Further development may be needed if a child is filing or someone is filing on the
child's behalf using the number holder's (NH's) Social Security number (SSN), but
the child's parent does not wish to file for the child even though they are eligible.
Be sure to check for a natural legitimate parent-child relationship, see GN 00306.010.
If the NH’s spouse, former spouse, widow(er), or any other applicant who files a Title
II application on behalf of their child with the NH also states that they think the
NH may have a child in another household, but has no information about that child,
pursue as a lead.
Do not deprive a child of their right to benefits due to neglect or lack of interest
by a prospective payee in filing or furnishing evidence. Make all reasonable efforts
to protect the interest of each child eligible for benefits.
Take an application whenever possible; and
Develop necessary evidence.
Dispose of a lead by following the development steps in GN 00202.020G in this section.