TN 8 (08-10)

RM 10210.270 Evaluation and Verification of Evidence of Age for an SSN Card

A. Evaluation of evidence of age for an SSN card

  • Perform a visual inspection of evidence documents per instructions in RM 10210.210.

  • If the document does not appear to belong to the applicant per RM 10205.315B, or if the document can immediately be determined to be fraudulent per RM 10205.305, follow the procedure in RM 10205.325, Processing an SSN Application when Documents are Immediately Determined to be Fraudulent.

  • If you discover any reason to believe the document does not belong to the applicant, initiate a search for a death record in the applicant’s name in the same jurisdiction as the birth record.

B. Verification of evidence of age for a U.S.-born individual for an original or new (different) SSN card, or when the alleged SSN is unknown or void

SSA must independently verify any birth record that a U.S.-born individual submits as evidence of age for an original SSN card unless the request for an SSN is submitted through the EAB process.

  • Follow GN 00308.000 and/or local procedures to verify primary evidence of age with the appropriate BVS.

  • If the individual is age one or older, and primary evidence of age is unavailable (i.e., the applicant has been unable to obtain a BC because the BVS did not record the birth), contact the BVS in the State where the person was born and ask if a record of the person’s birth exists.

  • For instructions on evaluation of alternative evidence of age (e.g., delayed BCs, a physician’s record, school records), see specific references in GN 00302.000.

  • See RM 10205.300 for instructions on when to code evidence of age as suspect pending verification.

  • See RM 10210.275 for additional instructions if the application is for an individual under age one.

  • See RM 10210.280 for additional instructions if the application is for an individual under age one with no birth certificate who needs an SSN for emergency benefits or services,

  • See RM 10210.285 for additional instructions if the application is for an individual who is age one or older.

C. Verification of evidence of age for a foreign-born individual for an original or new (different) SSN card, or when the alleged SSN is unknown or void

  • Verify all immigration documents with DHS according to current collateral verification procedures in RM 10214.100.

  • See RM 10205.300C.4. for instructions on when to code immigration documents as suspect pending verification.

  • Verification of a U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, FS-240, FS-545 or DS-1350 is not required unless you suspect that the document is fraudulent per instructions in RM 10210.210. If so, follow the instructions in RM 10213.005 for verification of these documents. Place the document in suspect status pending verification.

  • If a foreign passport is submitted along with a U.S. immigration document, presume that the foreign passport is authentic per RM 10210.425A.3. if DHS verifies the U.S. immigration document.

  • See RM 10210.290 for additional instructions if the application is for a foreign-born individual.

D. Verification of evidence of age for a U.S.-born individual when the DOB is changing on the Numident

  • RM 10205.300C.3. explains when to verify evidence of age when a U.S.-born individual asks to change the DOB on the Numident.

  • If the individual is age one or older, and primary evidence of age is unavailable (i.e., the applicant has been unable to obtain a BC because the BVS did not record the birth), contact the BVS in the State where the person was born and ask if a record of the person’s birth exists.

  • For instructions on changing the date of birth (DOB) on the Numident for a U.S.-born individual, see RM 10210.295.

E. Verification of evidence of age for a foreign-born individual when the DOB is changing on the Numident

  • RM 10205.300C.4. explains when to verify evidence of age when a foreign-born individual asks to change the DOB on the Numident.

  • For instructions on changing the DOB on the Numident for a foreign-born individual, see RM 10210.295.

F. Special Indicators (SPINs)/Fraud Codes are present on the Numident

  • When SPIN/Fraud codes 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, or 9 are present on the Numident, SSA must verify the evidence of age document with the issuing agency when processing an application for a replacement card, regardless of the source. See instructions for Special Indicators in RM 10215.200.

  • If the individual is age one or older, and primary evidence of age is unavailable (i.e., the applicant has been unable to obtain a BC because the BVS did not record the birth), contact the BVS in the State where the person was born and ask if a record of the person’s birth exists.

  • See RM 10205.300C and RM 10205.300D for instructions on when to code evidence of age as suspect pending verification.


To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110210270
RM 10210.270 - Evaluation and Verification of Evidence of Age for an SSN Card - 05/02/2011
Batch run: 11/20/2023
Rev:05/02/2011