A claimant mails in an original marriage certificate to prove marital relationship
in a claim for widow(er)'s benefits. The CSR accepts the marriage certificate, reviews
it for authenticity and validity, and records it on the EVID screen. The adjudicator
examines and accepts the EVID screen as acceptable evidence to prove the marital relationship
entitlement factor for widow(er)’s benefits. (It is not necessary for the adjudicator
to review a photocopy of the original marriage certificate.) For electronic evidence
documentation and retention, see GN 00301.286.