TN 72 (11-08)

GN 00204.050 Internet Social Security Benefit Application (ISBA)

A. Introduction

In response to customer requests for more Internet services and the requirements of the Government Paperwork Elimination Act of 1998, the Social Security Administration (SSA) implemented the Internet Social Security Benefit Application (ISBA) to allow claimants the opportunity to complete and electronically sign an application on their own behalf on the Internet. Claimants can use ISBA to apply for Retirement Insurance Benefits (RIB), aged spouse's benefits, and Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB). The SSA-3368, Disability Report Adult which is required for all disability applications may also be completed on the Internet.

B. Policy

1. Valid Application

When an ISBA is completed and electronically signed by the claimant, a valid application is transmitted to SSA. See GN 00201.015 for policy on the click-and-sign alternative signature method and GN 00204.001 for valid application policy.

2. Scope of the Application

If the claimant is eligible for more than one category of benefit (i.e., RIB, Aged Spouse, disability, or a combination of these benefits) within the life of the ISBA which is loaded into MCS, no additional application or signature is needed to process the RIB or DIB if sufficient information has been obtained on the ISBA.

However, when the RIB or DIB claimant is also entitled to an aged spouse's benefit, a separate MCS claim is required to obtain additional information on the spouse's claim. A separate ATTEST issue is present for the AUXSPO on the DW01 which must be receipted in. For more information on the spouse’s ATTEST ISSUE, see GN 00204.050F.3. in this section.

NOTE: To conform ISBA to the new streamlined marriage policies in GN 00205.070 implemented September 27^th, 2008, do not develop leads on immaterial marriages.

If the claimant is potentially eligible for any other type of benefit (e.g., WIB, DWB, etc.), or potential eligibility exists for someone other than the claimant, the adjudicator must develop all leads, and when applicable, obtain an appropriately signed application and any related proofs.

Third parties may assist claimants when completing the ISBA but the claimant must electronically sign it.

3. Protective Filing

A partially completed ISBA establishes a protective filing date as of the date the claimant first completes the ISBA Personal Identification Information page and selects the “Next Page” button. The next page that appears in the path provides the 6-month protective filing closeout language and a Claim Confirmation Number (CCN). If the claimant later reenters ISBA within the 6-month closeout period using the same SSN and CCN, the ending date of the protective filing period will not be extended.

A partially completed ISBA established by the claimant under an incorrect SSN may be used as the protective filing date of a subsequently filed application if the new application is filed under the claimant's correct SSN and the protective filing period established by the incorrect partial ISBA has not expired.

NOTE: Claimants who enter a name, DOB or SSN that does not match the Numident receive an alert asking them to confirm their entries. If they cannot, they are referred to the 800 Number or a field office (FO) for assistance.

A completed and electronically signed application is a filed application, not a protective filing. The adjudicator will determine if an earlier protective filing date exists by checking all SSA records.

REMINDER: There is no “good cause” provision for extending the protective filing closeout date (see GN 00204.012E.1.).

NOTE: Since there is no way to determine where a claimant is physically located when he or she transmits the Personal Identification Information page, Eastern Time (ET) is used. If the claimant lives in a later time zone and transmits the information after midnight ET (i.e., before midnight in his or her time zone), ISBA will establish the protective filing one day later than it should be. Be alert to situations where this may have occurred on the last day of the month so the protective filing date can be revised.

4. Title II Application Is an Oral Inquiry for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

The claimant will be asked whether he or she intends to file for SSI. An affirmative answer to this question serves as a protective filing for SSI. The claimant will be directed to call the 800 number to apply. SSI closeout language will also be provided on the ISBA ‘What You Need To Do Now’ screen. This will closeout the written protective filing where the person expressed an intent to file for SSI as well as the oral inquiry created by the electronically signed application when no intent is expressed but the conditions in SI 00601.027 are met. Do not send a SSA-L991 closeout notice.

NOTE: MCS generates an adjudicative alert to remind the CR of the need for a SSI application.

C. Process

1. Claimant Process - General

Prospective claimants may access the ISBA by going to http://www.socialsecurity.gov/applyforbenefits . Not every potential claimant will be able to use ISBA. Claimants will be asked a series of questions that determine if they meet all the criteria to use ISBA. Claimants must:

• Be at least 61 years and 9 months old and expect to have a MOET within 4 months of the date the ISBA screens are completed and transmitted,

  Or

  Allege a disability that has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months or end in death; and

• Live in the U.S. or a U.S. territory/commonwealth.

If they do not meet all of the criteria, they will be advised that they cannot file using ISBA and should call the SSA 800 telephone number or contact a local SSA field office, a U.S. Embassy or consulate, or the Veterans Affairs Regional Office (VARO) in Manila, Philippines to file for benefits.

Numerous Help screens are included to assist claimants as they complete ISBA. After each screen is completed and the “Next Page” button is selected, the information on that page will transmit to SSA. The information will be stored in a separate database until the adjudicator establishes the MCS application. The information stored in the ISBA database is then propagated to MCS front-end screens.

After completing the screens and reading the perjury statement, claimants electronically sign and transmit their application by pressing the “SIGN NOW” button at the bottom of the Summary screen (see GN 00201.015D. for alternative signature policy). Claimants will be directed to mail or bring their necessary proofs (originals when required) to a SSA office for processing.

2. Claimant Process – Restart Function

a. Exiting And Reentering ISBA

Claimants may exit and reenter the Internet application process prior to completing the entire application by using their Claims Confirmation Number (CCN). Information entered on a page is electronically transmitted to SSA when the “Next Page” button is selected at the end of that page. The data is automatically saved on the Internet database (see MSOM INTERNETT2 001.001 and MSOM INTERNETT2 001.003).

b. Claimant's Ability To Make Changes To The Application

Before transmitting the ISBA claim:

• Claimants can use their current CCN to review information previously entered beginning with the first page.

• Changes may be entered at any point in the application.

  NOTE: The claimant will be unable to make any changes by reentering the Internet application after he/she has selected the “SIGN NOW” button on the Summary Page and selected “OK” on the pop-up box that follows.

After transmitting the ISBA claim:

• Claimants must write out the information and submit it to the office selected to process his/her claim; or

• Call that office to report the new or changed information.

c. Claimant Unable To Locate CCN

If the claimant loses the CCN, he/she can start a new Internet application. A new CCN will be assigned and the old CCN will no longer be valid. The data entered on the previous application remains on the ISBA database as a partial application. (See Protective Filing – GN 00204.050B.3.).

The claimant can attempt to establish up to three new partial applications. If the claimant attempts to start a fourth new application, a message is generated that SSA cannot process the request, and the claimant should contact SSA for assistance.

Only a completed application will propagate data to MCS (see GN 00204.050F.3.). Adjudicators may query the Internet database to view partial and/or completed applications (see MSOM INTERNETT2 001.001).

3. Process - Adjudicator Responsibilities

SSA adjudicators should:

• Review the application data.

• Establish the MCS application, which will interface with the ISBA database and propagate the information on ISBA to the MCS front-end screens (see GN 00204.050F.3.).

• Print any alerts since they appear only once on the MCS screens.

NOTE: Do not contact the claimant unless an alert or issue raised during the review of the ISBA application cannot be otherwise resolved or a document of proof is still outstanding.

4. Process - Component Responsibilities

Individuals who allege disability will be given the address of their servicing field office (FO). Claimants who do not allege a disability will be given the address of one of the Immediate Claims Taking Units (ICTU) as well as their servicing FO and asked to choose which location they want their application processed. In addition, non-DIB claimants will be advised of their option to submit their proofs to an office other than their servicing FO.

If one or all of the proofs are not readily available, claimants are instructed to submit the proofs they have and a SSA employee will contact them later to help obtain the missing documents.

D. Procedure – Adjudicator Query Functions - Querying ISBA Pages

If necessary, blank ISBA pages can be accessed to preview the contents of the pages by going directly to http://eis.ba.ssa.gov/appages/ . Upon entering the ISBA site, a flowchart appears containing titles of various ISBA pages. Any of those pages can be selected for access by selecting the box containing the page title desired. For querying the ISBA database see MSOM INTERNETT2 001.002.

E. Procedure – Protective Filing Date

1. Determine the earliest protective filing date

Adjudicators should review all SSA records to determine the earliest protective filing date that can be used as the application filing date, i.e., the ISBA database for partially completed applications, 800 Number System protective filings, the electronic disability reports (e.g., i3368), earlier open SSI application, and in-office records (see MSOM INTERNETT2 001.001 for instructions on querying the Internet database for partial applications and GN 00204.050B.3. for protective filing policy).

NOTE: Internet Disability Reports (IDR) (e.g., i3368), including partially completed IDRs, meet the criteria of a protective writing per GN 00204.010B. for Title II benefits unless the individual submitting the report is not a proper applicant.

IMPORTANT: A partial IDR is established when a reentry number is issued. An IDR remains partial until it is finally transmitted to SSA. The IDR may be complete or incomplete upon final transmission to SSA.

NOTE: Most third parties (e.g., disability advocate organizations, attorneys, paralegals, etc.) are NOT proper applicants to sign on a claimant's behalf.

The next screen that appears gives the claimant the 6-month protective filing closeout language. SSA must receive the claimant's signed application within six months after the date he/she receives the closeout language for SSA to use the protective filing date as the ISBA application filing date. Also, if applicable, we must receive the claimant’s signed SSI application within its 60-day closeout period to use the date of the ISBA as the SSI filing date.

REMINDER: The IDR reentry number and the ISBA confirmation number are not interchangeable (i.e., applicants cannot use an IDR number to reenter ISBA, and vice-versa).

There may be multiple applications on the Internet database. There can be up to two partial applications in addition to the one used to complete the application (see Restart Function in GN 00204.050C.2.c.). The start date of the earliest application is used as a protective filing date (even if the date is based on a partial application) as long as the signed application is received by SSA within 6 months after that date. The SSA adjudicator should review all the applications (partial and completed) on the Internet database to determine the correct application filing date.

The appointment screens in the 800 Number System may establish an earlier protective filing date than the ISBA transmission date, if the claimant contacted SSA about filing an application but decided instead to file an Internet application. Also, if the claimant starts an application using an incorrect SSN, that partial record can be used as a protective filing.

If the claimant completes an Internet SSA-3368 (i3368) before completing the ISBA screens, it will establish a protective filing and provide closeout notice. If an i3368 is received without an ISBA application, review the i3368 database to determine the protective filing date.

2. Propagated Title II Filing Date

The protective filing date ISSUE propagated to the Protective Filing (PROTFL) on the MCS Development Worksheet (DW01) will be based on the protective filing date of the earliest partially completed ISBA. When the protective filing date is based on a partial application, an Internet Alert will be generated to the General Message (GMES) screen and on the Internet database when the MCS application is established once the ISBA is completed and transmitted. The alert will be, “PROTFL BASED ON PARTIAL APP – VERIFY.” The claims adjudicator should verify that the protective filing date is valid by querying the partial application(s) on IMNU (see MSOM INTERNETT2 001.003.). The adjudicator should also verify that the partial application pertains to the claimant and falls within the 6-month protective filing closeout period.

3. Examples

a. Example 1

The claimant starts an ISBA on 1/13/01, but does not finish it. He uses his CCN to update and complete the application on 2/3/01. MCS propagates the information from the application started on 1/13/01 but finished on 2/3/01. The PROTFL issue on the DW01 shows a date of 1/13/01. When the ISBA database (see MSOM INTERNETT2 001.002) is accessed, the IMNU is bypassed since only one ISBA was started and finished and thereafter, only a single ISBA is displayed. The new ISBA alert is not generated on GMES since there is only one ISBA. When the MCS application is established, the information from the completed application started on 1/13/01 and finished on 2/3/01 is propagated to MCS.

b. Example 2

The claimant starts an ISBA on 1/13/01 but does not finish it. He loses the CCN and therefore, has to start a new application on 2/3/01. He completes the 2/3/01 application. MCS propagates the information from the 2/3/01 completed application. The PROTFL issue on the DW01 shows a date of 1/13/01, the start date of the partial application. Both the partial application and the completed application are shown on the IMNU and can be queried. An alert is generated to ISBA and GMES because the protective filing date is based on an earlier, partial application.

F. Procedure - ICTU and FO Responsibilities

1. General

Follow the procedures outlined in GN 00204.001 to ensure that all requirements for a valid application are met.

Follow the procedures in GN 01070.781 for the required FO and ICTU coordination when applications are filed on the Internet and claimants send the proofs to the ICTU or the FO.

Follow the procedures in GN 00201.015G. for the click-and-sign signature method for Internet filers and disposition of evidence and proofs.

2. Processing Applications

Upon receipt of the signed application and proofs:

• Establish the MCS application which will cause the Internet data related to RIB or DIB applications to propagate into MCS;

• If it appears that the claimant is also eligible for a spouse's benefit establish a spouse's claim in MCS which will cause the data related to the spouse's application to propagate to the MCS Spouse claim;

• If changes are made that require an amended application, call the claimant and explain that his/her signature can be recorded electronically on SSA records. Follow GN 00201.015F.3.c. by reading the penalty of perjury language to the claimant and document MCS as instructed in GN 00201.015F.4.;

• Complete the Evidence screen(s) per GN 00301.286 to document the proofs received;

• Return proofs to the claimant; and

• Adjudicate and effectuate the application per GN 01010.001.

NOTE: The claimant has the option to print the last page of the ISBA which is titled, “What You Need to Do Now!” This page serves as the claimant's ISBA receipt. Therefore, it is not necessary to mail a receipt to the claimant. This page also contains reporting instructions.

3. Propagating Internet Application Data To MCS

Follow procedures in MSOM MCS 001.003 for accessing MCS to input the application information. Only a completed application on the ISBA database will propagate data to MCS. (See MSOM INTERNETT2 001.001 for additional information on MCS propagation.)

a. RIB and/or DIB Application

When the claimant's SSN is entered in the NH SSN field on the MCS Systems Menu (MENU) and you select (1) Establish and (3) New Claim under Desired Function, information from the Internet database will propagate to the appropriate MCS screens.

b. Auxiliary Spouse Application

When the claimant is only entitled to benefits as an auxiliary spouse, enter the claimant's SSN in the CL SSN field on MENU and select (1) Establish and (3) New Claim under Desired Function. Information from the Internet database will propagate to the appropriate MCS screens.

c. Dual Entitlement - RIB and/or DIB Claim and Auxiliary Spouse Application

When the claimant is entitled to RIB and/or DIB and auxiliary spouse (AUXSPO) benefits, the adjudicator shall establish an MCS claim for each category of benefits.

• If the RIB or DIB is established first, the ISBA information on the Internet database will propagate to the appropriate MCS screens for the RIB or DIB claim. When the AUXSPO claim is subsequently established, the information from the RIB or DIB claim will propagate to the AUXSPO claim. In this instance, information from the Internet database will not propagate to the AUXSPO claim. This is consistent with current MCS propagation rules.

• If the AUXSPO is established first, the Internet database will propagate to the appropriate MCS screens for the AUXSPO claim. When the RIB or DIB claim is subsequently established, the information from the Internet database will propagate to the RIB or DIB claim. Information from the AUXSPO claim will not propagate to the RIB or DIB claim. This is consistent with current MCS propagation rules.

NOTE: When dual entitlement is applicable, attestation of the electronically-signed application will be associated with the RIB or DIB claims file. The adjudicator should include a remark on the AUXSPO DW03 that attestation is documented in the other folder. Do not photocopy the ISBA application for the AUXSPO folder or generate an MCS AUXSPO application for the claimant to sign.

4. Discrepancies Between Client Data And Internet Data

If the claimant's response on the Internet screens conflicts with data already in SSA's Client database, an alert will be generated on the Claims Application (APPL) screen. The adjudicator must take the necessary action to resolve the discrepancy. Before moving beyond the APPL screen, compare the information on the application with data in the ISBA database to assist in determining the accurate information. Claimant contact should be made only if the discrepancy cannot be resolved otherwise. The following table indicates which database will be used for the data propagation of various MCS fields.

5. Obtain Additional Information

In order to adjudicate the application, additional data may be needed to complete MCS screens (e.g., Windfall Elimination Exclusion (WEPX) or Client Lawful Presence Payment Provision (CLLP) screens). If so, contact the claimant to obtain the additional information. Appropriate one-time alerts will be generated to MCS as reminders for many of these development situations. If the claimant is eligible for spouse's benefits, the adjudicator will take the normal action to determine and obtain the type of proofs necessary to fulfill the marriage certification requirement (see Marriage Certification in RS 00202.065).

6. Additional Review Responsibilities

The ICTU or FO adjudicator's review of ISBA application data should not entail claimant contact unless the discrepancy or issue cannot be resolved any other way. This review should include (but is not limited to) the following:

• Possible open applications for dual entitlement,

• Potential leads or protective writings for auxiliary entitlement,

• Names of potential auxiliaries,

• Allegation of disability,

• Allegation of childcare dropout years,

• Allegation of pre-1968 military service and/or railroad employment,

• Earnings and net self-employment income amounts,

• Month of election (MOEL) option,

• Resolution of earnings record discrepancies,

• Totalization benefits,

• Non-citizen status of the number holder,

• Possible Supplemental Security Income (SSI) eligibility,

• Possible Medicare or Medicaid eligibility;

• Workers' Compensation/Public Disability Benefits, and

• Windfall Elimination Provision/Government Pension Offset.

7. Obtaining Additional Applications

The ISBA serves as an application for the claimant's own RIB/DIB and/or his/her aged auxiliary spouse benefit on another record as long as the claimant is eligible for each benefit during the life of the application. If the ISBA data indicates possible auxiliaries on the applicant's record or indicates that the applicant is entitled on another record (other than as a spouse or divorced spouse benefit), take the appropriate steps to ensure that the additional applications are obtained. Be alert to situations where the deemed filing provision in GN 00204.020 applies.

NOTE: If the claimant becomes eligible for spouse's benefits after the ISBA is effectuated, a new application will be needed. However, the claimant may not be able to use ISBA since the original RIB or DIB record may still exist in the Internet database. Also, if a claimant who is found eligible for RIB or DIB names his/her divorced spouse on the application, treat the naming of any divorced spouse potentially entitled on the claimant’s record as a lead (i.e. not a protective filing) for divorced spouses benefits (see GN 00202.020 for processing leads). Naming of a current spouse or child constitutes a protective filing per GN 00204.010B.1.b.

8. Review Earnings History

a. General

The ISBA screens ask claimants if they agree with their earnings history as shown on the most recent Social Security Statement. The claimant's response will determine the adjudicator's action. In all cases, alerts identified on the Earnings Alert Query (EARQ) for years after 1977 must be addressed (see MSOM QUERIES 003.023).

b. Procedure - Claimant Does Not Agree With Earnings On The Statement Or Does Not Have A Statement

If a claimant indicates either that he/she does not agree with the earnings shown on the Statement or does not have a Statement, contact the claimant to review the earnings history per RS 01404.100B.1. and RS 01404.110.

c. Procedure - Claimant Agrees With Earnings On The Statement

If a claimant indicates that he/she agrees with the earnings history, contact the claimant per RS 01404.100B.1. and RS 01404.110 to discuss the earnings history if:

• There is an alert on the EARQ for any year after 1977;

• There are gaps in the earnings history that are not fully explained by the claimant's response to the childcare dropout year questions (see GN 00204.050F.12.);

• There is fluctuation in the earnings from year to year; or

• The claimant alleges military service.

9. Internet Month of Election (MOEL) Screens

The ISBA screens will not display all the MOEL options; only those that are appropriate based on the claimant's age at filing. On each page of MOEL options, ISBA will pre-fill the radio button containing the earliest possible date as the default month. This default month does not consider the claimant’s work status.

If the claimant wants to elect a later date, he or she must change the radio button choice to one that allows input of a different MOEL selection and provide a reason for selecting this date. This reason will propagate to the RMKS screen when MCS is established. If the MOEL selection appears reasonable, no additional action is needed.

Claimants who are less than 61 years and 9 months old (i.e., those only applying for DIB) or who do not elect to receive reduced RIB while their DIB is being processed, will not see an MOE screen. Review the MOEL POMS in GN 00204.039 through GN 00204.040.

IMPORTANT: If the claimant is between age 62 and FRA and filing for DIB but does not elect the reduced RIB option, confirm that higher benefits (including total family benefits) are not payable on the RIB claim (e.g., auxiliaries are eligible and the DIB or Combined Family Maximum applies, the DIB benefit amount is offset due to the receipt of workers’ compensation/ public disability benefits, etc.). If such a condition exists, contact may be necessary to explain the full effect of the reduced RIB option. If the claimant then elects reduced RIB, document the reason per RS 00615.110B.2.

CHANGE OF POSITION: Certain policy changes related to the MOEL discussion are effective for RIB applications received on or after November 8, 2008. These changes also apply to Internet applications. The detailed changes are reflected in GN 00204.039 – GN 00204.040. Some of the more noticeable ones are summarized below:

• adjudicators should no longer focus on or calculate breakeven points as a tool for claimants to use in determining when benefits should begin;

• adjudicators are no longer to consider any month of election (MOEL) decision by the claimant as advantageous or disadvantageous as it relates to breakeven; and

• adjudicators are no longer required to document month of election choices previously considered disadvantageous based upon the 8- and 20-year or 12- and 15-year rules.

Breakeven computations should not be completed unless the claimant specifically asks for this information.

If a claimant contact is necessary for clarification purposes, provide all pertinent information and discuss other programs that might affect the MOEL decision (e.g., the claimant’s age at filing, personal and family health history and longevity projections, the amounts of reduced vs. unreduced benefits, the relationship between work, age, and the Annual Earning Test, including additional earnings, accumulating Delayed Retirement Credits, considering dual-entitlement and the effect on auxiliaries or survivors, etc.) per GN 00204.039 – GN 00204.040. However, do not attempt to otherwise influence the claimant’s MOEL decision.

Because ISBA does not consider work, earnings or non-service months when assigning option codes, the reviewer must check to determine if the MOEL and coding are correct. This review should be based on the claimant’s work, earnings, non-service months, and other information provided by the claimant. See GN 00204.040 for proper coding instructions.

If the reviewer needs to correct the month of election as discussed above, contact the claimant and obtain a signed amended application. If only the option code is corrected (e.g. Option A to Option C), no contact is necessary. If the month of election has not changed (only the option code has changed), the amendment does not need to be signed. Close the Application Amendment (APPAMD) issue on the DW01 by entering six X's in the REC field.

NOTE: ISBA only offers unreduced benefits to claimants within 4 months of FRA. If the claimant is working and is 5 to 12 months before FRA, contact is necessary to determine if the claimant wants unreduced benefits. See GN 00204.040.

10. Policy - Marriage data collection and documentation

Streamlined marriage documentation policies implemented on September 27, 2008 are not reflected in ISBA claims (i.e., ISBA continues to collect all prior marriage data, including those that are now immaterial). Also, all such data propagates to the NH Marriage (NMAR) and/or Beneficiary Marriage (BMAR) screens once MCS is established.

Do not delete prior marriages from MCS that no longer require documentation per GN 00205.070C., but do not contact the claimant to discuss such marriages unless a material discrepancy is detected or suspected.

For detailed instructions on the MCS marriage documentation requirements, and the updated definition of the “Ever Married” question in MCS (e.g., IDEN screen), see GN 00205.070.

The claimant is responsible for providing us with marital relationship information that could result in entitlement or create a material discrepancy. Do not contact the claimant unless his or her responses are incomplete. For instructions on when to discuss the claimant’s complete marital history, see GN 00205.070B.

REMINDER: Continue to follow leads and protective filing closeout policies for current and former spouses listed on the application whose marriages are required to be documented as described in GN 00205.070C. See GN 00202.020 for leads policy, GN 00204.010 for protective filing policy and GN 00204.012 for instructions on how to dispose of a protective writing.

11. Obtain Disability Information

Claimants who allege a disability and could potentially receive a disability benefit (i.e., are less than 12 months past FRA) will be advised on the ISBA screens that they need to complete a Form SSA-3368-BK, Disability Report-Adult and SSA-827s, (Authorization to Disclose Information to the Social Security Administration) for each medical source listed on the SSA-3368-BK (as well as two signed and dated blank SSA-827's in case we need to contact other sources later). They will be given the option to complete the Internet version of the SSA-3368-BK (i3368) and SSA-827s or to call the 800 Number. When the claimant selects the “Next Page” button on the last page of ISBA, (i.e., the “What You Need To Do Now! page), he or she will be taken directly to the i3368. However, there is no guarantee that the claimant will complete the i3368 or SSA-827s. If an application is received without a SSA-3368-BK (i3368) or sufficient SSA-827s, contact the claimant to complete and/or obtain the missing forms.

NOTE: If you receive a SSA-3368-BK without a completed ISBA claim, the date you receive the SSA-3368-BK may serve as a protective writing. See GN 00204.010D. for documents that may serve as protective writings.

12. Childcare Dropout Years (CDY)

Claimants who indicate that they have a disability will be asked two questions to determine if CDY may apply. The first question is how many years (ZERO – SIX OR MORE) the claimant was caring for a child under age 3 and had no earnings for the year. If the claimant indicates there were one or more such years, he or she is also asked to list the years. (The claimant may enter up to 6 years on the ISBA Disability Information page.)

If the individual answers “ZERO” to the first question and there is no other indication that the criteria in RS 00605.235 are met, no further development is necessary.

If the individual indicates that there was one or more years when the CDY provision could apply, review the earnings record per RS 00605.235B.1. to determine if CDY could apply. If so, develop according to RS 00605.235B.2.

G. Procedure – Restricting the Scope of the ISBA

1. Restricting the Scope to Spouse's Benefits Only When Eligible for RIB and Spouse's Benefits

Certain claimants may restrict the scope of their ISBA to only spouse's benefits and thereby earn DRCs on their retirement application. When completing their Internet Application, these claimants must:

• Be eligible for simultaneous RIB and spouse's benefits;

• Select a MOET of full retirement age (FRA) or later; and

• Choose “Yes” to delay receipt of their retirement benefit.

If a claimant has met these criteria, the adjudicator should follow normal processing instructions to delay the claimant's retirement benefits.

NOTE: If the claimant who is eligible for RIB and spouse's benefits elects a MOET before FRA, the deemed filing provision applies and the claimant must file for both benefits. The claimant does not have the option to restrict the scope of the application.

2. Restricting the Scope to DIB only When Eligible for RIB and DIB

A claimant alleging a disability who is between 61 years 9 months old and FRA is given the option of receiving reduced RIB while the DIB is being processed. If reduced RIB was not elected, see the IMPORTANT note in GN 00204.050F.9. in this section to determine if a claimant contact is necessary.

H. References

• Protective filing policy, GN 00204.010

• How to dispose of a protective writing, GN 00204.012

• General policy on the scope of the application, GN 00204.020A.

• Policy and procedure on restricting the scope of the application, GN 00204.020D.through GN 00204.020E.

• Explanations of the Deemed Filing Provision, GN 00204.004, GN 00204.020D.2.b., and GN 00204.020F. through GN 00204.020H.

• Explaining Month of Election Options, GN 00204.039 through GN 00204.040

• RSDI Applications – Military Service, GN 00205.050.

• Delayed retirement credits, RS 00615.690 through RS 00615.696

• Reduced RIB as affected by DIB, RS 00615.110

• Title II application as a SSI oral inquiry, SI 00601.027