The previous version of this section directed you to hold claims, appeals, post-eligibility
and post-entitlement (PE) actions involving same-sex marital status determinations
if we had not yet issued processing instructions in subchapter GN 00210.000. Other sections in GN 00210.000 directed you to hold some cases to protect against potential loss of benefits until
we published instructions for processing those cases.
Review all same-sex marriage-related claims, appeals, and post-eligibility and post-entitlement
actions that have been on hold. Process all of these cases now.
Instructions in GN 00210.000 contain policies, procedures, and processing instructions for claims, appeals, post-eligibility
and post-entitlement actions involving a determination of a same-sex couple’s marital
status. Except for the instructions in GN 00210.000, you should apply all other current and relevant instructions in the same manner
for same-sex couples and opposite-sex couples.
If you determine that a legal opinion is necessary, request a legal opinion per GN 01010.815.