Effective Dates: 07/31/2023 - Present Previous | Next

TN 62 (07-23)

GN 00205.010 Detection of Possible Multiple Entitlement

A. Introduction

On all applications, ask if the claimant has ever filed an application for Social Security benefits using any Social Security number (SSN).

B. Policy for simultaneous entitlement

We have enough information to apply the simultaneous entitlement provisions of section 202(k) of the Act if the claimant answers, “Yes,” to having ever filed an application for Social Security benefits and gives the identifying information requested, such as the number holder’s (NH) SSN.

C. Procedure for “yes” answer to having ever filed an application but no SSN given

1. Request an Alphabetical Identification (ALPHIDENT) query if the NH's SSN is unknown by identifying information as provided

Use the SSN to request an earnings computation (EC) or a certified earnings record (CER) from the Information Certified Earnings Record System (ICERS) on the related SSN to determine if multiple entitlement exists.

If no SSN is found, proceed to GN 00205.010C.2. in this section.

2. Request an Earnings Computations (EC) or Informational Certified Earnings Record (ICERS)

Request the claimant's EC or ICERS if they are unable to give the SSN or identifying information about the other NH.

3. Document the file

Document the file with the reason for the EC/ICERS request.

Include any pertinent information about a prior claim in the claims file.

D. Procedure for “no” answer to having ever filed an application

1. Possible prior application

  1. a. 

    Identify cases where the facts indicate a prior application on another SSN.

  2. b. 

    Document the file to establish protected filing, or to close out open applications and leads.

2. Get SSN

  1. a. 

    Get the SSN or identifying information about a NH on whose earnings record, entitlement may be possible.

  2. b. 

    Query all systems to determine if the claimant previously filed a claim.

  3. c. 

    Use a Report of Contact (RC) or the RPOC screen on an MCS claim to document if entitlement is not possible or the claimant refuses to furnish information.

3. Foreign residence

Accept a “no” answer to having ever filed an application if the claimant resides outside the U.S. and there is no indication that they previously filed a claim on another SSN.

E. Procedure for asking other questions

If the Claimant Type Is

Then Ask

NH's legitimate or illegitimate child

Is the other natural parent 62, deceased, or disabled?

 

Is there a stepparent 62, deceased, or disabled?

NH's stepchild or adopted child

Is either natural parent 62, deceased, or disabled?

Adult claimant

Is they married, divorced, widowed, or remarried? Consider prior filing on spouse's SSN. Are there any children?

F. References

  • •

    SI 00601.048 Duplicate Applications

  • •

    GN 00204.022 Explore Entitlement on Another Earnings Record or to Another Class of Benefits

  • •

    GN 00204.004 Considering Possible Entitlement to Retirement Insurance Benefits (RIB) when a Claimant Files an Application for Spouse’s Benefits

  • •

    GN 00204.035 Deemed Filing

  • •

    SM 00349.000 Informational/Certified Earnings Records (ICER)

To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200205010
GN 00205.010 - Detection of Possible Multiple Entitlement - 07/31/2023
Batch run: 09/09/2025
Rev:07/31/2023