows: • Use an SSA-L8166-U-2, “SSI Important Information” from DPS. • Include the following special language in the notice: “We looked at your claim to see if you were disabled under our rules. We have decided that you are not disabled under our rules. Detailed information about our decision is shown on the attachment called “Information About the Disability Decision.” If you disagree with the disability decision, please read the information later in this notice about filing an appeal.” • Explain in the SSA-L8166 that the recipient’s current eligibility is not affected by the medical denial and can continue based on their current alien status through the end of the applicable 7-year period. • Mail the notice, along with the DDS write-up entitled “Information About the Disability Decision” (see “IMPORTANT” in Step 5c) to the aged alien recipient. • Since the medical decision is an initial determination, the decision is appealable. The DPS version of the SSA-L8166 has preprinted appeal rights. STOP! No further action is necessary.
9	For aged alien claimant where alien eligibility is not possible without disability allowance (i.e., alien cannot be eligible based on status in a 7-year category): Is the aged alien presumptively blind or disabled in accordance with the lists of impairment categories in DI 23535.010. (FO is authorized to make PD/PB decision) or DI 23535.010B. (DDS is authorized to make a PD/PB decision)? • If yes, continue with Step 10. • If no, skip to Step 12. NOTE: In general, an SSI claimant may receive six months of payments before the final determination of disability or blindness is made if • They are determined to be presumptively disabled or blind; and • They meet all other non-disability eligibility requirements.
10	For aged alien who meets presumptive disability or blindness impairment from Step 9: Does the aged alien meet all of the non-disability eligibility requirements? • If yes, continue with Step 11. • If no, skip to Step 12. IMPORTANT: For the purpose of determining whether an aged alien can get PD or PB payments, consider the aged alien to meet all of the non-disability eligibility requirements” if— • They are currently a qualified alien based on appropriate documentary evidence of alien status (SI 00502.130) and DHS verification (if required in accordance with SI 00502.115); and • DHS verified that the aged alien was lawfully residing in the U.S. on 8/22/96; and • The aged alien meets all of the other non-disability factors of eligibility (e.g., income, resources, residency, etc.). NOTE: Place the case in H80 until development for all factors is complete.
11	Aged alien who needs medical allowance to be eligible meets the requirements for payment based on presumptive disability/blindness: a. If MSSICS case: • Answer the appropriate disability/blindness question on the Additional Client Data (ACLD) screen. • Complete the Disability page with the "Presumptive disability or blindness checkbox" selected for Presumptive Disability and the appropriate Presumptive Onset Date. • Complete the Adjudicative Decision (DADJ) screen, send to the SSR via BTS (DSSR), and close the event. b. If non-MSSICS case, code the SSA-450SI input as follows: • TP of “AI” for age 65 or older; • CM (if Aged); • The appropriate AR (SM 01005.632), AQ (SM 01005.642), and ZX (SM 01005.645) fields; • Input a “DO” (Date of Onset) with “P” for presumptive disability; • Other necessary fields. STOP! No further action is necessary.
12	Take the following actions if alien eligibility is not possible without a disability allowance and presumptive disability/blindness is not involved: a. Obtain medical decision according to the following guidelines: NOTE: If the individual who is age 65 or older is receiving Title II benefits, do not adopt a prior Title II disability determination (if one was made in the case). Instead, obtain a new disability decision for purposes of the provision described in this section. • When sending the claim to the DDS for a medical decision, include the following notation in the “Remarks” portion of the “Title II/Title XVI Information” screen in MSDCT or SSA-831-U3: “Title XVI Aged Alien – Blindness/Disability Alleged – Systems Limitation.” Refer to instructions in DI 11055.130 for preparing Form SSA-831-U3. NOTE: When this annotation is included on the SSA-831-U3 and the DDS determines the individual is neither blind nor disabled, the DDS will prepare a write-up entitled “Information About the Disability Decision” that will provide the individual with a personalized explanation of the medical decision in their case. The DDS will place the write-up in the medical folder and return the folder to the FO. b. Undertake simultaneous development of non-disability factors of eligibility: • Obtain documentary evidence of immigration status in accordance with SI 00501.130 and verify the immigration status via SAVE. Scan legible copies of both sides of the immigration document into the electronic folder (e.g., Evidence Portal, eView). If the document includes an Alien Registration Number (ARN or A#), enter the ARN in Person Information. Return the immigration document to the claimant. After receiving the SAVE response, update the status code on the record as appropriate and store a copy of the SAVE response in the electronic folder. Once the immigration status has been verified via SAVE, continue developing other eligibility requirements, as appropriate. • Verify current qualified alien status via an online SAVE request, per SI 00502.115. • Develop whether the claimant meets all of the other non-disability factors of eligibility (e.g., income, resources, residency, etc.). • Do not defer development of the non-disability factors of eligibility in an aged alien’s case while the medical decision is pending. c. If MSSICS, establish the systems record as follows: • Answer the appropriate DISABLED/BLIND question on the Additional Client Data (ACLD) screen with “Y.” • Complete the Disability page and other pages in the SSI system. • Build the SSR but do not close the event. (If you close the event before a medical decision is posted, MSSICS will build an erroneous N13 denial.) • MSSICS will set up the case as an Aged Individual (AI) in H80 status. • MSSICS will automatically build the AER code of “8” (“aged alien requiring a disability determination”) on the SSR. • Hold the case until the disability decision is returned from the DDS. d. If non-MSSICS case, establish the systems record as follows: • Complete the SSA-450SI as usual, including TP of “AI,” AQ with code “8,” and PS of “H80.” • Do not include the DO, SA, or CM fields Continue with Step 13.
13	Upon receipt of the medical decision from the DDS: Was the aged alien medically allowed by DDS? • If yes, continue with Step 14. • If no, skip to Step 15.
14	For aged alien claimant who was medically allowed, and medical allowance is needed for eligibility, do systems input as follows: a. If MSSICS case: • Update the existing MSSICS pending file with any new data. • Complete the Disability Clearance page if the DDS decision is not already recorded there, including the appropriate Multi-category Eligibility Code. • Send to the SSR via BTS (DSSR) and close the event. b. If non-MSSICS case, transmit an SSA-450SI with: • DLPS (to delete H80); and • Date of onset (SM 01305.855), medical data (SM 01305.900), and multi-category code (SM 01301.605). STOP! No further action is necessary.
15	For aged alien claimant who was medically denied, and a medical allowance was needed for eligibility, take the following actions to process the N13 denial: a. If MSSICS case: • Close the open event on the Build SSR (DSSR) screen. • Suppress the automated denial notice via the Update Notice Suppression (UNSP) in Direct SSR Update. (See instructions in MS 00302.018 for completion of the UNSP screen). • Since no information was entered on the Disability Clearance page, MSSICS will build the N13 denial on the DADJ. b. If non-MSSICS case: • Transmit a PR9 with DS N13. • Suppress the automated denial notice (NP field). c. Prepare a manual (N13) denial notice for both MSSICS and non-MSSICS cases using DPS as follows: • Complete the client information, then click “Document Selection” in the left-hand navigation window. • Search for the “SSA-L8030-U2 – ALIEN02 – MANUAL DENIAL – NOT ELIGIBLE ALIEN” or select “Initial Claims” and navigate to the notice. • When prompted, select the paragraph designated as “AGED PERSON DENIED – NOT DISABLED.” • From the “Group Selection” screen select “enclosure” and attach the DDS write-up entitled “Information About the Disability Decision” (see “IMPORTANT” under Step 5c of this table) to the notice. • Mail the notice and the write-up to the claimant. STOP! No further action is necessary.

G. Procedure—Special Systems Processing Instructions for Couples Cases

If both members of the couple cannot be adjudicated on the same day, then the configuration of the claim dictates the processing path required:

1. Both Members Are Aged and Both Require Medical Decisions

a. Aged Couple: Initial Application

Input the case according to the following chart:

MSSICS	Non-MSSICS
• Complete all screens as usual for aged alien couple. • Send to the SSR but do not close the event. (Closing the event will place the case in N13 as a denial) which is not appropriate. • The system will establish the couple record with PSY of H80 (H80 means that an issue is pending).	Complete the two SSA-450SI's with-- • TP of AI for the aged individual and AS for the aged spouse, • AQ with code "8" for both, and • PS H80. • Include the “DO,” “SA,” and “CM” fields. See SM 01005.140 for the “DO” coding, SM 01005.220 for the “SA” coding, and SM 01005.330 for the “CM” coding.

MSSICS

Non-MSSICS

•

Complete all screens as usual for aged alien couple.
•

Send to the SSR but do not close the event. (Closing the event will place the case in N13 as a denial) which is not appropriate.
•

The system will establish the couple record with PSY of H80 (H80 means that an issue is pending).

Complete the two SSA-450SI's with--

•

TP of AI for the aged individual and AS for the aged spouse,
•

AQ with code "8" for both, and
•

PS H80.
•

Include the “DO,” “SA,” and “CM” fields.

See SM 01005.140 for the “DO” coding,

SM 01005.220 for the “SA” coding, and SM 01005.330 for the “CM” coding.

b. Aged Couple: One Member of Couple is Determined to Be Blind/Disabled—Initial Allowance

Upon receipt of the allowance for the payable spouse:

•

T50 the couple record, since the system cannot perform a Special Routine Eliminating Waiting (SREW) computation for an aged couple. One member of the couple would be in C01 status while the other is in H-80. See SM 01701.005 and SM 02101.035 for more information about the SREW computation.
•

Manually clear the MSSICS claim per MS 04404.011, if needed.
•

Establish an eligible AI with an ineligible spouse (XS) record via 450S input. DO NOT Start Date.
•

Include AQ "8" (SM 01005.642) and the appropriate CM code for “AI” (SM 01005.330).
•

Follow subsection SI 00502.142G.1c or SI 00502.142G.1.d once the decision is received for the waiting spouse.

c. Aged Couple: Claimant in Current Pay - Favorable DDS Decision Received for “Ineligible Spouse” - Post Action

Take the following actions if the ineligible aged spouse is later determined to be blind/disabled, and is thus eligible:


MSSICS	Non-MSSICS
• Seed the record (AI/IS) into MSSICS. • Answer all questions in MSSICS for the ineligible spouse. • Complete the Disability Clearance Page for the ineligible spouse. • MSSICS will set the record up and correctly pay as an eligible couple.	• T33 the individual with ineligible spouse (AI/IS) record. • Start date a couple (AI/AS) record as an allowed couple.

MSSICS

Non-MSSICS

•

Seed the record (AI/IS) into MSSICS.
•

Answer all questions in MSSICS for the ineligible spouse.
•

Complete the Disability Clearance Page for the ineligible spouse.
•

MSSICS will set the record up and correctly pay as an eligible couple.

•

T33 the individual with ineligible spouse (AI/IS) record.
•

Start date a couple (AI/AS) record as an allowed couple.

d. Aged Couple: Unfavorable DDS Decision Received for Ineligible Spouse—Ineligible Spouse Not Blind/Disabled—Post Action

If the spouse is medically denied and is therefore an ineligible alien, take the following actions:

•

Seed the aged individual with ineligible spouse (AI/XS) record into MSSICS if not already in MSSICS.
•

Process the denial for the ineligible spouse through MSSICS. MSSICS will correctly build the N13 denial.
•

Record in "Remarks" on the SSR the date and denial code of the DDS decision for the ineligible spouse.
•

CAUTION: Do not overkey the N13 denial coding in this situation.
•

SDSP does not need to be in the first position. This entry must be present at the time the SD record is initially established to get workload credit.

2. Payable Member is Aged and Eligible Without a Medical Decision, Needed Medical Decision for Spouse Under 65 is Pending

Adjudicate the aged alien as an individual and T33/SD the record when the disability decision is received for the spouse, regardless of whether it is a denial or approval. Once the record is start dated, any funds due the spouse for a prior period will need to be paid by A-OTP. The aged member can be adjudicated as an allowance while the disability decision is pending for the spouse. This will result in a SREW computation.

3. Disabled Member (Under Age 65) Approved First and Aged Member Still Awaiting Medical Decision

Due to systems limitations with alien cases, set up record as an individual to pay the person currently eligible and then start dated once a decision is received for the second party.

4. Both Members Disabled (and Under Age 65)

Due to systems limitations with alien cases, set up record as an individual to pay the person currently eligible and then start dated once a decision is received for the second party.

H. Procedure - Processing Posteligibility Cases

1. Aliens For Whom Eligibility Determinations Under This Provision May Be Necessary

Consider eligibility under this provision if an alien age 65 or older alleges being blind or disabled and:

•

the alien is not a "grandfathered" alien (SI 00502.150 and SI 00502.153);
•

the alien was lawfully residing in the U.S. on 8/22/96 (SI 00502.142B);
•

the alien is eligible under one of the time-limited categories described in SI 00502.106 (for example, is a refugee or asylee); and
•

no medical decision was previously obtained in the case, or the appeal period for a prior medical denial has ended.

2. When to Determine Eligibility Under This Provision

Determine eligibility under this provision:

•

At the time a scheduled or unscheduled redetermination is conducted; or
•

When the recipient contacts SSA after receiving the notice to suspend benefits at the end of the 7-year eligibility period. (See SI 00502.106C.3 for Goldberg-Kelly procedures for aged aliens who allege disability or blindness in connection with an appeal of the suspension of benefits under the 7-year rule); or
•

When the recipient contacts SSA inquiring about the 7-year time limit before the NPA for the time-limited suspension is sent.

3. Developing Eligibility Under this Provision

Ask the individual whether they are blind or disabled. If blindness or disability is alleged, obtain necessary disability forms and forward the forms to the DDS for a medical decision. Follow the applicable systems instructions in SI 00502.142E.1 to input the blindness/disability allegation and establish a systems control for the disability decision.

NOTE: When the instructions in SI 00502.142E.1 are followed, the system will automatically post AER code "8" to the record. This will ensure that the FO gets workload credit for the disability portion of the claim.

Refer to instructions in DI 11055.130 for preparing Form SSA-831-U3. Include the following notation in "Remarks" on the SSA-831-U3: "Title XVI Alien -- Blindness/Disability Alleged -- Systems Limitation." (See "IMPORTANT" in SI 00502.142E.1.a. regarding DDS actions when the SSA-831-U3 is annotated in this way.)

a. Case is Medically Allowed

•

Issue the notice.

Manually prepare the notice, “SSI Important Information," using the DPS. Explain that—

Although the prior (initial claim award) notice indicated that the individual's eligibility was limited to seven years, the individual is now eligible to receive SSI benefits without a time limit (assuming all other factors of eligibility continue to be met), and

This is the case because the individual is blind or disabled and was lawfully residing in the U.S. on 8/22/96.

•

Make Systems Input.

If the case is medically allowed, leave the record as an AI and add the multi-category code (SM 01005.330 or SM 01301.605) to the SSR. The presence of the multi-category code will result in continued eligibility beyond the "7-year" eligibility period.

b. Case is Medically Denied

•

Systems Data

Disability data will be built, as appropriate, on aged alien records in the DISB segment of the SSR. These cases must be denied N13 either through MSSICS or via manual input because the requirements in SI 00502.142B.1 are not met.

•

Issue the notice

Manually prepare the notice using the DPS. Include the following language in the notice:

"We looked at your claim to see if you were disabled under our rules. We have decided that you are not disabled under our rules. Detailed information about our decision is shown on the attachment called "Information About the Disability Decision." If you disagree with the disability decision, please read the information later in this notice about filing an appeal."

Also explain in the notice that the recipient's eligibility can continue -- based on their current alien status -- through the end of the applicable 7-year period. Mail the notice, along with the DDS write-up entitled "Information About the Disability Decision" (see "IMPORTANT" in SI 00502.142E.1.a) to the individual.

Since the medical decision is an initial determination, the decision is appealable. The DPS version of the notice has preprinted appeal rights.

I. References

•

Basic SSI Alien Eligibility Requirements, SI 00502.100
•

Exemption from Alien Provisions for Certain Noncitizen Indians, SI 00502.105
•

Time-Limited Eligibility for Certain Aliens, SI 00502.106
•

Goldberg-Kelly payments for aged aliens who allege disability/blindness in connection with an appeal of the suspension under the 7-year rule, SI 00502.106C.3.
•

General Alien Development, SI 00502.110
•

Verification of Alien Eligibility with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), SI 00502.115
•

"Deemed Qualified Alien" Status Based on Battery or Extreme Cruelty By A Family Member, SI 00502.116
•

Eligibility on the Basis of Receiving SSI Benefits on an Application Filed Before January 1, 1979, SI 00502.120
•

Documentary Evidence of Qualified Alien Status, SI 00502.130
•

LPR with 40 Qualifying Quarters of Earnings, SI 00502.135
•

Veteran or Active Duty Member of the Armed Forces, a Spouse, or a Dependent Child, SI 00502.140
•

Development of Marital Relationships, SI 00502.145
•

Qualified Aliens Receiving Benefits on 8/22/96 (Balanced Budget Act of 1997, P.L. 105-33), SI 00502.150
•

Readjudication of N13 Denials That Were Based on Alien Eligibility Law in Effect Prior To 8/5/97, SI 00502.152
•

SSI Eligibility for Nonqualified Aliens Who Were Receiving SSI on 8/22/96 - 1998 "Grandfathering" Legislation, SI 00502.153
•

Individuals Who Received Informal Denials Based on Alien Eligibility Law in Effect Prior to 8/5/97, SI 00502.158
•

Due Process Rights under the Goldberg-Kelly ruling, SI 02301.300B.2
•

Citizenship/Alien Status, MS 08108.007 for instructions on completing the Alien Status page and SM 01005.630 for instructions on completing the AR field when an 450SI input is transmitted.

Social Security

Program Operations Manual System (POMS)

SI 00502.142 Qualified Aliens Who Are Blind Or Disabled And Were Lawfully Residing In The U.S. On 8/22/96