TN 17 (05-25)

GN 02301.095 Adjudicating Foreign Death Underpayments

A. Policy for adjudicating foreign death underpayments 

Benefit authorizers and claims authorizers in the Division of International Operations (DIO) process inquiries and claims for foreign death underpayments.

NOTE: For the difference between a foreign death underpayment inquiry and claim, see GN 02301.080.

B. Procedure for adjudicating foreign death underpayments

1. Underpayments only (that do not involve awards or disallowances)

Complete any development (if required) and indicate the disposition of the underpayment on a Form SSA-559, and route it to the proper technician for processing as explained below.

a. Benefit Authorizers (BA)

BAs process underpayments for individuals:

  • in the first three categories of priority; or

  • in the fourth, fifth, or sixth category when the underpayment is one month's benefit payment, but no more than $750;

b. Claims Authorizers (CA)

CAs process underpayments for individuals:  

  • in the fourth, fifth, or sixth category of priority and the underpayment is more than $750 or more than one month's benefit payment; or

  • seeking to qualify as a legal representative of the deceased.

2. Underpayments involving awards or disallowances

Do not prepare awards or disallowances in underpayment cases, unless:

  • the underpayment is being paid to the same person for whom you are currently awarding the lump sum or monthly benefits; or

  • no award has been prepared for the deceased individual; i.e., the claimant died before adjudication of their application, and the underpayment is currently being paid.


To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0202301095
GN 02301.095 - Adjudicating Foreign Death Underpayments - 05/20/2025
Batch run: 05/20/2025
Rev:05/20/2025