GN 00204.020 Scope of the Application

Unless a claimant restricts the scope of their application, the application will generally cover all classes of benefits on all Social Security numbers (SSN), for which the claimant is eligible, regardless of the application’s title. For example, an application for widow(er)’s benefits can serve as an application for retirement benefits. For scope of the application exceptions see GN 00204.020B.5 in this section. Interviewers must explore potential entitlement to another class of benefits or entitlement on another earnings record. If a claimant is eligible for additional benefits, we may require a supplemental application to obtain additional information. If a claimant does not want the additional benefits, they may possibly have the option to restrict the scope of the application to exclude a specific benefit. The claimant must restrict the scope of their application prior to adjudication.

B. Benefits covered by an application

1. Title II Social Security Application

An application for one benefit under Title II (for example retirement) serves as an application for all benefits that the claimant is eligible under Title II and Title XVIII (for example, widow(er)’s, spouse’s, disability, and Medicare Part A). An application for survivor benefits under Title II also serves as an application for:

Survivor benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA). For the policy and effect on the DVA application process when an SSA life claim converts to a survivor claim, see the note in RS 01702.410A.

NOTE: An application for benefits as a widow(er), mother or father can serve as an application for the Lump Sum Death Payment (LSDP).

2. Title VIII Special Veterans Benefits (SVB) Application

A Title VIII SVB application is also an application for Title II and Title XVI benefits. For the scope of an SVB application, see VB 00201.010D.1.

3. Title XVIII, Medicare Part A Application

An application for Medicare Part A is a retirement application that has been restricted to cover Medicare only. The instructions for abbreviated retirement applications are in GN 00204.009D.

NOTE: For information on the validity and scope of an iClaim Medicare-only application, see GN 00204.059K.2.

4. Title XVI Application, Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

An SSI application may serve as an application for the following benefits: