Where the SSN record is missing from the NUMIDENT file, the query response will include
the message: “SSN: NNN-NN-NNNN NIF as of MM/DD/YY.” The record may not have been established for various reasons, e.g.:
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•
The SS-5 was not keyed in when an SSN was obtained through an emergency process.
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•
There was no information in the SS-5 file about the NH when the NUMIDENT file was
created. Assume that the SSN belongs to the individual unless other information in
file raises a doubt.
In these cases only, another SSA record may serve in place of the NUMIDENT. See GN 00302.120 for other SSA records which may be used if no NUMIDENT record exists for a claimant. Include the NUMIDENT query response in file
when another SSA record is being used.