TN 2 (02-20)

GN 03316.055 Disclosure Without Consent to State Bureaus of Vital Statistics (BVS)

A. For enumeration purposes or to determine benefit entitlement or eligibility

We may disclose information to a State BVS to obtain information relevant to enumeration, entitlement, or eligibility under programs we administer under the Social Security Act. We may disclose information under the routine use cited in a number of systems of records, including but not limited to the following:

  • 60-0058—Master Files of Social Security Number (SSN) Holders and SSN Applications;

  • 60-0089—Claims Folders System;

  • 60-0090—Master Beneficiary Record; and

  • 60-0103—Supplemental Security Income Record and Special Veterans Benefits.

As an example, we may disclose information to a State BVS to obtain information that establishes an individual’s age or marital relationship (e.g., a birth record or marriage license).

B. To prepare electronic death reports

We assist many States in implementing the Electronic Death Registration (EDR) process. At the front-end of the EDR process, we verify the SSN submitted by the State BVS. After the State BVS obtains the SSN verification, the State BVS provides SSA the death report connected with the verified SSN. When SSA obtains the death report connected to the verified SSN, we are able to immediately terminate benefits without independently verifying the accuracy of the report.

NOTE: We provide SSN verifications to State BVSs electronically via agreements between SSA and the BVSs.


To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0203316055
GN 03316.055 - Disclosure Without Consent to State Bureaus of Vital Statistics (BVS) - 02/06/2020
Batch run: 02/06/2020
Rev:02/06/2020