TN 1 (09-10)

A. Concurrent claims

Keep the concurrent claims together when both claims:

• have the same destination,

• are ready to be released at the same time, and

• are in the same folder (or stapled together).

Do not separately release a denied claim while the other claim is still being developed, unless the disability determination services (DDS) does not issue the denial notice.

• Document each file with the disposition of the other file.

• Prepare a folder jacket to house the retained case material. To determine folder contents, see DI 20503.001.

If both claims have the same destination, release the allowed claim separately and:

• Include an SSA-5002, Report of Contact in the allowed claim to indicate the status of the delayed claim.

• Document the delayed claim with a copy of the other claim’s allowance determination and, if necessary, copies of pertinent medical or non-medical information contained in the allowed claim.

• Prepare a folder jacket to house the retained case material. To determine folder contents, see DI 20503.001.

When one of two title II claims is in DDS jurisdiction and the other is not DDS jurisdiction, release the files separately. The DDS:

• Retains the claim within its jurisdiction.

• Routes the other claim appropriately.

When the DDS has jurisdiction of only one claim in a case with concurrent title II and title XVI claims and the claims are in the same folder, the DDS:

• Retains the folder.

• Clears the claim that is not in the DDS's jurisdiction via the case control system.

B. Related claims

Consider two or more disability claims filed for different claimants under the same SSN as related claims (see DI 32001.005). If both claims are ready for release at the same time, keep both claims stapled together. If both claims are not ready for release at the same time, follow the instructions for single claim routing. For initial cases, see DI 32005.025. For reconsideration cases, see DI 32005.060.

EXCEPTION: Do not split a claim for Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB) and a claim for Childhood Disability Benefits (CDB) on the same Number Holder (NH) account, unless the NH has also filed for Retirement Insurance Benefits (RIB).

C. Triple claims for the same individual

Maintain triple claims in two folders, e.g., Supplemental Security Income (SSI), DIB, and DWB filed on same individual. Triple claims follow the same routing procedures as the concurrent claims with two folders, see DI 32005.005A. in this section.

• If the case is selected as a DQB quality assurance review sample case, send both folders to the Disability Quality Branch (DQB).

• If the title II claim is a denial and normal routing shows the file should go to the Office of Disability Operations (ODO) as a review case, route the folder to the FO instead. (ODO-CO sampling does not apply to triple claims).

D. Congressional inquiry cases

Congressional inquiries received by SSA and referred to the Regional Office (RO) are answered by the RO, based on a telephone contact with the DDS. Route the case as indicated in the charts, unless the RO directs otherwise.

E. Medicare Qualified Government Employee (MQGE) cases

MQGE routing principles are the same as other title II claims.