1. 1. 

   When possible, the Centenarian should be present for the interview.

2. 2. 

   If a representative payee is shown on the record, conduct the interview with the representative payee.

3. 3. 

   Interview the centenarian over the telephone unless:

   • •

     The centenarian specifically requests otherwise,

   • •

     The centenarian has conditions that impair effective telephone communication,

   • •

     Integrity issues (e.g., unable to identify the centenarian) are apparent during the telephone interview, or

   • •

     management determines a face-to-face interview is appropriate.

4. 4. 

   Verify the identity of the centenarian before the interview begins using normal procedures to establish identity as noted in GN 03360.005A.1.c. Follow identity verification instructions outlined in GN 00203.015. Considerations in Telephone Interviewing and GN 00203.020A, Identity of Claimants.

5. 5. 

   Ask the centenarian or representative payee to provide the following identifying information:

   • •

     name;

   • •

     SSN;

   • •

     date of birth;

   • •

     place of birth;

   • •

     complete mailing address, including city, state, and zip code; and

   • •

     at least one other item of information available in our system of records (such as the benefit amount or the names of other persons on the record).

6. 6. 

   After you identify the centenarian, he or she may ask that you speak to another person on his or her behalf (i.e., a third-party helper). The purpose of a third-party helper is to assist the individual with conducting his or her business with us. A third-party helper may be a relative, friend, or other third party, but does not have access rights to the individual’s record information. For additional information on a third-party helper assisting with the interview, see GN 02602.520B. in this section.

7. 7. 

   If you cannot establish identity during the initial appointment, a face-to-face interview may be necessary. Mail the SSA-L501 to schedule the second appointment at the centenarian’s residence.

8. 8. 

   If a third appointment letter is necessary, follow instructions in GN 02602.510B.4.

9. 9. 

   You must complete the corresponding Centenarian Worksheet during each interview. Completing this worksheet ensures you obtain all applicable information during the interview. Transcribe information collected on the Centenarian Worksheet into the Centenarian Project Website online worksheet. For additional information about the Centenarian Project Website, see GN 02602.550. For additional information on the worksheets, see GN 02602.560.

10. 10. 

    After verifying the identity of the centenarian, develop any additional post-entitlement issues. These issues include, but are not limited to:

    • •

      centenarian capability and representative payee development, if needed;

    • •

      living arrangements for SSI;

    • •

      income and resource development for SSI; and

    • •

      date-of-birth corrections.

There may be occasions when the centenarian needs assistance with the interview (i.e., nursing home employees, family member, etc.). For information on third-party helpers, see GN 02602.520A. When the third-party helper assists with the interview, do the following:

1. 1. 

   Obtain the centenarian’s permission to speak with the third-party helper.

2. 2. 

   Document the name, relationship to the centenarian, and telephone number on the Centenarian Project website.

   NOTE: If it appears that, the centenarian needs a representative payee, follow GN 00502.020.

3. 3. 

   Continue the centenarian interview process shown above, starting from GN 02602.520A in this section.