TN 31 (08-05)

A. Background

Before 1923, there was a fine for not reporting births within 42 days. Thus, many parents showed a later DB when registering their children's births. Baptisms were usually performed shortly after birth, and since there was no penalty for late baptism, there was no reason to give the church authorities an incorrect DB.

B. Policy

SSA does not question the DB on a civil birth certificate unless the baptismal certificate raises a question about its accuracy.

If a claimant who was born in Ireland before 1923 states the earlier DB shown on the baptismal certificate is correct and not the one shown on the civil birth certificate, SSA asks him/her for an explanation of the discrepancy.

SSA accepts the DB shown on the baptismal record without further development if the:

• Claimant states the later DB was shown to avoid the fine for late registration; and

• Discrepancy is not more than 1 year.