An application under Title II covers all classes of Title II benefits described in
sections 202(a) through 202(l) and 223 of the Social Security Act for which the claimant is eligible. Also, a claimant may
be "deemed" to have filed an application for both RIB and spouse's benefits when eligibility
for both benefits exists (see GN 00204.035). Therefore, we must explore entitlement to RIB whenever a claimant files an application
for spouse’s benefits.
When you take an application, the Modernized Claims System (MCS) performs various
checks against information contained in our records to verify the identity of the
claimant and to determine if they meet all entitlement factors. After you make a formal
initial determination, the claimant receives a notice that includes appeal rights.
All of these safeguards protect the claimant's rights to benefits. Therefore, you
must obtain and review a certified earnings record (e.g., Informational/Certified
Earnings Record System or ICERS) to determine insured status (I/S).