If a payee applicant does not have custody of the beneficiary, mail an SSA-788 to
the custodian to verify the applicant shows concern and responsibility for the beneficiary.
EXCEPTION: In any situation where a question about the applicant's concern has been raised,
conduct a face-to-face interview with the custodian to verify the applicant's concern.
STEP
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ACTION
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1
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If the custodian cannot furnish the information requested on Form SSA-788 within 30
days, process the claim without the information.
NOTE: You can obtain the SSA-788 information over the telephone if the custodian is slow
to respond.
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2
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Do you believe the applicant demonstrates concern for the beneficiary?
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•
If yes, document the file that the SSA-788 is being secured post-adjudicatively; diary the
case for 3 months to follow up for completion of the form.
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3
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Reevaluate the payee's qualifications once the form is obtained. Develop for a better
payee if appropriate.
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4
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If you doubt the applicant demonstrates concern for the beneficiary or if the custodian
refuses to reply or fails to corroborate the applicant's concern, request that the
payee applicant provide receipts, letters or other proof that demonstrate concern.
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5
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Use the Rep Payee/Bene Relationship “Note Type” on the Make Note Screen to document
in the eRPS (MS INTRANETERPS 015.002) about pertinent custody information received.
After documenting the Make Note screen, the SSA-788 may be destroyed. If no eRPS record
is established, the SSA-788 and accompanying documents will be maintained by SSA either
in an electronic folder (if possible) or in the claims file.
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