TN 3 (09-17)

The component that discovers the underpayment must develop to determine the proper recipient(s) of the underpayment.

A. Field office procedure for underpayments due a deceased beneficiary

Field Office (FO) staff develops the deceased’s underpayment as follows:

1. If the FO can determine the fact and amount of an underpayment and the proper recipient(s), they will authorize payment. For processing instructions, see GN 01061.020.

2. Refer all development to the processing center (PC) for payment of the underpayment if the FO is unable to determine:

   • the fact or amount of the underpayment;

   • whether or not there may be surviving beneficiaries on the record, proofs in file, or precedents; or

   • whether or not there is an unresolved overpayment.

3. If the FO receives a Form SSA-795, Statement of Claimant or Other Person or any other documents that relate to the underpayment:

   • Review the documents for completeness and fax or scan the information into paperless (e.g. if there are siblings, indicate the number of siblings) for the PC’s necessary action.

   • Explain to the potential claimant that everyone requesting the underpayment must provide an SSN and current address.

B. Processing Center procedure for underpayments due a deceased beneficiary

When the FO cannot determine if payment of an underpayment is proper, the processing center (PC) authorizes payment. For processing instructions, see GN 02301.075.

C. More than one recipient in the highest order of priority

Where there is more than one claimant in the highest order of priority, divide the underpayment equally among them.

D. Valid claim for payment received after we paid the underpayment

If we receive a valid request for payment after the distribution of an underpayment, see GN 02301.030D.

E. References

• GN 01061.020 How to Process Underpayments

• GN 01061.025 How to Instruct BAs to Pay Underpayments

• SM 00805.040 Underpayment Awards