If a person applying for entitlement to widow(er)'s benefits has remarried, include
the later marriage in the Beneficiary Marriage (BMAR) screen per MS 00705.007 on Modernized
Claims System (MCS) or Electronic Form 101 (EF101):
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Consider possible entitlement on the later spouse's ER. If a claim was filed on the
later spouse's ER, it will not be necessary to resubmit any evidence already included
with that claim. The FO or PC will cross-refer the appropriate SSN for verification.
If the later marriage is one which would preclude entitlement and the claimant alleges
the marriage has ended, obtain proof of termination (death certificate or copy of
divorce or annulment decree).
NOTE: If there is more than one such marriage, only proof of termination of the last marriage
is required. If the later marriage is one which would not preclude entitlement (e.g.,
it occurred after the claimant attained age 60) and the claimant alleges that the
marriage has ended, accept the claimant's allegation.
If the marriage is still in effect, obtain proof of the marriage to establish that
it occurred after the required age (and after onset of disability or entitlement to
disabled widow(er)'s benefits, if either requirement is applicable). (See GN 00305.020 through GN 00305.030.)
For related policy, see RS 00207.003A.