The policy in GN 00204.003 applies to all SSI applications. In addition, a third party is always a proper applicant
for establishing an oral inquiry or written statement of intent to file SSI benefits
because there is always a potential loss of benefits For examples of third parties,see
GN 00204.003B.3.).
A third party may sign an application solely for the purpose of protecting the claimant's
filing date if a protective filing does not already exist or the claimant is unable
to sign his/her own application before the 60-day protective filing period ends and
a loss of benefits would result. (For determining the protective filing closeout period,
see SI 00601.037B.)
EXAMPLE: As part of an outreach program, Ms. Brown, a social worker of a private agency, interviews
Mr. Smith on the telephone and discovers that he is potentially eligible for SSI benefits.
Mr. Smith wishes to file for SSI. Ms. Brown completes, signs and dates an outreach
referral form which indicates Mr. Smith's intent to file for SSI benefits and hand
delivers it to the local SSA field office (FO) that same day. Because of the potential
loss of benefits involved, the referral form establishes a protective filing date
for SSI benefits as of the date we receive the referral form.