TN 13 (11-11)

A. Policy on concurrent claims

Generally, applications under title II cover all classes of benefits for which the claimant is eligible on all social security numbers (SSNs) regardless of the title of the application unless the claimant specifically restricts the claim. Therefore, an applicant can file an application for more than one type of benefit at the same time (i.e. concurrent filing or claims) However, the claimant must meet the entitlement requirements for each benefit. If the claimant meets the entitlement factors for one type of benefits but not for another then dual entitlement does not apply.

B. Processing concurrent claims

1. Number Holder (NH) is entitled to retirement (“A”) benefits but not entitled to spouses (“B”) OR widow (“D”) benefits

Use the following procedure on concurrently filed “A-B” or “A-D” claims when the claimant is not entitled to the spouse (“B) or widow(er) (“D”) benefit:

• Input the proper information in the NH marriage (NMAR) screen to cross-refer the NH's and spouse's or widow(er)'s SSNs and a note in the development worksheet (DW01) indicating the other application’s SSN involved and the respective BICs;

• Process the “A” award using the Modernized Claims System (MCS) Earnings Computation (EC) method;

• Process the spouse or widow(er) denial through MCS EC. If there is an MCS EC system limitation, input the denial via Manual Adjustment Credit and Award Data Entry (MACADE), see SM 00380.500;

• Select the appropriate language in the notice 3 (NOT3) screen to explain the disallowance to the spouse or widow(er) claimant. In the same screen, you can suppress the notice on the “B” or “D” claim when possible and notify the claimant about both decisions on the “A” award notice.

MCS generates two notices when you process both claims via MCS EC. If the spouse or widow(er) is disallowed or only technically entitled due to higher benefits on his or her “A” claim, the universal text indicator (UTI) “DSL037” or “ENT056” (respectively) will be generated on the spouse's or widow(er)'s disallowance notice (see NL 00725.005).

2. The claimant is entitled to “B” or “D” benefits but not insured for “A” benefits

Use the following procedure on concurrently filed “A-B” or “A-D” claims when the claimant is not insured for the “A” benefit:

• Input the proper information in the marriage (NMAR) screen to cross-refer the NH's and spouse's or widow(er)'s SSNs and a note in the development worksheet (DW01) indicating the other application’s SSN involved and the respective BICs.

• Process the spouse or widow(er) award via MCS EC whenever possible, otherwise process the claim using the automated 101 (A101) or Electronic Form 101 (EF101).

• Process the “A” denial via MCS EC. If there is a MCS EC system limitation, input the denial via MACADE;

• Select the appropriate language to explain the retirement (“A”) denial, see MCS UTI INS021 in NL 00725.005.

NOTE: The appropriate MCS UTI (e.g. CL0R20) should be included on the award notice.