SI 00604: Completion of Form SSA-8000-BK, Application for Supplemental Security Income
TN 5 (03-12)
A. When to complete items 63 and 65
A signature and date are required for all claimants. For alternative signature methods, see GN 00201.015.
B. Claimant with ineligible spouse
The ineligible spouse should not sign the application because a spouse's signature constitutes an application for payments. If the ineligible spouse signs the application, follow the protective writing closeout procedures in GN 00204.012.
C. In-person interview
1. Pen-and-ink signature
Claimant files: Ask the claimant to sign in the “Sign Here” block and enter the date.
If a couple is filing, ask the claimant identified in 1(a) to sign in the "Sign Here" block.
Ask the spouse to sign the "Spouse's Signature" block if he or she is applying for payment and is present at the interview.
Enter the date the claimant signs the application if the claimant is completing the application for a couple.
If the spouse applying for payment is not present at the interview, see SI 00604.010E.1 (in this section).
2. Witnessed signature
When we receive a signed application if there is no Modernized Supplemental Security Income Claims System (MSSICS) exclusion, follow the procedures in GN 00201.015H. Annotate the DW01. If a couple files, remember to annotate both DW01s.
If a MSSICS exclusion exists, see SI 02001.015A.
D. Teleclaim
1. Pen-and-ink signature
If we take an SSA-8000-BK (Application for Supplemental Security Income) during a telephone interview, mail the form to the claimant for signature.
2. Witnessed signature
When we receive the signed application and there is no MSSICS exclusion, follow procedures in GN 00201.015H. If a couple files, remember to annotate both DW01s.
E. Applicant filing on behalf of a claimant
Apply the Proper Applicant rules in SI 00601.012 and have the appropriate person sign the application.
NOTE: Enter a telephone number where we may reach the applicant during the day. If the claimant, spouse or applicant have different telephone numbers, enter the respective numbers in "Remarks".
F. References
GN 00204.001C Policy: Requirements (Valid Application)
GN 00201.015 Alternative Signature Methods
MSOM MSSICS 022.004 Development Worksheet (DWO1)