TN 30 (12-10)

A. Introduction to translator issues

A translator, who has knowledge of the foreign language(s) and a familiarity with documents issued in that language(s), is in an excellent position to detect alterations, corrections or other irregularities, not recognized by others.

B. Identifying corrections to official documents

Official corrections are as follows:

• The issuing officer initials and stamps the document with the seal of the issuing agency, when made over the original entry.

• The original entry is lined out and the correction written slightly above it. This correction must also bear the initials and stamp of the issuing official.

• The original lined out entry and the correction entered in the margin of the document. Both the correction and the marginal note must be annotated, initialed, signed, and bear the stamp or seal of the issuing officer.

• Issuing agencies may show corrections on original register entries in the margins of subsequently issued documents while the original entry is in the body of the certificate. For corrections based on administrative or court decisions, state where the correction took place.

C. Procedure for documentation and certification of translations on the SSA-533, (Translation Request Form)

1. Documentation on the SSA-533

1. Describe all alterations or irregularities in detail in item C-2 of the SSA-533 (OS 15010.165) or in the “Remarks” section of other forms. If there is insufficient space, continue in a “translator's note”. For information on translator’s notes, see GN 00301.425.

2. If a correction is one of the first three bullets in GN 00301.410B. (in this section) indicate in the translator's note that the "correction in (item) was made by the issuing agency".

3. Similarly, note corrections that come from the fourth bullet in GN 00301.410B. (in this section) and fully translate both the original entry and correction to assist the claims adjudicator in evaluating the evidence.

2. Certification

When submitting a photocopy for translation, the translator may be unable to attest to the document's freedom from alterations. The translator will delete item C-1(a) on the SSA-533 and note apparent alterations or other questionable items in item C-1(b) and item C-2. Use a translator's note to show any additional remarks.

3. Related policy

If fraud is suspected, follow the instructions for detecting violations in GN 04110.005.