SSA sometimes issues favorable decisions to the same claimant in more than one type
of claim for benefits (i.e., dual and/or simultaneous entitlement such as disability
based on a claimant's social security number (SSN) and as a survivor on another's
SSN). These claims usually involve multiple processing centers (PCs).
Dual entitlement claims usually involve a common issue (e.g., disability based on
an individual's own SSN and as a disabled adult child). In claims involving a common
issue, the representative is authorized a single fee for his/her services. Therefore,
the fee authorized under the fee agreement process for multiple claims is controlled
by the provisions of the agreement and cannot exceed the statutory maximum indicated
in GN 03940.003B.3. (or any lower maximum fee specified in the fee agreement). However, when a representative
is instrumental in obtaining benefits for a claimant on more than one SSN, the combined
family maximum applies to the computation of past-due benefits if the claimant is
entitled to child's benefits on more than one SSN. (GN 03920.030D.3. discusses computing past-due benefits when there are multiple SSNs.)