[
  {
    "journey": "correct-birth-record",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "dob-1",
      "title": "Establish identity and age",
      "you": "Provide supporting evidence, subject to exceptions.",
      "ssa": "Review age and identity evidence; examine applicable prior-proof exceptions.",
      "owner": "Field office",
      "systems": [
        "Numident"
      ],
      "source": "dob",
      "section": "A–C",
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Checked against cited public POMS subsection on 2026-10-16",
      "route": "Field office → age and identity evidence review",
      "next": "SSA checks evidence and applicable keying-error or prior-proof exceptions before deciding the correction route."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110210295",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "correct-birth-record",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "dob-2",
      "title": "Choose the correction route",
      "you": "Explain the discrepancy.",
      "ssa": "Compare prior application evidence. A documented keying error can use Numident Correction Processing; otherwise consider a new iteration.",
      "owner": "Field office",
      "systems": [
        "SSNAP",
        "Numident",
        "IRON / SS-5 Reprints"
      ],
      "source": "numident",
      "section": "A.1–A.2",
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Checked against cited public POMS subsection on 2026-10-16",
      "route": "Field office → documented keying-error correction or new Numident iteration",
      "next": "SSA compares prior documentation. If it cannot document a keying error, expect an application and supporting-evidence requirement for a new iteration; the customer does not certify the internal keying finding."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110212200",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "correct-birth-record",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "dob-3",
      "title": "Resolve evidence questions",
      "you": "Respond to requests for further evidence.",
      "ssa": "For the U.S.-born branch, verify birth records when required. Alternative evidence has additional conditions.",
      "owner": "Field office / issuing authority",
      "systems": [
        "SSNAP"
      ],
      "source": "dob",
      "section": "D.1–D.2",
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Checked against cited public POMS subsection on 2026-10-16",
      "route": "Field office → birth-record verification with issuing authority when required",
      "next": "For the U.S.-born path, verification may remain outstanding. Alternative evidence cannot support processing until the birth bureau confirms no birth record; an acknowledgment is provided under the applicable pending-verification instructions."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110210295",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "correct-birth-record",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "dob-4",
      "title": "Record the supported change",
      "you": "Await the outcome of the review.",
      "ssa": "Record supporting documents in SSNAP remarks if not already captured. A new iteration preserves the prior iteration.",
      "owner": "Field office",
      "systems": [
        "SSNAP",
        "Numident"
      ],
      "source": "numident",
      "section": "A.2; B.3",
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Checked against cited public POMS subsection on 2026-10-16",
      "route": "Field office → supported Numident update and evidence documentation",
      "next": "A new iteration adds the supported information alongside the prior iteration. SSA records supporting documents not already captured; this does not erase the earlier iteration."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110212200",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "correct-birth-record",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "dob-5",
      "title": "Check related payment records",
      "you": "Explain benefit or payee involvement.",
      "ssa": "Review MBR, SSR or RPS as applicable; administrative-finality rules may limit payment-record changes.",
      "owner": "Responsible SSA component",
      "systems": [
        "MBR",
        "SSR",
        "RPS"
      ],
      "source": "dob",
      "section": "Introduction; F–G",
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Checked against cited public POMS subsection on 2026-10-16",
      "route": "Responsible SSA component → applicable benefit or payee record review",
      "next": "A Numident correction may require review of related records. Administrative-finality rules can limit payment-record changes; a birth-date correction does not itself promise a changed payment."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110210295",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "correct-birth-record",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "dob-6",
      "title": "Understand the card or notice outcome",
      "you": "A corrected record may not mean a new card.",
      "ssa": "Suppress a card for a change that does not alter its printed information unless requested. Follow written-notice instructions if unable to update or issue.",
      "owner": "Field office",
      "systems": [
        "SSNAP"
      ],
      "source": "numident",
      "section": "B.4–B.5",
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Checked against cited public POMS subsection on 2026-10-16",
      "route": "Field office → card-suppression or written-notice procedure",
      "next": "A birth-date correction normally does not change printed card details, so a replacement is suppressed unless requested. If SSA cannot update the record or provide a card, written-notice instructions apply."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110212200",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "correct-birth-record",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "automated-enumeration-keying-proof",
      "title": "A keying error arose during automated enumeration",
      "when": "SSA reviews a possible error from an agreed automated enumeration process.",
      "you": "Explain the discrepancy and provide requested supporting information.",
      "ssa": "Verify the keying error with participating-entity documentation showing that the error originated there. A verified keying correction uses NCP in SSNAP without a new iteration or replacement-limit count. If the necessary prior application or entity documentation cannot be reviewed, do not change the current iteration through NCP; use the supported new-iteration application route.",
      "route": "FO evidence comparison → NCP / new Numident iteration",
      "next": "SSA makes the internal keying-error finding.",
      "source": "numident",
      "section": "A.1-2",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110212200",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "provide-claim-evidence",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "evidence-1",
      "title": "Identify the claim owner",
      "you": "Explain which claim the evidence concerns.",
      "ssa": "Identify the WSU in claims screens and check recent case movement.",
      "owner": "Field office",
      "systems": [
        "MCS / CCE",
        "WMS"
      ],
      "source": "coordination",
      "section": "A",
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Checked against cited public POMS subsection on 2026-10-16",
      "route": "Field office → identification of assigned Workload Support Unit",
      "next": "SSA checks the assigned unit and recent case movement before coordinating the evidence handoff."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0201070781",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "provide-claim-evidence",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "evidence-2",
      "title": "Receive and record the evidence",
      "you": "Provide the requested documents.",
      "ssa": "An authorized employee examines evidence and records it in EVID, or sends certified copies to EP/eView when appropriate.",
      "owner": "Authorized field-office employee",
      "systems": [
        "EVID",
        "EP / eView"
      ],
      "source": "coordination",
      "section": "B.2.a",
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Checked against cited public POMS subsection on 2026-10-16",
      "route": "Authorized field-office employee → EVID or certified copies in EP/eView",
      "next": "The employee records eligible evidence in EVID; when it cannot be recorded there, certified copies go to EP/eView. The claim-handling unit is then notified."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0201070781",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "provide-claim-evidence",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "evidence-3",
      "title": "Notify the team handling the claim",
      "you": "Your evidence needs a completed handoff.",
      "ssa": "Record contact details, establish a next-day reminder, and immediately notify the WSU. Verify electronic storage and legibility.",
      "owner": "Field office → WSU",
      "systems": [
        "MCS / CCE",
        "CEF"
      ],
      "source": "coordination",
      "section": "B.2.a–B.2.b",
      "timing": "Immediate notification; next-day internal reminder",
      "verification": "Checked against cited public POMS subsection on 2026-10-16",
      "route": "Field office → assigned Workload Support Unit",
      "next": "The office immediately notifies the unit and checks electronic storage and legibility. The next-day reminder is an internal follow-up, not a promise of a benefit decision the next day."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0201070781",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "resolve-partial-award",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "partial-1",
      "title": "Confirm that a partial award is appropriate",
      "you": "A partial award has specific conditions.",
      "ssa": "Check entitlement factors, unresolved development, payment criteria and exclusions. A pending disability entitlement is not itself a partial-award shortcut.",
      "owner": "Adjudicating employee",
      "systems": [
        "MCS"
      ],
      "source": "partial",
      "section": "B.1–B.2",
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Checked against cited public POMS subsection on 2026-10-16",
      "route": "Adjudicating employee → partial-award criteria review",
      "next": "SSA checks whether the claim meets the partial-adjudication conditions and exclusions. An unresolved entitlement factor cannot be assumed satisfied."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0201010110",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "resolve-partial-award",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "partial-2",
      "title": "Set up follow-up control",
      "you": "An outstanding issue remains under review.",
      "ssa": "Document the issue and establish required diary/control entries. An MCS DECI diary interfaces with PCACS.",
      "owner": "Adjudicating component → processing center",
      "systems": [
        "MCS DECI",
        "MDW",
        "PCACS"
      ],
      "source": "partial",
      "section": "C.1",
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Checked against cited public POMS subsection on 2026-10-16",
      "route": "Adjudicating component → processing-center diary/control",
      "next": "An internal follow-up control tracks the unresolved issue. The usual diary interval is not a guaranteed decision date; the source does not require a separate customer notice merely confirming diary creation."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0201010110",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "resolve-partial-award",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "partial-3",
      "title": "Provide outstanding evidence",
      "you": "Respond to the development request.",
      "ssa": "The WSU retains follow-up responsibility. A field office receiving evidence updates the evidence record and contacts the WSU.",
      "owner": "WSU / field office",
      "systems": [
        "Evidence screen",
        "MDW"
      ],
      "source": "diary",
      "section": "B–C",
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Checked against cited public POMS subsection on 2026-10-16",
      "route": "Field office receiving evidence → WSU follow-up",
      "next": "If you bring evidence to the local office, it updates the evidence record and contacts the WSU. The WSU retains control of the outstanding development until resolution."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0201070782",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "resolve-partial-award",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "partial-4",
      "title": "Route the follow-up correctly",
      "you": "The follow-up team may differ from the servicing office.",
      "ssa": "When a diary matures, the processing center checks WMS; a WSU-originated diary routes back to the WSU.",
      "owner": "Processing center → WSU",
      "systems": [
        "WMS"
      ],
      "source": "diary",
      "section": "D",
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Checked against cited public POMS subsection on 2026-10-16",
      "route": "Processing center → originating WSU for outstanding-issue follow-up",
      "next": "For a WSU-originated outstanding-issue diary, the processing center sends follow-up to that WSU. Future-event diaries have a separate route under section E."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0201070782",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "resolve-partial-award",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "partial-5",
      "title": "Resolve the issue and explain the result",
      "you": "Read the later determination and review rights.",
      "ssa": "Complete development, clear controls and request diary cancellation. In most cases, a further notice resolves the outstanding issue with reconsideration language.",
      "owner": "WSU / processing center",
      "systems": [
        "MDW",
        "Notice processing"
      ],
      "source": "diary",
      "section": "B–C",
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Checked against cited public POMS subsection on 2026-10-16",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "partial",
          "section": "C.2"
        }
      ],
      "route": "WSU development completion → processing center diary cancellation and notice",
      "next": "In most cases, a later notice decides the unresolved issue and explains reconsideration rights. Certain earnings-record revision cases have a different notice result; read the notice that applies to your case."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0201070782",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "change-name",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "change-name-1",
      "title": "Identify the name-change event",
      "you": "Explain the event and the requested name.",
      "ssa": "Obtain evidence of the event, the new name and identity on the latest Numident.",
      "source": "name",
      "section": "A–C",
      "owner": "SSA reviewing employee",
      "systems": [
        "Numident"
      ],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "SSA reviewing employee → name-change evidence assessment",
      "next": "Expect SSA to check the event and requested name against the required identity evidence. Additional identity evidence may be needed under section D."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110212015",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "change-name",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "change-name-2",
      "title": "Link old and new identity",
      "you": "Provide the applicable identity evidence.",
      "ssa": "Assess whether the event document establishes identity or additional identity evidence is needed.",
      "source": "name",
      "section": "D",
      "owner": "SSA reviewing employee",
      "systems": [
        "Numident"
      ],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "SSA reviewing employee → identity linkage assessment",
      "next": "If the event document does not meet both identity criteria, expect a request for an additional acceptable identity document. The cited instructions permit specified prior-name evidence, including expired documents."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110212015",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "change-name",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "change-name-3",
      "title": "Resolve a mismatch",
      "you": "Respond if names cannot be linked.",
      "ssa": "Resolve unexplained surname differences through the relevant prior-name evidence instructions.",
      "source": "name",
      "section": "D.1",
      "owner": "SSA reviewing employee",
      "systems": [
        "Numident"
      ],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "SSA reviewing employee → development of unresolved surname differences",
      "next": "For surname parts that cannot be linked, expect a request for prior name-change evidence. If no name-change event occurred, SSA requests legal-name evidence. This subsection sets no completion deadline."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110212015",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "replace-card",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "replace-card-1",
      "title": "Check the online criteria",
      "you": "Review age, citizenship, account, address and participating-state requirements.",
      "ssa": "Apply the online eligibility criteria; do not assume every applicant qualifies.",
      "source": "card",
      "section": "B",
      "owner": "SSA online replacement service",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "Official SSA replacement-card starting route → online or office path",
      "next": "Use SSA’s current starting questions to determine the available route. The published criteria do not mean every applicant can complete replacement online.",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "replacecurrent",
          "section": "Request a replacement card"
        }
      ]
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110205630",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "replace-card",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "replace-card-2",
      "title": "Submit through the official account",
      "you": "Sign in to my Social Security if eligible.",
      "ssa": "Compare applicant information with SSA and external sources.",
      "source": "card",
      "section": "A; C",
      "owner": "SSA online replacement service",
      "systems": [
        "Numident"
      ],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "my Social Security → SSA and external information checks",
      "next": "For the eligible online route, SSA checks submitted information against its records and external sources. Submission alone does not establish that the request is complete or the card has been issued.",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "replacecurrent",
          "section": "Request a replacement card"
        }
      ]
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110205630",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "replace-card",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "replace-card-3",
      "title": "Use the alternative route if needed",
      "you": "Contact a field office or Social Security Card Center when ineligible online.",
      "ssa": "Handle applicants outside the iSSNRC criteria through the office/card-center route.",
      "source": "card",
      "section": "B",
      "owner": "Field office / Social Security Card Center",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "Field office or Social Security Card Center → appointment-based replacement request",
      "next": "If online replacement is unavailable, arrange an office appointment. The local office cannot print the card. SSA’s public mailing estimate is 5–10 business days after it completes the request, not after first contact.",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "replacecurrent",
          "section": "Request a replacement card"
        }
      ]
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110205630",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "replace-card",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "current-starting-route",
      "title": "Use the current official starting service",
      "when": "Older instructions name a separate replacement-card interface.",
      "you": "Start on SSA’s current replacement-card page; follow its online or appointment route.",
      "ssa": "The public page directs eligible online processing or a local-office appointment; local offices cannot print the card.",
      "route": "Current SSA service → online path or office appointment",
      "next": "The current service determines your route; older interface names are historical.",
      "source": "replacecurrent",
      "section": "Request a replacement card",
      "timing": "The public page gives 5–10 business days by mail after completion, not an application-to-delivery guarantee.",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; full eligibility not determined"
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/number-card/replace-card",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; full eligibility not determined"
  },
  {
    "journey": "update-citizenship",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "update-citizenship-1",
      "title": "Start the official request",
      "you": "Begin the replacement-card application online.",
      "ssa": "The published route includes making an appointment.",
      "source": "citizenship",
      "section": "Request a replacement card",
      "owner": "SSA; exact internal assignment not established",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "Online replacement-card request → SSA appointment",
      "next": "The published customer route includes an appointment. Starting online does not establish that SSA has completed the status update."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/personal-record/update-citizenship-or-immigration-status",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "update-citizenship",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "update-citizenship-2",
      "title": "Bring the evidence",
      "you": "Bring proof of identity and new status to the appointment.",
      "ssa": "Review the information and update supported status information.",
      "source": "citizenship",
      "section": "Request a replacement card",
      "owner": "SSA; exact internal assignment not established",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "SSA appointment → status-information review; internal assignment not established here",
      "next": "Bring proof of identity and new status. This customer-guidance page does not establish staff screen actions or category-specific verification steps."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/personal-record/update-citizenship-or-immigration-status",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "update-citizenship",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "update-citizenship-3",
      "title": "Receive the card",
      "you": "Check the mailed replacement after the update.",
      "ssa": "The public page describes mailing the replacement card after the update.",
      "source": "citizenship",
      "section": "Request a replacement card",
      "owner": "SSA; exact internal assignment not established",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "SSA status update → replacement card by mail",
      "next": "SSA describes receipt by mail in 5–10 business days after it updates the information. This period does not begin with the initial application or establish a deadline for completing verification."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/personal-record/update-citizenship-or-immigration-status",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "update-citizenship",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "card-suppressed",
      "title": "The record can be corrected but no card can issue",
      "when": "Acceptable correction evidence exists but card eligibility does not.",
      "you": "Ask separately about the record correction and card decision.",
      "ssa": "Update Numident and suppress issuance under the cited conditions.",
      "route": "Enumeration record action",
      "next": "No card does not necessarily mean no record correction.",
      "source": "replacementstatus",
      "section": "D",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110210015",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "update-citizenship",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "status-replacement-evidence",
      "title": "Identity and current status evidence checks",
      "when": "A citizenship or immigration update includes a replacement-card request.",
      "you": "Bring identity and status evidence; do not mail your immigration document.",
      "ssa": "Check identity against Numident. A foreign-born U.S. citizen supplies citizenship evidence unless already proven there; a work-authorized noncitizen supplies current lawful work-authorized status evidence. Apply the separate non-name correction evidence policy.",
      "route": "SSA enumeration evidence review → supported record update",
      "next": "Evidence and category verification may require further development.",
      "source": "replacementstatus",
      "section": "A; B",
      "timing": "No verification or update duration specified.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110210015",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "update-citizenship",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "citizenship-ranked-evidence",
      "title": "Citizenship evidence availability and record entry",
      "when": "Citizenship information is being updated through a new Numident iteration.",
      "you": "Submit the application, identity proof and supporting citizenship evidence; explain which documents you have or can obtain.",
      "ssa": "Create the new iteration from supported information. Request the highest-probative citizenship evidence available before lower-level evidence; available means possessed or obtainable within ten working days. Record submitted documents in SSNAP Summary Remarks if not already captured.",
      "route": "Enumeration interviewer → supported Numident iteration / evidence record",
      "next": "Ten working days defines document availability, not an update deadline.",
      "source": "numident",
      "section": "A.2; B.1; B.2 citizenship row; B.3 opening",
      "timing": "No processing guarantee; evidence-availability interval only where stated.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110212200",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "update-citizenship",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "citizenship-unable-update-notice",
      "title": "Written notice when the record or card cannot be updated",
      "when": "SSA cannot update the record or provide the replacement card.",
      "you": "Read the written explanation and respond to any evidence request.",
      "ssa": "Send written notice under the applicable refusal, additional-documentation or card-notice policy referenced in B.5. Do not infer a particular refusal form applies to every case.",
      "route": "SSA enumeration review → applicable written notice",
      "next": "The notice identifies the unresolved issue.",
      "source": "numident",
      "section": "B.5",
      "timing": "No processing guarantee; evidence-availability interval only where stated.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110212200",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "update-citizenship",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "citizenship-passport-certificate-verification",
      "title": "Passport or citizenship certificate evidence checks",
      "when": "An applicant presents a passport or citizenship/naturalization certificate.",
      "you": "Bring the available document and separate identity evidence as requested.",
      "ssa": "Check passport acceptance criteria: tourist passports have five-year validity when issued under age 16, ten years at age 16 or older; official, diplomatic and military-dependent passports have the stated exception. Current or expired passports must satisfy the criteria. Naturalization and citizenship certificates require DHS verification through the enumeration system. If both a passport and naturalization certificate are presented, select the passport for citizenship proof.",
      "route": "Enumeration document review → citizenship evidence acceptance / verification",
      "next": "Citizenship evidence acceptance does not establish that all identity and update requirements are complete.",
      "source": "primarycitizenshipevidence",
      "section": "Primary evidence table: U.S. passport; Certificates of Naturalization/Citizenship",
      "timing": "No verification completion duration specified.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110210505",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "update-citizenship",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "replacement-citizenship-record-confirmation",
      "title": "Replacement-card record already confirms citizenship",
      "when": "A replacement-card applicant alleges U.S. citizenship.",
      "you": "Provide citizenship evidence if SSA’s record does not confirm it.",
      "ssa": "Check the Numident information used by SSNAP. No new citizenship evidence is required for the listed combinations: U.S. birthplace with blank citizenship code or A, or foreign birthplace with code A. If the record does not confirm citizenship, require evidence whether U.S. or foreign birth is alleged.",
      "route": "SSNAP-used Numident check → evidence exemption / citizenship evidence development",
      "next": "This limited evidence exemption does not waive identity or other requirements.",
      "source": "citizenshipevidencegeneral",
      "section": "A.3.a-b",
      "timing": "No processing duration specified.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110210500",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "update-citizenship",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "citizenship-no-evidence-assistance",
      "title": "Citizenship evidence is unavailable",
      "when": "The applicant alleges citizenship but lacks accepted citizenship documents.",
      "you": "Explain what evidence is missing and what makes obtaining it difficult.",
      "ssa": "Use the allegation-specific assistance route: RM 10210.120 for amnesia, homelessness or mental impairment; GN 00303.300O for the listed foreign-born citizenship allegations; RM 10210.540 for a foreign-born adopted child. Refer to USCIS for an alleged citizenship provision not covered in POMS. The U.S.-born no-proof benefit exception in this table applies only to original SSNs, not replacement-card updates.",
      "route": "SSA evidence assistance → applicable policy / USCIS where specified",
      "next": "Assistance does not itself establish citizenship or card eligibility.",
      "source": "citizenshipnoevidence",
      "section": "Applicant allegation table: selected assistance rows; U.S. born no proof boundary",
      "timing": "No assistance completion duration specified.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110210535",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "update-citizenship",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssn-evidence-assistance-leads",
      "title": "Help obtaining missing SSN application evidence",
      "when": "An applicant needs assistance supplying required data or evidence.",
      "you": "Explain the missing information and possible past records or contacts.",
      "ssa": "Search ALPHADENT using name spelling variations for an existing SSN. Work with the applicant or representative on evidence leads, seek agency or organization cooperation and parallel-FO help where appropriate. For an SSN needed for benefits, contact the requiring agency about its evidence. When efforts fail, contact the Regional Office. If all leads are explored and required data/evidence remain unattainable, do not process; provide written notice.",
      "route": "FO evidence assistance → sources / Regional Office → processing or notice",
      "next": "SSA assistance explores evidence leads; it does not waive the required evidence.",
      "source": "ssnassist",
      "section": "Introduction; A",
      "timing": "No assistance completion duration specified.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110210120",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "update-citizenship",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "enumeration-evidence-lost-by-ssa",
      "title": "SSA lost evidence or a returned document never arrived",
      "when": "An enumeration applicant reports lost or unreturned evidence.",
      "you": "Tell SSA which document was submitted and what action or return correspondence you received.",
      "ssa": "Check whether it appears SSA had the evidence, such as an action based on that document. Replace the lost document under the stated exception. If a fee must be paid, use local procedures or have FO management contact regional management.",
      "route": "FO evidence-possession review → replacement / fee management",
      "next": "This exception does not make SSA the purchaser of every enumeration document.",
      "source": "lostenumerationevidence",
      "section": "Opening paragraphs",
      "timing": "No replacement duration specified.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110205094",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "update-citizenship",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "status-most-recent-document",
      "title": "More than one unexpired immigration document",
      "when": "DHS approved a changed status and the applicant presents multiple unexpired documents.",
      "you": "Bring the current DHS-issued documentation and requested identity evidence.",
      "ssa": "Use the immigration document with the most recent issue date as evidence of current status; the approved new-status document supersedes earlier documents. Verify it with DHS before processing the SSN application.",
      "route": "Enumeration evidence review → DHS verification → SSN processing",
      "next": "A pending status-change allegation alone is a separate path.",
      "source": "statuschangeprocessing",
      "section": "A",
      "timing": "No verification or issuance duration specified.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211510",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "update-citizenship",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "status-card-issuance-choice",
      "title": "A status update may or may not produce a card",
      "when": "The replacement/update case falls under the now-work-authorized processing rule.",
      "you": "Tell SSA whether you need a replacement card and ask whether one will issue.",
      "ssa": "SSNAP uses the application, Numident and verifications to determine the record update and card legend. Issue a replacement if the legend changes or a card is requested, subject to limits. If the legend stays the same and no replacement is needed, suppress issuance on SSNAP Additional Info; tell the applicant whether a card will issue.",
      "route": "Verified status update → card issuance / suppression",
      "next": "An updated record does not always result in a mailed card.",
      "source": "statuschangeprocessing",
      "section": "C opening; C.1.b",
      "timing": "No verification or issuance duration specified.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211510",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "update-citizenship",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "status-no-longer-work-authorized",
      "title": "The record shows work authorization has ended",
      "when": "SSA reviews evidence that the individual is no longer work authorized.",
      "you": "Provide any claimed valid nonwork reason and requested supporting evidence.",
      "ssa": "If a valid nonwork reason is submitted, follow RM 10211.620 and explain the nonwork card outcome. Without a valid nonwork reason, suppress card issuance in SSNAP Additional Info; update Numident work-authorization and status information.",
      "route": "Enumeration status review → nonwork-card processing / suppressed issuance",
      "next": "The number record and the decision to issue a card are distinct actions.",
      "source": "statuschangeprocessing",
      "section": "C.2",
      "timing": "No DHS or SSA processing duration specified.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211510",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "update-citizenship",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "status-dhs-change-pending",
      "title": "DHS status change is still pending",
      "when": "The applicant seeks an SSN action while DHS processes a status change.",
      "you": "Bring the requested DHS employment-authorization document or proof of a valid nonwork reason.",
      "ssa": "For a proved valid nonwork reason, follow RM 10211.600; without one advise return after final DHS notification. For claimed employment authorization, request a valid EAD; without it advise contacting DHS for appropriate documentation under the cited rules. Apply the stated EAD requirement to a pending deportation hearing claim.",
      "route": "SSA evidence review → applicable SSN processing / DHS documentation",
      "next": "Pending status by itself does not settle the evidence requirement.",
      "source": "statuschangeprocessing",
      "section": "D.1-2",
      "timing": "No DHS or SSA processing duration specified.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211510",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "update-citizenship",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "nonwork-letter-signature",
      "title": "A government letter supports a nonwork SSN reason",
      "when": "The applicant presents a government letter for a claimed qualifying nonwork reason.",
      "you": "Provide the original agency letter and required age, identity and status evidence.",
      "ssa": "The field office checks the dated letterhead, applicant, reason, legal requirement, agency contact, all-other-requirements statement and authorized wet signature. Before acceptance, contact the agency to establish a signature precedent file; replace it when the official leaves. Verify questionable letters and consult regional instructions.",
      "route": "Field office → issuing government agency → nonwork evidence review",
      "next": "Only documentation meeting all criteria can establish the claimed nonwork reason; a request alone does not establish eligibility.",
      "source": "nonworkssn",
      "section": "A.1-3",
      "timing": "No completion period specified.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection independently checked 2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211600",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Official subsection independently checked 2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "update-citizenship",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "nonwork-title-record-documentation",
      "title": "A nonwork request relies on Title II or SSI entitlement",
      "when": "The applicant alleges Title II or Title XVI benefit entitlement as the nonwork basis.",
      "you": "Identify the benefit entitlement claimed and respond to evidence requests.",
      "ssa": "Check MBR and SSID for alleged entitlement to either or both programs. For Title II entitlement only, SSNAP requires the claim number in the Account Number field within Non-Work Reason and Documentation on Proof of Legal Alien Status. Title XVI entitlement documentation requires no account number.",
      "route": "SSA enumeration review → benefit-record verification → SSNAP documentation",
      "next": "SSA verifies the alleged entitlement; the allegation alone does not establish a valid nonwork basis.",
      "source": "nonworkssn",
      "section": "B",
      "timing": "No processing interval specified.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection independently checked 2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211600",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Official subsection independently checked 2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-retirement",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "apply-retirement-1",
      "title": "Choose an application route",
      "you": "Apply online, or contact SSA for phone/office assistance.",
      "ssa": "SSA publishes online, phone and local-office application routes.",
      "source": "retire",
      "section": "How to apply",
      "owner": "SSA; exact internal assignment not established",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "Official online application or SSA phone/office appointment route",
      "next": "Choose a published application method. Call ahead for an office appointment. The public page does not identify which internal component will own every claim."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ssa-1.html",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-retirement",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "apply-retirement-2",
      "title": "Provide the application information",
      "you": "Prepare identity, family, work and payment information listed by SSA.",
      "ssa": "Request the information and evidence relevant to the application.",
      "source": "retire",
      "section": "Information About You; Documents",
      "owner": "SSA; exact internal assignment not established",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "Application information → SSA evidence requests as needed",
      "next": "SSA says to apply even if some documents are missing; missing evidence may be supplied later or SSA may help obtain it. That instruction does not establish eligibility or a payment date."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ssa-1.html",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-retirement",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "apply-retirement-3",
      "title": "Submit requested documents",
      "you": "Follow the document list and delivery instructions given after applying online.",
      "ssa": "The online process supplies a document list and where to submit it.",
      "source": "retire",
      "section": "Documents",
      "owner": "SSA; exact internal assignment not established",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "Requested documents → destination identified after online application",
      "next": "Follow the supplied document list and delivery instructions. Do not mail foreign birth records or DHS documents; bring them for examination and return. Exact staff ownership requires separate claim-specific review."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ssa-1.html",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-retirement",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "retirement-currentyear-selfemployment-insured-status",
      "title": "Support current-year self-employment used to establish insured status",
      "when": "SSA develops filing-year self-employment because its quarters could establish insured status for the Title II claim.",
      "you": "Describe the business and provide supporting records, the requested statement and later tax return with proof of filing.",
      "ssa": "The field office checks applicability, sufficient earnings already derived and possible future losses. It cannot count an unstarted quarter or use this development to compute the benefit amount. Staff obtain SSA-766, explain its penalty notice and request business-description evidence. They explain the later tax-return/proof requirement and the suspension consequence stated in the procedure if those are not submitted.",
      "route": "Field office Title II insured-status evidence development and applicable award follow-through.",
      "next": "Keep proof of filing and ask SSA how to submit it. This procedure does not itself establish an award or resolve SSI qualifying-quarter rules.",
      "source": "currentyearselfemployment",
      "section": "A; B; D",
      "timing": "The source requests the return and proof during the first month after the taxable year ends, January for a calendar year. This is an SSA evidence instruction, not an IRS filing-deadline statement.",
      "review_status": "Live selected evidence scope verified; legacy codes not reproduced."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0301804110",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live selected evidence scope verified; legacy codes not reproduced."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-retirement",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "retirement-railroad-lag-proof-exception",
      "title": "Verify railroad lag earnings through the separate evidence route",
      "when": "A retirement claim for a nonvested railroad worker depends on unproven recent railroad earnings.",
      "you": "Identify the railroad employer and work periods and bring available records for review.",
      "ssa": "The field office does not treat a railroad employer W-2/W-2c or BA-6 as proof of lag earnings under01404.018. For nonvested railroad workers,01602.150B directs use of railroad earnings for SSA purposes but bars including unproven railroad lag amounts. Staff follow the separate railroad proof procedure before including those amounts.",
      "route": "Field office railroad-earnings development within retirement claim processing; applicable railroad certification jurisdiction is assessed separately.",
      "next": "Ask what railroad-specific proof remains required; ordinary tax forms alone do not establish this lag amount.",
      "source": "lagwageevidence",
      "section": "1 exception",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "railroadlifeprocessing",
          "section": "B"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "No railroad evidence-retrieval or claim-completion deadline is specified.",
      "review_status": "Live evidence exclusion and nonvested-worker proof boundary checked; detailedMSOM procedure unavailable for acceptance here; no employer-statement rejection invented."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0301404018",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live evidence exclusion and nonvested-worker proof boundary checked; detailedMSOM procedure unavailable for acceptance here; no employer-statement rejection invented."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-retirement",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "retirement-railroad-critical-payment-contact",
      "title": "Request railroad payment expedition for an established critical case",
      "when": "Payment is due in a railroad-certification case and staff have established the applicable critical-case conditions.",
      "you": "Explain the missing payment and current hardship and provide requested claim information.",
      "ssa": "The processing center Inquiries Specialist telephones RRB to request expedited payment, identifies whether a retirement or survivor annuity is involved and supplies the available payment information. The critical-case procedure provides for confirmation to RRB using SSA-3103 and a return report of payment or certification details.",
      "route": "SSA processing center Inquiries Specialist to RRB customer-service specialist; applicable payment coordination with Treasury.",
      "next": "Ask whether the critical-case referral was made and what payment information remains outstanding; the referral is not an individual payment approval.",
      "source": "railroadlifeprocessing",
      "section": "A finalbullet",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "railroadcriticalcontact",
          "section": "A openingparagraphs"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "The older contact section contains7-10workingday wording, but its current operational timing is unconfirmed; no present payment deadline is promised here.",
      "review_status": "Live conditionalcontact/component duty checked; criticalstatus finding, datedphonecontacts andindividualpaymenttiming not inferred."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0301602150",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live conditionalcontact/component duty checked; criticalstatus finding, datedphonecontacts andindividualpaymenttiming not inferred."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-retirement",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "retirement-railroad-expedited-request-followthrough",
      "title": "Confirm and track a railroad expedited-payment request",
      "when": "SSA-1877 expedited-payment processing applies to a railroad-certification case.",
      "you": "Keep the request date and acknowledgement and report any requested evidence.",
      "ssa": "Processing center Inquiries Staff give RRB the request date and payment data and send confirmation on SSA-3103. RRB reports back the payment amount and Treasury certification date, or why payment is not due. Staff maintain control through final action and advise the field office of payment, disallowance or exclusion action.",
      "route": "Processing center Inquiries Staff to RRB customer-service section; return report and field-office follow-through.",
      "next": "Ask whether confirmation and the RRB return report were received and what final action or notice applies.",
      "source": "expeditedpaymentpcreceipt",
      "section": "G; H",
      "timing": "G publishes payment arrangements or a why-not-due notice within15days fromSSA-1877filing for this scoped route. Applicability and its relationship to the general effective-date rule require review; no personal payment date is inferred.",
      "review_status": "Live requestconfirmation/return-report/control duties checked; staffreturncall is not a customer duty."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0302805040",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live requestconfirmation/return-report/control duties checked; staffreturncall is not a customer duty."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-retirement",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "retirement-expedited-written-request-acknowledgement",
      "title": "Acknowledge a qualifying written expedited-payment request",
      "when": "The receiving office has a written request meeting the expedited-payment criteria.",
      "you": "Keep the written request, its date and the acknowledgement.",
      "ssa": "A qualifying written request is acceptable; PartI ofSSA-1877 is preferred. Staff complete the required remaining parts, immediately acknowledge the request in writing using PartIII and control it through final disposition. The processing center makes the final disposition.",
      "route": "Receiving SSA office request acknowledgement and control to processing center final disposition.",
      "next": "Ask for the acknowledgement and identify the office controlling the request; ordinary payment inquiries do not automatically meet these criteria.",
      "source": "expeditedpaymentoffice",
      "section": "Openingparagraphs1-4",
      "timing": "Immediate written acknowledgement is the published instruction; it is not a promise of immediate payment.",
      "review_status": "Live request/form/acknowledgement/control scope checked; statutory eligibility and payment clocks remain separate."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0302805020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live request/form/acknowledgement/control scope checked; statutory eligibility and payment clocks remain separate."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-retirement",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "retirement-expedited-thirdparty-development-notice",
      "title": "Explain evidence being obtained from another source",
      "when": "An expedited-payment request is pending, the applicable90-day period has not run and the claimant is unaware of development with another source.",
      "you": "Ask which evidence SSA is obtaining and what you still need to supply.",
      "ssa": "The field office tells the claimant about the pending action. When SSA assists in obtaining evidence, staff explain that assistance and that the decision awaits the record. If the processing center needs further development, it advises the field office by telephone and writing; the field office explains what is needed and what is being done. The development memorandum identifies the pending expedited request.",
      "route": "Processing center development instructions to field office; field office explanation to claimant and evidence follow-up.",
      "next": "Keep the development explanation and respond to your own evidence requests; a third-party delay does not establish payment entitlement.",
      "source": "expeditedpaymentoffice",
      "section": "Developmentparagraphs afterPCfinaldisposition",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "expeditedpaymentpcreceipt",
          "section": "D.2 firsttwoparagraphs"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "The pre90-day condition identifies this notification branch; no third-party response date or payment guarantee is specified.",
      "review_status": "Live notification/PC-FO coordination checked; after90-day evidence-sufficiency/payment branch remains separate."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0302805020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live notification/PC-FO coordination checked; after90-day evidence-sufficiency/payment branch remains separate."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-retirement",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "retirement-expedited-after90-thirdparty-evidence",
      "title": "Review available evidence after the expedited-request waiting period",
      "when": "The applicable90-day period has run and evidence is still being obtained from someone other than the claimant or beneficiary.",
      "you": "Identify any evidence already supplied and ask what remains outstanding.",
      "ssa": "The processing center immediately reviews the available evidence. If it indicates that benefits are payable despite the remaining third-party development, staff act to expedite payment. If it does not permit a finding that payment is due, staff advise the claimant that additional development is underway. Elapsed time alone does not establish entitlement or replace missing proof required from the claimant.",
      "route": "Processing center evidence-sufficiency review to conditional payment action or further-development notice, with field-office coordination.",
      "next": "Ask whether existing evidence supports payment and which notice or development action applies; no personal payment result is inferred.",
      "source": "expeditedpaymentpcreceipt",
      "section": "D.2 finalparagraph",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "expeditedpaymentoffice",
          "section": "After90-daydevelopmentparagraph"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "Immediate review follows the stated90-day condition; this branch does not supply a universal payment-by date.",
      "review_status": "Live conditionalpayment/development distinction checked; claimant-proof and third-party-proof situations not conflated."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0302805040",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live conditionalpayment/development distinction checked; claimant-proof and third-party-proof situations not conflated."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-retirement",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "retirement-expedited-request-category-screen",
      "title": "Screen the payment request for the correct statutory category",
      "when": "A person asks for statutory expedited payment of a retirement or survivor monthly benefit.",
      "you": "Submit the written request and identify the missing month, prior payment and dates you supplied requested information.",
      "ssa": "The field office distinguishes a pending initial claim or resumption from an interruption after regular monthly payment. Staff check the written-request requirement, elapsed-period conditions and statutory exclusions before using this route. Under205(q)(2), payment depends on a finding that benefits are due and uses the deemed filing date of the request.",
      "route": "Field office statutory-request screening to processing center expedited-payment review when applicable.",
      "next": "Ask which request category, evidence date and deemed filing date SSA used; elapsed time alone does not establish entitlement.",
      "source": "expeditedpaymentgeneral",
      "section": "Openingparagraph; A; B",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "act205expedited",
          "section": "q(2); q(5)"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "The statute separates30-day interrupted-payment and90-day other-case conditions and links the15-day payment rule to deemed filing. A personal deadline requires the full date and exclusion review.",
      "review_status": "Livecategory/writtenrequest/statutorycondition checked; this is not a universalSSI or disability expedited-payment procedure."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0302805001",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Livecategory/writtenrequest/statutorycondition checked; this is not a universalSSI or disability expedited-payment procedure."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-retirement",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "retirement-separate-claim-disability-pending",
      "title": "Decide retirement separately while a disability decision remains pending",
      "when": "A disability decision is still outstanding and the claimant also files for retirement benefits.",
      "you": "Identify both claims and ask what evidence each requires.",
      "ssa": "The field office evaluates the retirement application separately from the disability claim. The missing disability decision is an outstanding entitlement factor for the disability claim, so this situation is not labeled a partial award of that disability claim. Staff decide the retirement application under its own entitlement requirements and retain the unresolved disability decision for the applicable disability process.",
      "route": "Field office retirement adjudication; separate disability determination and claim processing.",
      "next": "Ask which claim the decision covers and what remains pending on the other; no retirement eligibility, withdrawal or appeal result is inferred.",
      "source": "partial",
      "section": "B.1 reminder",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "subsequenttitleiiclaims",
          "section": "A; C.3.b"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "No retirement or disability decision duration is specified by this distinction.",
      "review_status": "Live separate-benefit-type rule verified; benefit-continuation and subsequent-disability appeal rules require their own linked procedures."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0201010110",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Live separate-benefit-type rule verified; benefit-continuation and subsequent-disability appeal rules require their own linked procedures."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-retirement",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "retirement-subsequent-claim-unresolved-benefit-base",
      "title": "Control an unresolved benefit-base discrepancy on a subsequent claim",
      "when": "A subsequent claim has conflicting primary insurance amounts and immediate payment is due after efforts to resolve the discrepancy.",
      "you": "Identify notices and earnings information that may explain the difference.",
      "ssa": "The field office compares the certified earnings computation with the benefit record and investigates the difference. If all efforts fail to resolve it and immediate payment is due, staff document those efforts and partially adjudicate using the lower primary insurance amount. The unresolved issue remains controlled. The partial notice explains reliance on current evidence and possible revision; generally a later final notice on that issue includes reconsideration rights, subject to the cited earnings-revision exception.",
      "route": "Field office discrepancy investigation and conditional partial adjudication to processing center outstanding-issue control and notice.",
      "next": "Ask what remains unresolved and which notice decides that issue; the lower amount is conditional and is not a personal benefit calculation.",
      "source": "subsequenttitleiiclaims",
      "section": "C.4.a",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "partial",
          "section": "B; C.1; C.2"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "An internal development diary is not a guaranteed resolution date; no end-to-end completion deadline is specified.",
      "review_status": "Live unresolved-discrepancy condition and notice distinction checked; no automatic reduction or revised earnings result inferred."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0201010100",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live unresolved-discrepancy condition and notice distinction checked; no automatic reduction or revised earnings result inferred."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-disability",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "apply-disability-1",
      "title": "Provide claim and medical information",
      "you": "Describe impairments and treatment sources in the application.",
      "ssa": "The field office obtains the application and related information.",
      "source": "disability",
      "section": "Disability Determination Process",
      "owner": "Field office",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "Application and treatment-source information → SSA field-office intake",
      "next": "Provide the requested claim and medical-source information. This public overview describes the usual component role, not a specific employee assignment or staff screen sequence."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/disability/determination.htm",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-disability",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "apply-disability-2",
      "title": "Check non-medical requirements",
      "you": "Respond to questions about work and other eligibility factors.",
      "ssa": "Verify non-medical requirements and send the case for disability evaluation.",
      "source": "disability",
      "section": "Disability Determination Process",
      "owner": "Field office → DDS",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "SSA field-office nonmedical review → state DDS evaluation",
      "next": "SSA checks the applicable nonmedical requirements and sends the case for disability evaluation. A referral is not a finding that all benefit requirements are met."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/disability/determination.htm",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-disability",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "apply-disability-3",
      "title": "Develop medical evidence",
      "you": "Respond to DDS requests or an examination if needed.",
      "ssa": "DDS seeks treating-source evidence and may arrange a consultative examination if insufficient.",
      "source": "disability",
      "section": "Disability Determination Process",
      "owner": "DDS",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "DDS → medical sources and consultative examination when needed",
      "next": "DDS usually seeks evidence from your medical sources first. It may arrange an examination when evidence is unavailable or insufficient; not every applicant needs one."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/disability/determination.htm",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-disability",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "apply-disability-4",
      "title": "Return for appropriate action",
      "you": "Review the resulting determination and next steps.",
      "ssa": "DDS returns the case. SSA completes outstanding non-medical development when appropriate.",
      "source": "disability",
      "section": "Disability Determination Process",
      "owner": "DDS → SSA",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "DDS determination → SSA field-office follow-through",
      "next": "After a favorable medical finding, outstanding nonmedical work and benefit processing may remain. An unfavorable finding may be appealed through the applicable route. This overview gives no immediate-payment promise."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/disability/determination.htm",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-disability",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "dds-language-preference",
      "title": "DDS needs your communication-language preference",
      "when": "Language assistance is requested or needed.",
      "you": "Tell DDS your preferred language.",
      "ssa": "Review folder indicators/reports; determine and document preference. Arrange authorized interpreter service before further contact or examination. Record actions in eCAT Claim communication, or SSA-5002 for non-eCAT cases, except required SSA-795 actions. Contact notices must describe free interpretation and never require your own interpreter.",
      "route": "DDS → interpreter arrangement / documentation",
      "next": "An evident need also triggers assistance without a request.",
      "source": "ddsinterpreter",
      "section": "C.1-8; E.1",
      "timing": "Before further contact as specified; no arrangement-duration promise",
      "review_status": "Selected official staff procedure checked; full qualification/documentation exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0423040001",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected official staff procedure checked; full qualification/documentation exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-disability",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "dds-own-interpreter",
      "title": "You want a family member or another interpreter to help",
      "when": "You choose your own interpreter for DDS contact or examination.",
      "you": "Identify your chosen interpreter and any prior approval.",
      "ssa": "Review prior FO approval first. Use an SSA/DDS-approved qualified interpreter. An unapproved interpreter may participate, but SSA/DDS-provided interpretation remains official.",
      "route": "DDS → interpreter qualification / contact",
      "next": "Participation is different from approval as the official interpreter.",
      "source": "ddsinterpreter",
      "section": "A; B.3; C.6",
      "timing": "Before further contact as specified; no arrangement-duration promise",
      "review_status": "Selected official staff procedure checked; full qualification/documentation exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0423040001",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected official staff procedure checked; full qualification/documentation exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-disability",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "dds-interpreter-mid-contact",
      "title": "The interpreter need becomes clear during a contact or examination",
      "when": "DDS discovers language assistance is needed during claimant contact or CE.",
      "you": "Explain the communication difficulty and keep the new appointment information.",
      "ssa": "Contact authorized interpreter service immediately. If a qualified interpreter is not readily available, arrange rescheduling, explain that continuation details will be sent, arrange an interpreter for the new appointment and add a language-assistance flag.",
      "route": "DDS → interpreter service / rescheduled contact or CE",
      "next": "DDS owns the continuation arrangements; no appointment date is promised here.",
      "source": "ddsinterpreter",
      "section": "E.3",
      "timing": "Immediate attempt to obtain interpretation; rescheduling duration not specified",
      "review_status": "Official conditional rescheduling steps checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0423040001",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Official conditional rescheduling steps checked"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-disability",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "dds-minor-participation",
      "title": "You want a minor child to interpret",
      "when": "Individual insists on child participation during DDS contact or CE.",
      "you": "Discuss the need with DDS.",
      "ssa": "A minor cannot be the qualified interpreter. Provide a qualified interpreter whose rendition is official; explain in the preferred language. Limit child assistance to language identification, general purpose and rescheduling; direct questions to the individual and document.",
      "route": "DDS → qualified interpretation",
      "next": "Child participation does not replace official qualified interpretation.",
      "source": "ddsinterpreter",
      "section": "E.5",
      "timing": "No processing duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected official conditions checked; no individual interpreter approval"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0423040001",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected official conditions checked; no individual interpreter approval"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-disability",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "dds-own-interpreter-paperwork",
      "title": "DDS needs statements for your chosen interpreter",
      "when": "Individual supplies an interpreter.",
      "you": "Review and sign the requested choice/understanding statement.",
      "ssa": "Explain free DDS service; identify qualifications before contact/CE. Obtain claimant SSA-795 and check prior FO interpreter SSA-795; obtain interpreter statement if absent or interpreter changed. SSA/DDS-provided interpreters need not sign it. Record confidentiality reminder.",
      "route": "DDS → SSA-795 evidence / interpreter review",
      "next": "Prior same-interpreter documentation can avoid a duplicate interpreter statement.",
      "source": "ddsinterpreter",
      "section": "H.1-7",
      "timing": "No processing duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected official conditions checked; no individual interpreter approval"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0423040001",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected official conditions checked; no individual interpreter approval"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-disability",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "dds-interpreter-signature-pending",
      "title": "Your interpreter statement is pending after a telephone contact",
      "when": "Own interpreter used by telephone and qualified service is not readily available.",
      "you": "Help your interpreter return the requested statement; follow rescheduling instructions.",
      "ssa": "If interpreter agrees to sign, continue contact and mail SSA-795 to interpreter, other materials to claimant; combine mail if same address. Do not make final determination until signed interpreter statement returns. If attempts fail, find a second qualified interpreter, notify FO when appropriate and repeat contact/CE to verify prior information.",
      "route": "DDS → interpreter SSA-795 return / second-interpreter verification",
      "next": "The interpreter signature is distinct from the claimant signature; missing interpreter form does not itself establish denial.",
      "source": "ddsinterpreter",
      "section": "H.9-10",
      "timing": "No form-return or rescheduling duration specified",
      "review_status": "Official signature/verification conditions checked; refusal route I.3 separately pending"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0423040001",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Official signature/verification conditions checked; refusal route I.3 separately pending"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-disability",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "dds-interpreter-replacement",
      "title": "DDS cannot rely on the chosen interpreter",
      "when": "DDS finds a qualified replacement necessary, including the specified signature-refusal route.",
      "you": "Answer in your preferred language; ask if your chosen helper may remain.",
      "ssa": "Remind the individual of free qualified service. If unavailable, end the contact/CE, explain rescheduling with a qualified interpreter and document why. Obtain appropriate interpretation before continuation; the person and chosen interpreter may remain on request, with questions directed to the individual.",
      "route": "DDS → qualified replacement / documented rescheduling",
      "next": "Ending the contact is not itself a denial of the disability claim.",
      "source": "ddsinterpreter",
      "section": "I.1-4; H.9 refusal",
      "timing": "No replacement or rescheduling duration specified",
      "review_status": "Official conditional replacement procedure checked; no finding about an individual interpreter"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0423040001",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Official conditional replacement procedure checked; no finding about an individual interpreter"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-disability",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "initial-wu-representative-time",
      "title": "DDS cannot locate an applicant with a representative",
      "when": "An initial or reconsideration claimant cannot be located at the last address or reached by phone.",
      "you": "Keep contact details current; a representative seeking more time to locate you can ask DDS.",
      "ssa": "Make reasonable efforts to involve the appointed representative. If the representative requests more time to locate the claimant, allow at least ten additional calendar days and document efforts. Confirm claimant contact details before changing them in DCPS, except when the representative is a minor child’s parent or a legal guardian.",
      "route": "DDS → appointed representative / claimant contact confirmation",
      "next": "CDR, prehearing and DHU cases follow separate policies.",
      "source": "ddswhereaboutsunknown",
      "section": "A; C.1",
      "timing": "At least ten additional calendar days when the representative requests locating time.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0423005001",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-disability",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "initial-wu-search-alternatives",
      "title": "DDS search alternatives when an applicant cannot be found",
      "when": "An initial/reconsideration claimant has no appointed representative and special handling does not apply.",
      "you": "Contact SSA with current information if you learn the claim is awaiting contact.",
      "ssa": "DDS takes at least one specified locating action: a postmaster SSA-L2001 request, reasonable third-party contact efforts, or an FO assistance request through DCPS. The postmaster has 15 calendar days; the FO has 15, followed by a message allowing ten more if unanswered. DDS retains jurisdiction during FO efforts and documents the search in DCPS or the case development worksheet. Unsuccessful locating alone cannot support an unfavorable determination.",
      "route": "DDS → selected locating contact / FO assistance → DDS evaluation",
      "next": "DDS continues evidence development that does not require claimant involvement.",
      "source": "ddswhereaboutsunknown",
      "section": "C.3-4; D opening",
      "timing": "15-day postmaster or FO response periods; ten-day additional FO follow-up applies only to that route.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0423005001",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-disability",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "wu-special-handling-contacts",
      "title": "Special handling when an applicant cannot be located",
      "when": "Special handling applies to an initial/reconsideration claimant whose whereabouts are unknown.",
      "you": "Keep designated contact information current when communicating with SSA.",
      "ssa": "Make reasonable efforts to involve designated contacts for the current adjudication level. If the first of two contacts is unproductive, involve the other. If none was designated, take at least one C.3 locating action. Check SSA-3368/3441 Contacts or Remarks and document efforts.",
      "route": "DDS → designated contacts / locating development",
      "next": "The contact protections apply before the later evidence evaluation.",
      "source": "ddswhereaboutsunknown",
      "section": "C.2",
      "timing": "No overall processing duration specified.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0423005001",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-disability",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "wu-evidence-notice",
      "title": "Determination after required locating efforts fail",
      "when": "Required initial/reconsideration locating efforts remain unsuccessful.",
      "you": "If you reconnect with SSA, ask about the determination and current contact record.",
      "ssa": "Do not decide adversely solely because whereabouts are unknown. Evaluate available evidence and complete development not requiring claimant involvement; explain the effect in the determination explanation. Put the last address in SSA-831 item 5 and whereabouts-unknown remarks in item 34; send the appropriate notice to that address, then return to FO or Disability Quality Branch if selected for federal review.",
      "route": "DDS → last-known-address notice → FO / Disability Quality Branch",
      "next": "The evidence evaluation determines the outcome.",
      "source": "ddswhereaboutsunknown",
      "section": "D",
      "timing": "No overall processing duration specified.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0423005001",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-disability",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "dib-nearfra-medical-onset-notice",
      "title": "SSA establishes a later medical onset within five months of retirement age",
      "when": "DDS establishes disability-insurance onset later than alleged for medical reasons, within five months of full retirement age.",
      "you": "Review the onset explanation with the retirement-benefit notice and ask SSA to clarify any disputed dates or missing explanation.",
      "ssa": "Under DI 26530.015 D.3, DDS prepares only the personalized disability explanation and sends it to the program service center through the district office. DDS annotates SSA-408 that the explanation is to be released with the retirement insurance benefit notice. The annotation is an internal handoff instruction, not the customer’s explanation.",
      "route": "DDS explanation → district-office handoff → program service center retirement notice",
      "next": "The customer receives the explanation with the applicable retirement notice. This specific notice route does not itself decide disability entitlement, retirement amount or election choices.",
      "source": "disabilitypartialnotice",
      "section": "D.3",
      "timing": "The five-month condition concerns established onset relative to full retirement age; it is not a five-month processing promise.",
      "review_status": "Selected medical-later-onset notice handoff independently checked; separate retirement-conversion and explanation-exception rules remain distinct."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0426530015",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected medical-later-onset notice handoff independently checked; separate retirement-conversion and explanation-exception rules remain distinct."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-disability",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "disability-railroad-family-own-record-dds",
      "title": "Route a railroad family member’s own-record disability claim to DDS",
      "when": "The spouse or child of a living career railroad worker files disability insurance on their own Social Security number.",
      "you": "Tell SSA about the railroad family connection and identify the record on which you are claiming.",
      "ssa": "The field office routes this own-record disability claim to the State Disability Determination Services for the medical decision. Staff enter the railroad-certification-only notation in the electronic disability remarks or the designated SSA-831 item so certification is handled appropriately.",
      "route": "Field office to State Disability Determination Services; separate railroad certification handling.",
      "next": "Ask which component has the medical claim and whether the record and railroad connection were identified correctly; this route does not decide eligibility.",
      "source": "railroaddisabilityjurisdiction",
      "section": "Unnumbered paragraph2",
      "timing": "No medical-decision or certification completion duration is specified.",
      "review_status": "CurrentOctober2026 own-record route verified; not the career-worker/surviving-dependent railroad medical route."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0411050010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "CurrentOctober2026 own-record route verified; not the career-worker/surviving-dependent railroad medical route."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-disability",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "disability-railroad-erroneous-dds-transfer",
      "title": "Recover a railroad medical claim sent to DDS in error",
      "when": "A career railroad or surviving-dependent railroad annuitant medical claim was sent to State DDS despite the applicable railroad jurisdiction.",
      "you": "Tell the field office about the railroad annuity or service and ask which office has the claim.",
      "ssa": "The field office immediately telephones State DDS to explain the jurisdiction error. For a certified electronic folder, staff request rejection toV32 or, if DDS already receipted it, transfer to Disability Case Review within Risk and Quality using siteV32. For other folders, staff request return to the field office as soon as possible.",
      "route": "Field office to State DDS for correction of routing; electronic folder toV32/DCR, other folder back to field office.",
      "next": "Ask the field office to confirm the destination and any outstanding evidence; this staff routing correction does not decide the medical result.",
      "source": "railroaddisabilityjurisdiction",
      "section": "Note afterparagraph2, revision2026-10-01",
      "timing": "Immediate staff telephone contact and prompt non-electronic return are specified; no fixed transfer or decision duration.",
      "review_status": "Current text verified at https://secure.ssa.gov/POMS.nsf/lnx/0411050010 ; apps10 variant returned older2010 wording. Routing-site agreement and organization wording conflict recorded in research494."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0411050010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Current text verified at https://secure.ssa.gov/POMS.nsf/lnx/0411050010 ; apps10 variant returned older2010 wording. Routing-site agreement and organization wording conflict recorded in research494."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "apply-ssi-1",
      "title": "Express intent to apply",
      "you": "Use the official starting service or call for an appointment.",
      "ssa": "SSA describes several starting routes and scheduled assistance.",
      "source": "ssiapply",
      "section": "SSI application process",
      "owner": "SSA; exact internal assignment not established",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "Official SSI starting service or SSA contact → application/appointment route",
      "next": "Use the applicable starting route. Expressing interest online may lead to an appointment to complete the application; it does not mean every SSI application is completed online."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-apply-ussi.htm",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "apply-ssi-2",
      "title": "Complete the application",
      "you": "Keep the appointment and provide eligibility information.",
      "ssa": "Work with the applicant to obtain information and necessary documents.",
      "source": "ssiapply",
      "section": "SSI application process",
      "owner": "SSA; exact internal assignment not established",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "Applicant information and documents → SSA-assisted application completion",
      "next": "Work with SSA to provide the needed information and documents. The public page describes help completing forms and obtaining evidence; it does not establish detailed internal ownership or screens."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-apply-ussi.htm",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "apply-ssi-3",
      "title": "Protect follow-through",
      "you": "Use the dates in the appointment confirmation and reschedule if needed.",
      "ssa": "A qualifying call date may be used as the filing date when the required follow-through occurs.",
      "source": "ssiapply",
      "section": "When to apply",
      "owner": "SSA; exact internal assignment not established",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "Appointment and signed-application follow-through → filing-date review",
      "next": "Keep or reschedule the appointment and follow the specific dates in the confirmation letter. The public page describes conditional use of the call date and a missed-appointment follow-through period; this overview does not decide your filing date."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-apply-ussi.htm",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-death-pending-claim",
      "title": "Death while an SSI claim is pending",
      "when": "The applicant dies before claim processing ends.",
      "you": "Tell SSA about the pending claim and respond to evidence requests.",
      "ssa": "Complete processing if an underpayment could be payable to a listed State, qualifying representative-fee recipient, spouse or parent under linked policy. Complete all eligibility development before payment; unverified information cannot support payment for a deceased claimant. Special Zebley procedures require separate review.",
      "route": "SSA claim processing → potential underpayment development",
      "next": "A pending claim does not establish that a relative can receive payment.",
      "section": "B.3",
      "source": "ssideceasedunderpayment",
      "timing": "No processing duration specified.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502101003",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-death-nonpayment-inquiry",
      "title": "Inquiry about unpaid SSI after death",
      "when": "An inquirer, including an estate, asks about nonpayment.",
      "you": "Ask SSA for the reason for nonpayment and retain its notice.",
      "ssa": "Send SSA-L8166-U2 explaining denial of the underpayment.",
      "route": "SSA → inquirer notice",
      "next": "Expect an explanation of the denial.",
      "section": "B.4",
      "source": "ssideceasedunderpayment",
      "timing": "No processing duration specified.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502101003",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-survivor-request-proof",
      "title": "Survivor request timing and required proof",
      "when": "A survivor seeks an SSI underpayment after death.",
      "you": "Contact SSA promptly and provide requested death and relationship evidence.",
      "ssa": "Check the request period and exceptions: generally 24 months after the month of death for a survivor other than an SSI eligible spouse; court-mandated agency action is excepted. Require proof of death for survivor payment and relationship proof before release. Apply category-specific rules, including parental records-based exceptions, before deciding.",
      "route": "SSA → survivor evidence and category review",
      "next": "This request period is not a payment turnaround time.",
      "source": "ssideceasedunderpayment",
      "section": "A.3-5",
      "timing": "24-month request period with stated exceptions; no payment duration.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "ssiparentunderpayment",
          "section": "B.7"
        }
      ]
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502101003",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-parent-records-or-statement",
      "title": "Parent relationship and household evidence after death",
      "when": "A parent may receive SSI owed for childhood eligibility months.",
      "you": "If requested, give SSA a statement requesting payment, describing the relationship and shared household, and identifying other potentially qualifying people.",
      "ssa": "FO checks natural or adoptive parent status and shared household evidence. When both requirements are established in SSA records, no parental request is required. Otherwise establish the relationship and obtain the parent statement. Review deeming evidence and the rule for a household prevented solely by death; do not treat a nonadopting stepparent as qualifying.",
      "route": "FO records / statement → parental underpayment review",
      "next": "Other eligibility and payment conditions still require review.",
      "source": "ssiparentunderpayment",
      "section": "B.3-7; C.1",
      "timing": "Household test uses death month or six preceding months; general request period and court exception remain in B.9.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502101007",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-parent-payment-shares",
      "title": "Paying more than one qualifying parent",
      "when": "SSA determines a childhood-period underpayment is payable to parents.",
      "you": "Review the payment explanation; if both qualified parents want one payment, SSA requires the other parent’s signed statement.",
      "ssa": "FO limits payment to eligible child-definition months, uses the one-time payment route or manual procedure when the parent is absent from SSR, and normally divides multiple-parent payments equally into separate shares. Explain each payment on SSA-L8166-U2. Apply the special remaining-parent, joint-request or unlocated-parent rules where applicable; send an explanatory denial notice when payment cannot be made.",
      "route": "FO → parental payment / SSA-L8166-U2 notice",
      "next": "A notice explains payment or denial; no amount is calculated here.",
      "source": "ssiparentunderpayment",
      "section": "C.2; C.5",
      "timing": "No processing duration specified.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502101007",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-eligible-couple-spouse-disposition",
      "title": "Eligible-couple spouse exception and disposition notice",
      "when": "The survivor was an eligible-couple member in the month of death.",
      "you": "Ask SSA which survivor category applies and keep its disposition notice.",
      "ssa": "For this category, the 24-month request requirement and June-1986 payment boundary do not apply. Earlier eligible-couple membership alone requires review under SI 02101.006. If a payable amount goes instead to higher-priority interim assistance reimbursement or direct representative fees, send SSA-L8166-U2 explaining disposition and appeal rights.",
      "route": "SSA survivor category review → disposition notice",
      "next": "The category and priority review determines the applicable route.",
      "source": "ssieligiblecouplesurvivor",
      "section": "A.3; B.1; B.3",
      "timing": "No 24-month request requirement for this category; no payment turnaround specified.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502101005",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-other-spouse-evidence-notice",
      "title": "Spouse outside an eligible couple: evidence and notice",
      "when": "SSA reviews this surviving-spouse underpayment category.",
      "you": "Provide a requested relationship statement and household information; retain the payment or denial notice.",
      "ssa": "FO reviews relationship and shared-household records. If both are established, no request is required. Otherwise obtain the relationship request statement and develop household status under the cited household policies. Use one-time payment procedures, manually if the spouse is absent from SSR; send SSA-L8166-U2 explaining payment and any recovery, or reasons for denial.",
      "route": "FO evidence review → payment / denial notice",
      "next": "The relationship and household findings require SSA review.",
      "source": "ssiotherspousesurvivor",
      "section": "B.2-4; C.2-3; C.5-6",
      "timing": "No payment turnaround specified; category request-period rules and exceptions require separate review.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502101006",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-award-tanf-agency-coordination",
      "title": "Your SSI award requires TANF coordination",
      "when": "You are included in a TANF grant when SSI is awarded.",
      "you": "Tell SSA about TANF and keep agency notices available.",
      "ssa": "Check regional instructions for whether, when and how to verify termination. Absent those instructions, tell the TANF agency the SSI award date and verify removal and its date. End TANF income on the state-provided removal date and document agency information; do not rely on your allegation alone or TANF time limits.",
      "route": "SSA field office → state TANF agency → SSI income-record update",
      "next": "State and regional rules govern the coordination; simultaneous eligibility is not universally prohibited.",
      "source": "ssitanfcoordination",
      "section": "A.4; D.1,3",
      "timing": "Use the verified removal date; no agency-processing duration promised.",
      "review_status": "Selected national procedure checked; state-specific regional instructions not retrieved"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500830403",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected national procedure checked; state-specific regional instructions not retrieved"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-tanf-agency-written-difference",
      "title": "The TANF agency’s written information differs from its oral report",
      "when": "SSA obtains TANF grant or payment-increment information orally.",
      "you": "Keep agency records and tell SSA about discrepancies you notice.",
      "ssa": "Subject to regional instructions, process using oral agency information and request written confirmation without required follow-up on that request. If later written confirmation differs, recompute the individual’s share using it and update SSR information.",
      "route": "Field office → TANF agency confirmation → corrected share and record if needed",
      "next": "The case need not always wait for written confirmation; later differences are reviewed.",
      "source": "ssitanfcoordination",
      "section": "C.1.b-c",
      "timing": "No confirmation-response duration specified.",
      "review_status": "Evidence sequence checked; regional instructions may supersede"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500830403",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Evidence sequence checked; regional instructions may supersede"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-initial-pim-evidence",
      "title": "A household member reports public-income-maintenance eligibility",
      "when": "The initial SSI claim includes an alleged payment to a deemor or ineligible child.",
      "you": "Provide evidence you have or can reasonably obtain, including available agency payment verification.",
      "ssa": "Verify receipt and inclusion of the deemor, rather than the amount paid for this deeming question. Request evidence from the agency if supplied eligibility evidence is insufficient. Apply regional procedures and separately develop TANF amounts when needed.",
      "route": "Field office → claimant evidence → paying agency if insufficient",
      "next": "SSI deeming verification and the claimant’s own TANF share are separate questions.",
      "source": "ssipimdeeming",
      "section": "C.4",
      "timing": "No evidence-development duration specified.",
      "review_status": "Selected initial-evidence sequence checked; program-specific eligibility separately scoped"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0501320141",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected initial-evidence sequence checked; program-specific eligibility separately scoped"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-initial-evidence-development",
      "title": "SSA needs evidence to complete your initial SSI application",
      "related_step": "apply-ssi-2",
      "when": "A signed initial application needs additional evidence.",
      "you": "Provide the requested evidence and explain difficulty obtaining it. Bring immigration documents to the field office rather than mailing them.",
      "ssa": "Explain what is needed and why, offer help at initial and follow-up contacts, and seek third-party evidence as necessary. Issue SSA-L8009-U3 for the signed initial claim; give a new due date when more time is needed. Record evidence on application screens and EVID when appropriate.",
      "route": "Field office → applicant/proper applicant → third-party evidence when needed",
      "next": "This is the initial-claim evidence path; post-eligibility requests use separate instructions. Missing evidence does not automatically establish noncooperation.",
      "source": "ssiinitialevidence",
      "section": "B.1; C",
      "timing": "30 days after SSA-L8009-U3; circumstance-based extensions in increments no longer than 30 days.",
      "review_status": "Selected application-completion supplement checked; full core step remains partially reviewed"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500601100",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected application-completion supplement checked; full core step remains partially reviewed"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-8510-signature-scope",
      "title": "SSA needs permission to request personal information from a third party",
      "when": "SSA-8510 is the applicable authorization for the evidence source.",
      "you": "Ask what information and source the authorization covers; sign and return the paper form as instructed.",
      "ssa": "Obtain a pen-and-ink signature, one SSA-8510 per entity requiring authorization, and attach it to the request. The system authorization page records receipt, rather than replacing the signed form. Use only identified sources for the current application or review; do not collect extra forms for future use. Bank, payroll-provider and medical releases use separate forms.",
      "route": "Field office → appropriate authorizing person → identified evidence source",
      "next": "A recorded authorization page alone does not authorize the third-party disclosure.",
      "source": "ssiinitialevidence",
      "section": "C; D.1.c,e,f; D.2",
      "timing": "Valid until claim withdrawal or authorization revocation, within the identified source and event scope.",
      "review_status": "Selected signature/scope gates checked; minor, guardian and asylum-specific signers separately scoped"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500601100",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected signature/scope gates checked; minor, guardian and asylum-specific signers separately scoped"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-application-interview-handoff",
      "title": "You complete the SSI application interview",
      "related_step": "apply-ssi-2",
      "when": "SSA conducts the structured application interview.",
      "you": "Answer in your own words and ask for clarification or help with evidence.",
      "ssa": "Ask clear, nonleading questions without jargon; listen and clarify vague responses. Reinforce reporting duties during the interview, provide and review the applicable list at its end, and explain the claim’s next steps and the right to appeal initial determinations.",
      "route": "SSA interviewer → completed responses and reporting information → further claim development",
      "next": "Understand what evidence or action remains and what happens next.",
      "source": "applicationinterview",
      "section": "C.1-2; C.4 Next Steps",
      "timing": "No interview-to-decision processing period specified.",
      "review_status": "Selected interview-conduct supplement checked; identity, applicant and signature gates remain separately scoped"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200203004",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected interview-conduct supplement checked; identity, applicant and signature gates remain separately scoped"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-thirdparty-physical-inability",
      "title": "An adult physically cannot sign the SSI application",
      "when": "A third party wishes to file for an adult physically unable to sign.",
      "you": "Explain the signing limitation and who is helping.",
      "ssa": "Take the third-party-signed application to protect against loss of benefits. Record why the claimant cannot sign and establish the third party as proper applicant when the circumstances show good reason.",
      "route": "Field office → documented signing limitation → proper-applicant review",
      "next": "Physical inability and legal incompetence require different checks.",
      "section": "B.3",
      "source": "ssiproperapplicant",
      "timing": "No signature-completion duration specified here.",
      "review_status": "Selected current SSI procedure checked; closeout and other applicant categories separately scoped"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500601012",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected current SSI procedure checked; closeout and other applicant categories separately scoped"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-thirdparty-later-signature",
      "title": "You can sign, but someone else signed to protect the filing date",
      "when": "You were physically able but could not sign that day and still wish to file.",
      "you": "Complete the requested supplemental application signature.",
      "ssa": "Obtain the claimant’s signature on the appropriate supplemental SSA-8000-BK or SSA-8001-BK. Use the first application date as the protective filing date when the claimant signs.",
      "route": "Field office → claimant supplemental signature → protected-date review",
      "next": "The earlier third-party signature does not remove the claimant-signature requirement here.",
      "section": "B.4.a",
      "source": "ssiproperapplicant",
      "timing": "No signature-completion duration specified here.",
      "review_status": "Selected current SSI procedure checked; closeout and other applicant categories separately scoped"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500601012",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected current SSI procedure checked; closeout and other applicant categories separately scoped"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-denial-titleii-pending-closeout",
      "title": "An SSI denial is prepared while a Title II claim is still pending",
      "when": "The SSA-831 indicates a pending Title II claim during DDS preparation of the specified denial notice.",
      "you": "Keep the notices for both claims and ask SSA to clarify the status of the pending claim. Follow each issued notice’s response instructions.",
      "ssa": "DDS contacts the field office to verify whether the Title II claim is still pending. Under DI 26535.021 D, omit the blanket closeout language from the denial notice if that claim remains pending. The general closeout paragraph concerns other benefit classes within the application’s scope; it must not close the still-pending claim under this exception.",
      "route": "DDS notice preparation → field-office pending-claim verification → correct closeout language",
      "next": "Omitting closeout language preserves the distinction between the claims. It does not reverse the SSI denial, approve Title II benefits or eliminate any response required by an issued notice.",
      "source": "ssimedicaldenialnotice",
      "section": "D",
      "timing": "Verification occurs as part of notice preparation; no duration for the pending claim or notice delivery is specified.",
      "review_status": "Selected published DDS/FO notice safeguard checked; full application-scope and denial procedures remain separate."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0426535021",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected published DDS/FO notice safeguard checked; full application-scope and denial procedures remain separate."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-denial-move-state-notice",
      "title": "You move while the SSI disability claim is being adjudicated",
      "when": "DDS learns of an address change during adjudication and must prepare the applicable SSI notice.",
      "you": "Confirm the new address and State of residence with SSA. Read any Medicaid or State-supplement information in the issued notice and ask about unclear directions.",
      "ssa": "DDS contacts the field office to verify the State of residence for Medicaid and State supplementation purposes. DI 26535.021 B requires applicable notice paragraphs to follow individual State procedures. The residence check supports correct notice selection; it does not itself decide Medicaid eligibility.",
      "route": "DDS → field-office residence verification → appropriate State notice information",
      "next": "The notice may include State-specific information. Current agency contacts and State eligibility rules require separate verification; an SSI determination does not by itself settle every Medicaid pathway.",
      "source": "ssimedicaldenialnotice",
      "section": "B",
      "timing": "No residence-verification or notice-delivery duration is specified.",
      "review_status": "Selected national residence-check procedure verified; older linked State agency names and precise rider implementation are deferred pending current validation."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0426535021",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected national residence-check procedure verified; older linked State agency names and precise rider implementation are deferred pending current validation."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-initial-medical-denial-owner",
      "title": "SSI is denied because disability or blindness criteria are not met",
      "when": "DDS issues the specified initial Title XVI medical or blindness denial.",
      "you": "Read the denial and personalized explanation together. Use the actual notice’s instructions for questions or a challenge to the determination.",
      "ssa": "DDS prepares and releases the personalized disability notice. DI 26535.021 A identifies SSA-L444, the Supplemental Security Income Notice of Disapproved Claim, plus a personalized explanation containing the required information. This is the medical/blindness-denial procedure, not a universal notice route for every SSI income, resource or other nonmedical denial.",
      "route": "DDS medical/blindness denial notice preparation and release",
      "next": "The notice and explanation communicate the determination. Any pending Title II claim and applicable State notice information require their separate checks.",
      "source": "ssimedicaldenialnotice",
      "section": "A",
      "timing": "No notice-delivery duration is specified by this subsection.",
      "review_status": "Selected DDS ownership and notice components independently checked; actual templates and claim-specific response periods remain separate."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0426535021",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected DDS ownership and notice components independently checked; actual templates and claim-specific response periods remain separate."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-blindness-development-existing-disability",
      "title": "A visual disorder may require blindness development after disability is established",
      "when": "There is a reasonable basis to believe an SSI claimant or recipient’s visual disorder may meet statutory blindness criteria, even though disability is already established.",
      "you": "Tell SSA about the visual disorder and provide requested evidence. Explain any medical-facility living arrangement and who pays for care.",
      "ssa": "DI 26005.005 B directs blindness development despite an existing disability finding when the reasonable-basis condition is met. The field office may send the folder to DDS for a blindness determination. Preserve the initial-claim exception: a disabled claimant in Federal living arrangement D—a medical treatment facility where Medicaid pays over half the cost of care—has no additional benefit amount based on blindness under this instruction, so statutory-blindness development is not undertaken in that situation.",
      "route": "Field-office blindness issue referral → DDS development; specified initial FLA/D exception",
      "next": "A visual disorder or referral does not automatically change category or increase payment. SSA must apply the relevant medical and other eligibility rules.",
      "source": "ssiblindnessissues",
      "section": "B",
      "timing": "No development-completion duration is specified.",
      "review_status": "Selected development gate and narrow initial-claim exception independently checked; statutory visual criteria and payment calculations remain separate."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0426005005",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected development gate and narrow initial-claim exception independently checked; statutory visual criteria and payment calculations remain separate."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-multicategory-category-date-referral",
      "title": "You ask SSA to consider a different SSI claim category",
      "when": "An SSI recipient requests a category change requiring a disability or blindness determination, or the specified initial disability/blindness claim is made after age 65.",
      "you": "Explain the category you are asking SSA to consider and provide requested evidence. Ask which determination and benefit period SSA is reviewing.",
      "ssa": "Under DI 26005.005 E.1, the field office sends the multicategory claim to DDS. Staff identifies the requested disability or blindness category and the earliest date at which onset would affect benefits in SSA-831 item 11 or SSA-3367 item 5. These are staff report entries, not a customer-calculated award date. DDS applies the appropriate development and evaluation rules, including the special onset instructions.",
      "route": "Field-office requested-category/date documentation → DDS disability or blindness determination",
      "next": "The requested category still needs a determination and any remaining payment action. A request does not automatically increase SSI or establish an earlier payment date.",
      "source": "ssiblindnessissues",
      "section": "E opening; E.1–2",
      "timing": "The earliest benefit-relevant date guides evaluation; no referral or determination completion time is specified.",
      "review_status": "Selected category/date handoff independently checked; detailed onset and return-input procedures remain to be expanded."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0426005005",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected category/date handoff independently checked; detailed onset and return-input procedures remain to be expanded."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-medicaid-state-referral-status",
      "title": "Your Medicaid question needs a State decision after SSA review",
      "when": "In a State with a section 1634 agreement, an SSI claimant or recipient may not meet the specified citizenship/immigration criteria, has a Medicaid-only eligibility issue, or is denied SSI.",
      "you": "Ask SSA for the State Medicaid referral and provide information requested by that agency. Read its actual eligibility notice and response instructions.",
      "ssa": "The field office verifies residence and applicable Medicaid-only items. SI 01715.010 A.3 directs referral to the State for the specified status issues, Medicaid-only factors and SSI denials. The State makes Medicaid ineligibility decisions and issues those notices. Potential State-elected coverage for lawfully residing children under 21 or pregnant women must not be overlooked.",
      "route": "SSA field-office review/referral → State Medicaid agency decision and notice",
      "next": "An SSI denial or referral does not establish Medicaid ineligibility. The October 1, 2026 federal funding restriction has exceptions for emergency treatment and State-elected coverage of lawfully residing children and/or pregnant women; individual coverage requires agency review.",
      "source": "ssimedicaidrouting",
      "section": "A.3; B",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "ssimedicaidgeneral",
          "section": "C.2"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "October 1, 2026 is the cited funding-rule effective date, not a referral or determination deadline. No completion duration is specified.",
      "review_status": "Current national decision-owner/referral rule and funding exceptions checked; State-specific rules, contacts and individual status findings remain separate."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0501715010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Current national decision-owner/referral rule and funding exceptions checked; State-specific rules, contacts and individual status findings remain separate."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-multicategory-onset-reference-date",
      "title": "DDS determines onset for an SSI category-change claim",
      "when": "DDS evaluates the onset date in the specified SSI multicategory disability or blindness claim.",
      "you": "Supply requested medical history and clarify disputed dates. The date shown in a staff report is not itself an award or payment date.",
      "ssa": "DI 26005.005 E.2.b limits onset development before the benefit-relevant date shown on SSA-831 or SSA-3367. For disability, earlier onset need not be established unless severity or duration is in question. For blindness, earlier onset need not be determined because there is no duration requirement. When applying the linked Title XVI onset instructions, staff substitutes the report’s indicated date for application-date or filing-month references.",
      "route": "DDS multicategory onset development and evaluation",
      "next": "The evaluator still determines onset from applicable evidence and rules. The reference-date substitution does not automatically establish eligibility, onset or payment.",
      "source": "ssiblindnessissues",
      "section": "E.2.b",
      "timing": "The reference date controls the scope of onset evaluation, not the time SSA has to finish the claim.",
      "review_status": "Selected multicategory onset conditions independently checked; detailed TitleXVI onset exceptions and individual findings remain separate."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0426005005",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected multicategory onset conditions independently checked; detailed TitleXVI onset exceptions and individual findings remain separate."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-multicategory-dds-return-fo-input",
      "title": "DDS completes the category determination and field-office input remains",
      "when": "DDS finishes the specified SSI multicategory disability or blindness determination.",
      "you": "Ask which office has the determination and whether a field-office action is still needed. Keep any determination or payment notice you receive.",
      "ssa": "DI 26005.005 E.3 directs DDS to complete the determination form and request the necessary field-office data input on SSA-408, identifying the case as an SSI multicategory case requiring FO input. The published instruction distinguishes this from ordinary DDS determination-data entry. The route slip requests staff action; it is not a customer award notice.",
      "route": "DDS completed determination → SSA-408 field-office input request → field-office follow-through",
      "next": "Completion of the medical/category determination does not itself show that the benefit record or payment has been updated. The remaining staff input must be completed as applicable.",
      "source": "ssiblindnessissues",
      "section": "E.3",
      "timing": "No DDS-return, field-office input or payment-completion duration is specified.",
      "review_status": "Published staff handoff independently checked; no internal systems transaction or current screen/override behavior tested."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0426005005",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Published staff handoff independently checked; no internal systems transaction or current screen/override behavior tested."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "deceased-ssi-medicaid-medical-review",
      "title": "The State requests a medical decision for unpaid bills after the SSI claimant dies",
      "when": "After an SSI disability/blindness application, the claimant dies without a spouse or parent eligible for an underpayment, and the Medicaid-specific conditions apply.",
      "you": "Tell SSA about unpaid medical expenses and any State Medicaid request. This process does not itself establish that a relative can receive SSI cash.",
      "ssa": "SI 01730.015 A requires a DDS medical evaluation at initial claim or reconsideration when all three conditions hold: the State has a Federal Medicaid-determination agreement, unpaid medical expenses exist, and the State Medicaid agency requests evaluation. After the medical decision, DDS returns the case to the field office, which notifies the State under local procedures.",
      "route": "State Medicaid request → SSA/DDS medical evaluation → field-office State notification",
      "next": "The medical determination supports the State’s Medicaid review. Death alone does not automatically require this Medicaid evaluation or establish payment of the bills. Other underpayment or reimbursement bases need their separate review.",
      "source": "deceasedmedicaidmedical",
      "section": "A–B",
      "timing": "No medical-evaluation or State-notification completion duration is specified.",
      "review_status": "Selected all-three Medicaid gates and DDS/FO handoff checked against linked DI11055.050A; local notification method and individual coverage remain separate."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0501730015",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected all-three Medicaid gates and DDS/FO handoff checked against linked DI11055.050A; local notification method and individual coverage remain separate."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-death-at-dds-fo-review",
      "title": "Death is reported while the SSI disability claim is at DDS",
      "when": "DDS or the field office learns of the claimant’s death before the disability determination is complete.",
      "you": "Report the death and identify the pending claim, unpaid medical expenses or known State assistance. Staff must determine whether development is still needed.",
      "ssa": "If DDS learns directly, it immediately notifies the field office. If the field office learns while the case is at DDS, it inputs the death-notice date as appropriate and immediately tells DDS whether a medical determination remains necessary. Review the A bases: qualifying underpayment, the specified State-requested Medicaid evaluation, or interim assistance with written reimbursement authorization. If none requires a determination, the field office instructs DDS to stop development and return jurisdiction.",
      "route": "DDS/field-office death notification → field-office need review → continued medical evaluation or DDS stop/return",
      "next": "Death does not automatically stop every pending medical review. The need decision and any later cash or Medicaid action are separate.",
      "source": "ssideathpendingmedical",
      "section": "A–C",
      "timing": "The source requires immediate interoffice notification; it sets no quantified medical-review or jurisdiction-return completion duration.",
      "review_status": "Selected FO/DDS notification and conditional stop/return checked; no individual underpayment, Medicaid or reimbursement entitlement determined."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0411055050",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected FO/DDS notification and conditional stop/return checked; no individual underpayment, Medicaid or reimbursement entitlement determined."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "iar-state-guardian-signature-conflict",
      "title": "The State IAR agency also acts as guardian or payee applicant",
      "when": "A State interim-assistance-reimbursement agency representative signs the applicant’s portion of an IAR authorization while the agency has the specified guardian/payee role.",
      "you": "Ask SSA or the State what signature is needed and keep any request for correction. A State contact name does not replace the required applicant-side signature.",
      "ssa": "SI 02003.005 B.4 prohibits the State IAR representative from signing the applicant portion in this conflict situation. The field office returns the authorization for a valid signature. SI 02003.020 D.2 directs staff to explain why the signature is unacceptable, request an appropriate signature and advise that the 30-day rule still applies to returned authorizations. The general permitted-signer list does not remove this State-agency conflict restriction.",
      "route": "Field-office signature review → State authorization return and correction request",
      "next": "This addresses reimbursement authorization validity, not automatic denial of the SSI claim. Other eligibility and payment requirements remain separate.",
      "source": "iarvalidsignature",
      "section": "B.3–4",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "iarforeturn",
          "section": "D.2"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "Returning a form for signatures does not itself waive the applicable 30-day authorization rule; no correction-processing duration is specified.",
      "review_status": "Selected conflict/signature-return requirements checked; automated-notification timing and authorization-life details require separate review."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502003005",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected conflict/signature-return requirements checked; automated-notification timing and authorization-life details require separate review."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "iar-late-notification-protective-filing",
      "title": "The State sends an IAR authorization late",
      "when": "SSA reviews whether State notification met the applicable reimbursement deadline.",
      "you": "Keep the signed authorization and ask SSA to review protective filing if State delay made it invalid.",
      "ssa": "Compare manual-State notification with the signature date; for automated States use the State record-match date. SI 02003.006 C preserves protective filing when State delay invalidates reimbursement authorization. SI 02003.005 B.2 directs return of late authorizations to the State.",
      "route": "Field office authorization review → State return; separate protective-filing review",
      "next": "Retroactive SSI follows ordinary payment-priority rules. A State may request reimbursement directly, but SSA does not assist that request. Invalid authorization does not itself deny SSI.",
      "source": "iarauthorizationlife",
      "section": "C",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "iarvalidsignature",
          "section": "B.1–2"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "30 calendar days from signature for manual notification; from State matching the general-assistance record with a pending SSI record for automated notification. No processing-duration promise.",
      "review_status": "Clocks and protective-filing safeguard live checked; exact protective-filing date and closeout development remain for SI02003.007 review."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502003006",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Clocks and protective-filing safeguard live checked; exact protective-filing date and closeout development remain for SI02003.007 review."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "iar-manual-earlier-filing-development",
      "title": "A manual State IAR form shows an earlier SSI filing date",
      "when": "The authorization meets SI 02003.007 A and establishes a date earlier than the application date.",
      "you": "Provide the signed authorization and SSI application information. Complete the application promptly; the authorization alone does not complete the SSI claim.",
      "ssa": "For manual notification, use the State receipt date, represented by the State representative’s signature date, if the application is filed within 60 days of State receipt. Beyond 60 days use the application filing date. If an effective authorization is discovered after processing, redevelop from the earlier protected date. The field office corrects the application date, reviews earlier eligibility, documents the signed form in the electronic folder and notifies DDS or OHO when a disability claim is pending there.",
      "route": "Field office filing-date/eligibility review → pending DDS or Office of Hearings Operations case notification",
      "next": "SSA reviews the earlier period; an earlier filing date does not by itself establish eligibility or a payment amount.",
      "source": "iarprotectivefiling",
      "section": "A; B.1 manual notification; B.3",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "iarforeturn",
          "section": "B protective-filing procedures"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "Application within 60 days of State receipt is required for this manual-State rule; this is a filing condition, not an SSA processing estimate.",
      "review_status": "Manual-State selected workflow verified. Automated PR-73 date rules, withdrawal and denial-reversal cases remain separately scoped."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502003007",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Manual-State selected workflow verified. Automated PR-73 date rules, withdrawal and denial-reversal cases remain separately scoped."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "iar-automated-alert-earlier-filing",
      "title": "An automated State IAR alert identifies an earlier filing date",
      "when": "A PR-73 alert reaches the servicing field office because State reimbursement-code input predates the SSI application date.",
      "you": "Keep the signed authorization and application information; respond to SSA requests needed to review the earlier period.",
      "ssa": "The field office checks the State receipt date shown on the alert. SI 02003.007 B.1 presumes receipt on the individual’s signature date and uses that individual-signature date when the State representative signed earlier. If the application was filed more than 60 days after State receipt, use the application date. When the alert identifies an earlier protective filing date, SI 02003.020 C.2 directs redevelopment back to that date.",
      "route": "Automated State interface → servicing field office PR-73 review → earlier-period claim redevelopment",
      "next": "SSA reviews the protected period; the alert does not by itself establish a payable award.",
      "source": "iarprotectivefiling",
      "section": "B.1 automated notification",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "iarforeturn",
          "section": "C.1–2"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "The 60-day application condition is separate from the State’s 30-day reimbursement-notification rule. No alert-resolution duration is stated.",
      "review_status": "Selected automated date rule and field-office redevelopment checked against live subsections; no customer no-action guarantee adopted."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502003007",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected automated date rule and field-office redevelopment checked against live subsections; no customer no-action guarantee adopted."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "iar-after-withdrawal-new-application",
      "title": "The State receives an IAR authorization after an SSI withdrawal",
      "when": "State receipt of the signed authorization occurs after withdrawal of an SSI application.",
      "you": "If seeking SSI again, file the application promptly and provide the signed authorization and State receipt information. Ask SSA to review its filing protection.",
      "ssa": "SI 02003.007 B.2 treats the post-withdrawal authorization as protective filing when the individual files an SSI application within 60 days after the State receives it. The field office reviews the receipt and application dates for this condition. This rule does not itself reverse the earlier withdrawal.",
      "route": "SSI field office application intake → IAR protective-filing date review",
      "next": "The new application proceeds through eligibility review with any applicable protected filing date; the authorization alone is not a benefit award.",
      "source": "iarprotectivefiling",
      "section": "B.2",
      "timing": "File within 60 days after State receipt of the signed authorization for this protection. No claim-processing time is specified.",
      "review_status": "Selected post-withdrawal protective-filing condition checked; withdrawal reversal requirements are outside this branch."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502003007",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected post-withdrawal protective-filing condition checked; withdrawal reversal requirements are outside this branch."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "iar-after-denial-appeal-reversal",
      "title": "An SSI denial is reversed after SSA receives the IAR form",
      "when": "SSA received the authorization after denial, and the denial is later reversed through appeal.",
      "you": "Provide the authorization and appeal-decision information and ask SSA to review whether it supports an earlier filing date.",
      "ssa": "Under SI 02003.007 A, protective filing in this post-denial situation requires an earlier date than the application date, reversal through appeal, and use of the authorization to reimburse the State if retroactive benefits are due. The field office reviews those conditions before applying the protected date. Receipt after denial alone does not satisfy them.",
      "route": "SSI field office filing-date review coordinated with the reversed claim",
      "next": "Any retroactive payment remains conditional on the claim decision and applicable payment rules; the authorization does not itself reopen or reverse a denial.",
      "source": "iarprotectivefiling",
      "section": "A second bullet",
      "timing": "This subsection states conditions, not a new appeal deadline or a processing-duration guarantee.",
      "review_status": "Selected post-denial exception checked against official subsection; appeal merits and general appeal timing remain separate."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502003007",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected post-denial exception checked against official subsection; appeal merits and general appeal timing remain separate."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "iar-initial-life-twelve-month-extension",
      "title": "An initial-claim IAR authorization reaches twelve months",
      "when": "SSA reviews whether an initial-claim authorization remains effective beyond its first twelve months.",
      "you": "Keep the SSI application date and authorization information. Ask SSA which authorization period applies; continue responding to claim requests.",
      "ssa": "For initial claims, the effective-life start is SSA receipt of signed paper from a manual State or electronic notification from an automated State. Under SI 02003.006 A.3, an SSI application on or before SSA receipt, or within twelve months of the beginning date, extends authorization life. The extension ends at the first retroactive SSI payment, a final claim determination without a timely review request, or agreed termination by the individual and State.",
      "route": "SSI field office authorization-period review → claim/payment processing under applicable IAR rules",
      "next": "An extension preserves authorization life under these conditions; it does not itself establish reimbursement or SSI eligibility.",
      "source": "iarauthorizationlife",
      "section": "A.1; A.3",
      "timing": "The twelve-month authorization rule does not replace the separate 60-day protective-filing application condition. No benefit-processing deadline is promised.",
      "review_status": "Initial-claim extension selected scope checked; A.2 early endings and posteligibility B rules remain separate candidates."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502003006",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Initial-claim extension selected scope checked; A.2 early endings and posteligibility B rules remain separate candidates."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "iar-second-authorization-pending",
      "title": "A second IAR authorization arrives while one is pending",
      "when": "A reimbursement code is already pending on the SSI record and SSA receives another authorization.",
      "you": "Tell SSA and the State whether this concerns a new initial claim or a new posteligibility event, and keep the authorization information.",
      "ssa": "Under SI 02003.020 D.3, the field office returns subsequent authorizations to the State unless they concern a new initial-claim or posteligibility event. The return notation explains that the claimant already authorized payment to another State IAR agency. Staff must check that exception before treating the form as a duplicate.",
      "route": "Field office pending-authorization review → State office return when D.3 applies",
      "next": "The return concerns reimbursement authorization. The subsection does not prescribe a customer notice or decide SSI eligibility.",
      "source": "iarforeturn",
      "section": "D.3",
      "timing": "No return-processing duration is specified.",
      "review_status": "Pending-code trigger, new-event exception and State return checked; no invented customer notification adopted."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502003020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Pending-code trigger, new-event exception and State return checked; no invented customer notification adopted."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "iar-initial-authorization-ending",
      "title": "An initial IAR authorization ends before or at twelve months",
      "when": "SSA reviews an initial-claim authorization for an ending under SI 02003.006 A.2.",
      "you": "Keep the authorization and application dates and any claim or review-request records. Ask SSA how the authorization ending affects reimbursement.",
      "ssa": "If no SSI application is filed within twelve months, A.2 ends authorization life twelve months after SSA receipt. Before that endpoint, life ends when recurring monthly SSI payments begin, a final claim determination has no timely review request, or the individual and State agree to terminate the authorization. The field office distinguishes these events from the A.3 extension rules.",
      "route": "SSI field office authorization-period review → applicable reimbursement/payment handling",
      "next": "Ending reimbursement authorization does not itself terminate SSI eligibility. Any payment and appeal questions require their applicable rules.",
      "source": "iarauthorizationlife",
      "section": "A.2; compare A.3",
      "timing": "The no-application clock starts at SSA receipt of authorization; it does not start with receipt of SSI benefits. Earlier ending follows the listed event.",
      "review_status": "Selected initial authorization ending conditions checked; no internal transaction or additional customer notice inferred."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502003006",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected initial authorization ending conditions checked; no internal transaction or additional customer notice inferred."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "iar-expedite-code-regional-coordinator",
      "title": "IAR processing needs regional-coordinator review",
      "when": "The field office identifies a need for expedited IAR processing or justification for reimbursement-code deletion.",
      "you": "Explain the payment issue to SSA and provide requested information. The internal coordinator referral is handled by SSA.",
      "ssa": "SI 02003.020 B IMPORTANT directs the field office to contact its eIAR Regional Coordinator for these issues and says not to delete the reimbursement code. A states that field offices lack access to the eIAR site; regional coordinators have view and query access. This branch adopts the explicit referral, without inferring field-office deletion authority from the preceding erroneous-code exception.",
      "route": "Field office → eIAR Regional Coordinator",
      "next": "The referral requests review; this subsection does not guarantee approval, a particular payment result or a customer notice.",
      "source": "iarforeturn",
      "section": "B IMPORTANT; A note",
      "timing": "No coordinator-response or expedited-payment duration is specified.",
      "review_status": "Coordinator referral and FO access boundary checked. Exact correction/deletion transaction authority remains unresolved because adjacent source wording requires reconciliation."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502003020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Coordinator referral and FO access boundary checked. Exact correction/deletion transaction authority remains unresolved because adjacent source wording requires reconciliation."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "iar-missing-signature-date-return",
      "title": "An IAR form lacks a required signature or date",
      "when": "The SSI applicant or State IAR representative has not signed and dated the authorization.",
      "you": "Respond to the State’s correction request and keep the completed form information. Ask which signature or date is missing.",
      "ssa": "SI 02003.020 D.2 directs the field office to return the paper authorization to the State and notify it to obtain missing signatures or dates. This applies to initial claims and posteligibility cases. Staff advise the State that the applicable 30-day authorization rule still applies to forms returned for signatures.",
      "route": "Field office completeness review → State obtains missing signatures/dates",
      "next": "The State must obtain the missing information; the return does not establish a fresh deadline or an automatic waiver. SSI eligibility remains separately reviewed.",
      "source": "iarforeturn",
      "section": "D.2 first bullet and note",
      "timing": "The applicable 30-day authorization rule continues; this subsection gives no correction turnaround time.",
      "review_status": "General incomplete-signature/date path verified separately from State-agency guardian/payee conflict."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502003020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "General incomplete-signature/date path verified separately from State-agency guardian/payee conflict."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "iar-state-reimbursement-amount-notice",
      "title": "The State requests reimbursement from SSI back pay",
      "when": "The State requests reimbursement for interim assistance under an IAR authorization.",
      "you": "Keep your authorization copy and State notice. Compare the requested reimbursement with your interim-assistance records and use the appeal instructions if disputing the State’s request.",
      "ssa": "SI 02003.010 A assigns the State responsibility to provide an authorization copy and written notice of the reimbursement amount requested and appeal rights. The State reports monthly interim-assistance amounts to SSA. This branch distinguishes State notice/reporting responsibilities from SSA’s separate benefit-payment determination.",
      "route": "State IAR agency → individual reimbursement/appeal-rights notice; State → SSA monthly assistance amounts",
      "next": "Expect the State’s written amount and appeal-rights notice. The subsection does not supply an individual State hearing deadline or guarantee when SSA releases remaining SSI.",
      "source": "iarstateprocessing",
      "section": "A",
      "timing": "State monthly-amount reporting is due no later than 25 business days after notification that SSA approved the SSI claim. This is not a customer payment deadline.",
      "review_status": "State copy/notice/reporting duties live checked; detailed State hearing and SSA remainder-release procedures remain for separate sources."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0502003010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "State copy/notice/reporting duties live checked; detailed State hearing and SSA remainder-release procedures remain for separate sources."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "iar-new-authorization-new-event",
      "title": "A new SSI claim or benefit review needs a new IAR authorization",
      "when": "An individual files a new SSI application, or seeks review/appeal of suspension or termination and will receive interim assistance while awaiting SSA’s decision.",
      "you": "Discuss the new claim or review with the State IAR agency and provide requested authorization information. Continue the SSI claim or appeal separately.",
      "ssa": "SI 02003.010 C requires a new IAR authorization for the new application or the specified suspension/termination review with interim assistance pending decision. The State obtains the new authorization; SSA reviews it under applicable validity rules. A prior authorization does not remove this new-event requirement.",
      "route": "State IAR agency new authorization → SSA authorization review associated with new claim or posteligibility event",
      "next": "A new authorization addresses reimbursement permission. It does not guarantee interim assistance eligibility, reversal of the SSI decision or a benefit award.",
      "source": "iarstateprocessing",
      "section": "C third/fourth bullets",
      "timing": "These new-event conditions specify no claim-processing duration or extension of appeal deadlines.",
      "review_status": "New application and qualified review/appeal triggers checked. Twelve-month State-versus-SSA receipt discrepancy in other C wording remains unresolved."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0502003010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "New application and qualified review/appeal triggers checked. Twelve-month State-versus-SSA receipt discrepancy in other C wording remains unresolved."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "iar-fo-manual-monthly-calculations",
      "title": "IAR reimbursement needs field-office monthly payment calculations",
      "when": "The reimbursement process cannot compute SSI due for all months and sends an I9 intervention alert to the field office.",
      "you": "Keep monthly interim-assistance and SSI payment records and provide information SSA requests to resolve discrepancies.",
      "ssa": "SI 02003.022 B directs staff to review the SSI record for months needing manual computation, supply federal/State SSI amounts due and amounts already paid, correct prefilled values when manual results differ, and handle required proration. Staff confirm the simulated record’s accuracy and obtain the specified approval before sending the data that enables completion of reimbursement.",
      "route": "I9 alert → field office monthly computation and record review → required approval → reimbursement completion",
      "next": "The case needs staff intervention before this reimbursement process completes; neither an alert nor a calculation alone guarantees a customer payment.",
      "source": "iarfointervention",
      "section": "B.5–11",
      "timing": "The subsection gives processing dependencies, not a completion-time guarantee.",
      "review_status": "Owner, monthly amount checks and approval dependency verified. Exact screen cross-reference labels require separate reconciliation; acronym meanings not inferred."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502003022",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Owner, monthly amount checks and approval dependency verified. Exact screen cross-reference labels require separate reconciliation; acronym meanings not inferred."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "iar-couple-different-eligibility-dates",
      "title": "Spouses have different SSI eligibility dates in an IAR case",
      "when": "An IAR couple case involves different eligibility dates for the two spouses.",
      "you": "Keep each spouse’s eligibility notices and monthly SSI/interim-assistance records; provide information SSA requests about the differing periods.",
      "ssa": "SI 02003.022 A.3 identifies this as a field-office intervention case. Staff review the monthly SSI amounts using B’s intervention process, including amounts due and already paid and any manual corrections or required proration. The differing dates must be considered rather than assuming identical periods for both spouses.",
      "route": "IAR couple case → field office intervention and spouse-specific monthly computation → required approval",
      "next": "SSA resolves the monthly computation needed for reimbursement. Different dates do not by themselves establish a particular amount for either spouse.",
      "source": "iarfointervention",
      "section": "A.3; B.5–11",
      "timing": "No special completion deadline is stated for this couple case.",
      "review_status": "Different-eligibility-date trigger mapped to verified intervention workflow; no individual couple eligibility conclusion inferred."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502003022",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Different-eligibility-date trigger mapped to verified intervention workflow; no individual couple eligibility conclusion inferred."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "iar-start-date-earlier-assistance",
      "title": "An IAR start-date record involves earlier assistance months",
      "when": "SSI entitlement is more than one month before the start-date month AND the State paid interim assistance for a month before that start-date month.",
      "you": "Keep earlier monthly assistance and SSI records and provide information SSA requests about those periods.",
      "ssa": "SI 02003.022 A.1 identifies this two-condition situation for field-office intervention. Staff use B’s monthly computation process to review amounts due and already paid for relevant months and make required manual corrections and proration before approval-dependent reimbursement completion.",
      "route": "Qualifying start-date record → field office earlier-month calculation review → required approval",
      "next": "The earlier period needs staff review for reimbursement computation. This does not by itself establish the amount owed to the State or individual.",
      "source": "iarfointervention",
      "section": "A.1; B.5–11",
      "timing": "The more-than-one-month condition identifies the case type; it is not a processing deadline.",
      "review_status": "Both start-date/earlier-assistance conditions checked; no customer-notification guarantee inferred from intervention."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502003022",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Both start-date/earlier-assistance conditions checked; no customer-notification guarantee inferred from intervention."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "iar-couple-required-offset-missing",
      "title": "An IAR couple case lacks a required offset computation",
      "when": "The special couple offset computation was required but was not performed in an IAR case.",
      "you": "Keep both spouses’ SSI payment and eligibility notices and provide records SSA requests for the monthly review.",
      "ssa": "SI 02003.022 A.2 identifies a required-but-missing SREW offset computation as a field-office intervention case. Staff route it through B’s monthly amount review and approval process. A.2 references SM 01310.100 for the computation details; those details require separate verification before stating a calculation method or an individual debt result.",
      "route": "Required-but-missing couple offset → field office intervention → monthly calculation review and approval",
      "next": "SSA reviews the couple record and reimbursement computation. This case-type finding alone is not an individual overpayment or underpayment decision.",
      "source": "iarfointervention",
      "section": "A.2; B.5–11",
      "timing": "No intervention completion deadline is specified.",
      "review_status": "Case trigger and FO ownership verified; detailed offset computation deferred because the linked SM source could not be retrieved in this run."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502003022",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Case trigger and FO ownership verified; detailed offset computation deferred because the linked SM source could not be retrieved in this run."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "iar-force-pay-status-intervention",
      "title": "An IAR case has a force-pay status or flag",
      "when": "An IAR case is a force-pay case identified as M01 or has the force flag FFL: F.",
      "you": "Keep SSI and interim-assistance payment records and respond to SSA requests about the months being reviewed.",
      "ssa": "SI 02003.022 A.4 identifies these cases for field-office intervention. Staff follow B’s review of monthly amounts due and already paid, required manual corrections and proration, and approval before completion. These record conditions identify the intervention route; they do not establish an emergency-payment entitlement.",
      "route": "Qualifying IAR status/flag → field office monthly computation and approval process",
      "next": "The reimbursement case requires staff intervention. The status or flag alone does not establish a particular customer payment or a completion date.",
      "source": "iarfointervention",
      "section": "A.4; B.5–11",
      "timing": "No force-pay IAR intervention turnaround is stated in this subsection.",
      "review_status": "Exact listed status/flag values and FO route verified; undefined code expansions and emergency conclusions avoided."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502003022",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Exact listed status/flag values and FO route verified; undefined code expansions and emergency conclusions avoided."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "iar-terminated-record-qualifying-intervention",
      "title": "A terminated SSI record still needs IAR intervention",
      "when": "IAR is involved and the terminated record has both UPX greater than $0.99 and UPV: V.",
      "you": "Keep the termination notice and monthly SSI/interim-assistance records, and provide information SSA requests about unpaid periods.",
      "ssa": "SI 02003.022 A.5 requires field-office intervention for this combination. Staff use B’s monthly amount review, manual corrections where needed and required approval before reimbursement completion. A terminated record alone does not satisfy the listed conditions.",
      "route": "Qualifying terminated IAR record → field office monthly calculation and approval review",
      "next": "SSA reviews the reimbursement calculation. These record conditions do not themselves establish reinstatement or a specific individual payment.",
      "source": "iarfointervention",
      "section": "A.5; B.5–11",
      "timing": "The amount threshold identifies this case type; it is not a payment guarantee or a processing deadline.",
      "review_status": "IAR involvement, amount threshold and exact UPV value verified; internal-code expansions not inferred."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502003022",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "IAR involvement, amount threshold and exact UPV value verified; internal-code expansions not inferred."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "iar-manual-accounting-state-nonresponse",
      "title": "The State does not return manual IAR accounting",
      "when": "SSA is using the manual payment-pending procedure because the underpayment cannot be computed on the SSI record.",
      "you": "Ask SSA about the accounting request and any follow-up; keep related notices.",
      "ssa": "The field office sends SSA-L8125 to the State, requesting return within 10 working days, and sets a 15-working-day control from sending. Nonresponse prompts a second request or State contact. If the second request has no response after 10 working days, staff forward a copy to the regional office or follow supplemental regional instructions. If the form remains unreturned 15 working days after the second request, B.2.f directs release of the retroactive amount to the individual to protect against hardship.",
      "route": "Field office → State accounting request/follow-up → regional office when specified → conditional release",
      "next": "This release rule applies to the specified manual nonresponse case. It does not establish a universal IAR payment schedule.",
      "source": "iarmanualpayment",
      "section": "B.2.c–f",
      "timing": "Keep the original-request control and second-request clocks separate. The fallback control note says 15 days without specifying working days; do not silently equate them.",
      "review_status": "Manual scope and distinct follow-up clocks checked; no additional hardship proof condition inferred."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502003025",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Manual scope and distinct follow-up clocks checked; no additional hardship proof condition inferred."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "iar-state-accounting-none-due",
      "title": "The State accounting shows no IAR reimbursement is due",
      "when": "A completed SSA-L8125 reports that the State is not owed IAR.",
      "you": "Keep the accounting and SSI notices. Ask SSA whether any remaining payment is subject to separate fee, installment or dedicated-account rules.",
      "ssa": "SI 02003.025 B.4 directs release to the individual, payee or legal guardian unless dedicated-account, installment or representative-fee instructions apply. Those exceptions require their own processing. Its code-deletion prerequisite must be read with SI 02003.020 B IMPORTANT, which directs coordinator contact for justified deletion. This branch preserves that referral without assigning unverified deletion authority.",
      "route": "Field office completed-accounting review → applicable payment-exception processing; code question → regional coordinator",
      "next": "No State reimbursement is due under this accounting, but that does not guarantee an immediate unrestricted lump sum.",
      "source": "iarmanualpayment",
      "section": "B.4",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "iarforeturn",
          "section": "B IMPORTANT"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "No customer payment duration is specified here.",
      "review_status": "No-IAR outcome and release exceptions verified; exact code-deletion authority remains an explicit unresolved staff-procedure issue."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502003025",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "No-IAR outcome and release exceptions verified; exact code-deletion authority remains an explicit unresolved staff-procedure issue."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "iar-erroneous-state-check-return",
      "title": "A State returns an IAR check that was sent to it in error",
      "when": "The State IAR office returns a check because it was erroneously sent to that State.",
      "you": "Keep any related payment correspondence and ask SSA to review the returned payment’s proper recipient.",
      "ssa": "SI 02003.025 C.1 directs the field office to reissue the returned check to the recipient, representative payee or legal guardian under current SSI payment procedures. It expressly prohibits reissuing this check to another State. Other returned checks intended for reissue to a State follow the separate refund procedures, not this erroneous-payment branch.",
      "route": "State IAR office return → field office recipient/payee payment review → proper recipient under SSI procedures",
      "next": "SSA handles reissue under the applicable payment rules. This branch does not establish an individual amount or guaranteed delivery date.",
      "source": "iarmanualpayment",
      "section": "C.1 erroneous State payment",
      "timing": "No reissue turnaround is specified in this subsection.",
      "review_status": "Erroneous-payment trigger and recipient destination checked; separate refund transaction details remain for linked SM sources."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502003025",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Erroneous-payment trigger and recipient destination checked; separate refund transaction details remain for linked SM sources."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "iar-agency-payment-nonreceipt",
      "title": "The IAR agency reports that its reimbursement payment is missing",
      "when": "An IAR agency reports nonreceipt of its reimbursement payment.",
      "you": "Keep related SSI notices and distinguish an agency reimbursement issue from a missing payment owed directly to you. Ask SSA which payment is being traced.",
      "ssa": "SI 02003.025 E directs the field office to verify issuance to the agency using payment history, transmit nonreceipt and reissue to the agency with its complete address. If the mailing address is uncertain, the Management Support Specialist or Operations Supervisor can check Treasury’s Check Information System. The listed type-2 and type-4 replacements retain the original payment months. Separate transaction instructions address preventing unintended automated release during development.",
      "route": "Field office agency-payment verification → address check when needed → nonreceipt/reissue to IAR agency",
      "next": "This resolves an agency reimbursement payment, not an automatic replacement of the individual’s residual SSI payment.",
      "source": "iarmanualpayment",
      "section": "E steps 1–3; type-2/type-4 paragraphs",
      "timing": "The source says reissue as soon as possible, without a fixed delivery or completion deadline.",
      "review_status": "Agency destination, address owner and original-month checks verified; exact transaction controls remain for linked technical-source review."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502003025",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Agency destination, address owner and original-month checks verified; exact transaction controls remain for linked technical-source review."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "iar-returned-code-routing-limitation",
      "title": "A returned IAR check code does not route the next payment",
      "when": "A returned IAR check is reflected by reimbursement code C on the SSI record.",
      "you": "Ask SSA which payment is being reviewed and who should receive it; keep return and payment correspondence.",
      "ssa": "SI 02003.025 E’s final note says the returned-check code changes from P or G to C. C is informational and does not route the next retroactive payment to the IAR agency. The note identifies pending codes R for an initial claim and F for posteligibility as the routing conditions. Staff must review the actual payment destination rather than treating the returned-check indicator as a new agency-payment instruction.",
      "route": "Field office returned-payment and destination review → applicable agency nonreceipt or recipient-payment procedure",
      "next": "A return indicator alone does not settle who is owed the next payment. Exact code-update actions require their separate instructions.",
      "source": "iarmanualpayment",
      "section": "E final note",
      "timing": "This is a routing limitation, not a payment deadline.",
      "review_status": "Informational-versus-pending code distinction verified; no code-edit authority inferred. SM01005.625 details remain separately unverified."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502003025",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Informational-versus-pending code distinction verified; no code-edit authority inferred. SM01005.625 details remain separately unverified."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "iar-death-state-accounting-handoff",
      "title": "A death occurs while State IAR accounting is pending",
      "when": "The SSI recipient dies before the IAR payment/accounting process is complete.",
      "you": "Report the death to SSA and keep relevant payment and State-assistance correspondence. Any survivor or residual-underpayment question needs separate review.",
      "ssa": "SI 02003.025 D directs staff to record the death date on the manual SSA-L8125 and send it to the State under SI 02003.040. The latter’s B instructions require the deceased date when death occurs before payment. Staff handle State reimbursement under the applicable payment rules; detailed one-time-payment limits and exceptions require their linked instructions.",
      "route": "Field office death-date/accounting update → State IAR agency accounting handoff",
      "next": "Death documentation is carried into State reimbursement processing. This branch does not determine which survivor can receive any remaining SSI.",
      "source": "iarmanualpayment",
      "section": "D",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "iarstateaccountingform",
          "section": "B Date of SSI Eligibility"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "Neither subsection gives a death-case accounting completion deadline.",
      "review_status": "Death-date entry and State handoff verified; SM01901.154 payment exception and separate survivor eligibility remain unverified here."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502003025",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Death-date entry and State handoff verified; SM01901.154 payment exception and separate survivor eligibility remain unverified here."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "iar-manual-accounting-fields-months",
      "title": "Manual IAR accounting needs agency, payee and monthly amounts",
      "when": "SSA prepares manual SSA-L8125 accounting for an IAR exception or proration case.",
      "you": "Keep monthly assistance/payment records and current payee information; provide requested corrections to SSA or the State. These are staff accounting fields, not a new customer form requirement.",
      "ssa": "SI 02003.040 A/B identifies the State destination, servicing office, claimant and applicable payee. In B.1, SSA records its receipt date and reimbursement code; the State completes the other reimbursement-claimed items. C requires months and monthly amounts in the retroactive summary, permits grouping consecutive equal amounts with beginning/ending dates, and puts posteligibility prorated dates on a separate line.",
      "route": "Field office identifying/monthly summary preparation → State reimbursement accounting → field office returned-form review",
      "next": "Clear ownership and monthly detail support review of accounting discrepancies. They do not themselves establish eligibility or a payment amount.",
      "source": "iarstateaccountingform",
      "section": "A; B.1; C",
      "timing": "The field instructions give no accounting completion deadline.",
      "review_status": "Field ownership and month/proration entries verified; ambiguous same-date wording in A code row is not silently corrected or used as authority."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502003040",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Field ownership and month/proration entries verified; ambiguous same-date wording in A code row is not silently corrected or used as authority."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "iar-state-paid-residual-notice-processing",
      "title": "State IAR reimbursement is paid and remaining SSI needs processing",
      "when": "The field office receives completed SSA-L8125 accounting and processes State reimbursement and any remaining past-due SSI.",
      "you": "Keep the State accounting and SSA notices. Ask how any fee, installment or dedicated-account rules affect the remainder.",
      "ssa": "SI 02003.025 B.3 directs payment of the State’s claimed amount from item 2. Remaining benefits covered by dedicated-account, installment or representative-fee provisions follow the linked instructions. Staff complete the bottom of page 3, document the form in the electronic folder and prepare a manual notice when applicable; automated notices are possible in most situations.",
      "route": "Field office completed-accounting review → State payment → applicable remainder-payment and notice processing",
      "next": "Any remaining benefit requires its applicable payment handling. The rule does not promise a single immediate lump sum or a universal manual notice.",
      "source": "iarmanualpayment",
      "section": "B.3.a–d",
      "timing": "No fixed remaining-benefit release duration is specified here.",
      "review_status": "Selected State-payment/documentation/notice sequence verified; exact linked dedicated-account/installment/fee requirements require their own subsection review."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502003025",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected State-payment/documentation/notice sequence verified; exact linked dedicated-account/installment/fee requirements require their own subsection review."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "iar-recipient-mistaken-residual-check-return",
      "title": "The recipient mistakenly returns the remaining SSI check",
      "when": "The recipient mistakenly sends the residual IAR check back to SSA.",
      "you": "Contact SSA about the mistaken return and keep the check or return correspondence and related notices.",
      "ssa": "SI 02003.025 C.2 directs the returned-check procedure in SM 01315.020 and SM 01315.042. Staff must distinguish this recipient return from a State refund or agency nonreceipt. Detailed reissue transactions and evidence requirements are not established by C.2 alone.",
      "route": "SSA returned-payment review for recipient residual check → linked returned-check procedure",
      "next": "SSA reviews the returned payment under the applicable procedure. No immediate replacement amount or delivery date is inferred.",
      "source": "iarmanualpayment",
      "section": "C.2",
      "timing": "C.2 gives no reissue deadline.",
      "review_status": "Separate recipient-return route verified in preserved live C.2 research; linked SM pages inaccessible this run, so detailed reissue steps remain deferred."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502003025",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Separate recipient-return route verified in preserved live C.2 research; linked SM pages inaccessible this run, so detailed reissue steps remain deferred."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "iar-state-directdeposit-apportionment-notice",
      "title": "The State receives direct-deposit IAR reimbursement and owes a notice",
      "when": "The State receives its IAR payment by direct deposit.",
      "you": "Keep the apportionment notice and compare it with your interim-assistance records. Use the State’s hearing instructions if disputing its actions.",
      "ssa": "The official IAR State Handbook section 9 assigns the State responsibility to prepare the apportionment notice. It explains assistance paid or the different amount billed, that SSA will explain payment of any remaining SSI, and the recipient’s right to a fair hearing before the State concerning its IAR actions.",
      "route": "State IAR agency → recipient apportionment notice; disputed State action → State fair-hearing process",
      "next": "The State notice explains its assistance/reimbursement side; SSA’s remaining-benefit notice is separate.",
      "source": "iarstatehandbook2026",
      "section": "Section9A–B; printedpage30 (PDFpage30)",
      "timing": "Prepare within 10 working days after the State receives direct-deposit reimbursement. This is a State notice duty, not an SSI release deadline.",
      "review_status": "Current2026-05-26 handbook notice scope checked; State hearing-request deadline not supplied here; manual-check exception notice timing remains separate."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/gso/eiar/eIAR_InternetHandbook.pdf",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Current2026-05-26 handbook notice scope checked; State hearing-request deadline not supplied here; manual-check exception notice timing remains separate."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "iar-ssa-award-reinstatement-notice",
      "title": "SSA explains IAR in an award or reinstatement notice",
      "when": "SSA awards an initial SSI claim or reinstates SSI with IAR involved.",
      "you": "Read SSA’s notice alongside the State notice and ask about unexplained differences or any remaining benefit.",
      "ssa": "Handbook section 10 distinguishes the initial award notice from the appropriate reinstatement notice. Both explain the authorized payment to the State and how remaining SSI, if any, is paid under SSI rules. These are SSA responsibilities, separate from the State apportionment notice.",
      "route": "SSA initial award or reinstatement processing → recipient SSI notice",
      "next": "The notice explains State reimbursement and any remainder’s handling; it does not guarantee an unrestricted lump sum.",
      "source": "iarstatehandbook2026",
      "section": "Section10A–B; printedpage31",
      "timing": "No fixed notice delivery period is specified in section 10.",
      "review_status": "SSA notice owner and distinct claim/reinstatement triggers verified; detailed payment rules remain separately scoped."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/gso/eiar/eIAR_InternetHandbook.pdf",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "SSA notice owner and distinct claim/reinstatement triggers verified; detailed payment rules remain separately scoped."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "iar-manual-check-state-notice",
      "title": "The State receives a manual IAR reimbursement check",
      "when": "The State receives reimbursement by check in the manual exception process.",
      "you": "Keep the State notice and compare the months, assistance and reimbursement amounts. Follow its hearing instructions if disputing State action.",
      "ssa": "Handbook section 13.C requires the State’s written notice to explain assistance paid and months, amount claimed, amount reimbursed, and State hearing rights. This is the manual-check notice duty, separate from section 9’s direct-deposit notice.",
      "route": "State IAR agency → recipient written manual-case notice; dispute → State hearing process",
      "next": "The notice explains the State accounting; a hearing-request deadline is not supplied by this paragraph.",
      "source": "iarstatehandbook2026",
      "section": "Section13C; printedpage46",
      "timing": "Release no later than 10 days after State receipt of the reimbursement check. The paragraph says days; it does not add the working-day qualifier used in section 9.",
      "review_status": "Manual-check release event and notice contents verified; delivery by that date is not guaranteed."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/gso/eiar/eIAR_InternetHandbook.pdf",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Manual-check release event and notice contents verified; delivery by that date is not guaranteed."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "iar-automated-state-amount-nonresponse",
      "title": "The State does not report IA amounts in the automated process",
      "when": "The State has not submitted monthly assistance amounts after SSA’s electronic reimbursement request.",
      "you": "Ask SSA whether State reporting is outstanding and keep related notices.",
      "ssa": "Handbook sections 2.C and 6.A describe an initial 10-working-day reporting period and an overdue stage. If amounts remain missing after the full 25-working-day window, SSI is released under payment rules and the State pursues any recovery without SSA assistance. Section 6.A sets the cutoff at 11 p.m. Eastern on the 25th working day.",
      "route": "State electronic amount reporting → overdue status → SSI payment handling under applicable rules",
      "next": "This does not guarantee a bank deposit on the reporting cutoff date.",
      "source": "iarstatehandbook2026",
      "section": "Sections2C;6A;7; printedpages9,22,25",
      "timing": "The 25-working-day count excludes federal holidays but includes State holidays. Manual second-request clocks are separate.",
      "review_status": "Automated request/nonresponse scope verified; section2 receipt versus section6 request wording retained for case-specific clock verification."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/gso/eiar/eIAR_InternetHandbook.pdf",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Automated request/nonresponse scope verified; section2 receipt versus section6 request wording retained for case-specific clock verification."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "iar-dual-proration-coordinator-manual",
      "title": "SSI and State assistance may be prorated in the same month",
      "when": "The State paid a prorated interim-assistance amount for a month in the IAR period.",
      "you": "Keep month-by-month assistance and SSI information and respond to requests for clarification.",
      "ssa": "Handbook section 14 requires State contact with the regional IAR coordinator before case completion. The State supplies the affected month, amount and identifying information. The coordinator reviews the SSI record and selects electronic or local-office manual handling. Both payments prorated in the same month require manual SSA-L8125 processing.",
      "route": "State IAR agency → regional IAR coordinator → electronic process or local Social Security office manual accounting",
      "next": "State proration alone prompts review; it does not establish that both payments were prorated in the same month.",
      "source": "iarstatehandbook2026",
      "section": "Section14A–B; printedpage51",
      "timing": "Referral occurs before completing the State case; no payment-completion deadline is given.",
      "review_status": "Coordinator owner and same-month manual condition verified; complex mixed-month examples remain for separate review."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/gso/eiar/eIAR_InternetHandbook.pdf",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Coordinator owner and same-month manual condition verified; complex mixed-month examples remain for separate review."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "iar-ro-review-state-refund",
      "title": "A regional review finds State reimbursement must be refunded",
      "when": "SSA’s regional review identifies missing documentation or incorrect State processing requiring a refund to the recipient.",
      "you": "Keep review-related correspondence and ask SSA or the State how the identified refund is being handled.",
      "ssa": "Handbook section 15 describes regional review of authorization, monthly assistance records, accounting and notice evidence. When a refund is required, the regional office usually instructs the State to send it directly to the recipient. State-discovered excess without regional involvement follows the separate section 6 process.",
      "route": "Regional office review → State refund instruction → recipient when directed",
      "next": "A review does not guarantee a refund in every case; the identified finding controls the next action.",
      "source": "iarstatehandbook2026",
      "section": "Section15C and review-results paragraphs; printedpages52–53",
      "timing": "No recipient refund-delivery deadline is specified.",
      "review_status": "Regional refund route and distinction from State-discovered excess verified."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/gso/eiar/eIAR_InternetHandbook.pdf",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Regional refund route and distinction from State-discovered excess verified."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "iar-state-discovered-excess-refund",
      "title": "The State discovers it received too much IAR reimbursement",
      "when": "The State identifies excess reimbursement on its own, outside a regional-office sample review.",
      "you": "Keep refund-related correspondence and ask SSA whether the State refund has reached your servicing office.",
      "ssa": "Handbook section 6.D directs the State to prepare a separate refund check for each recipient and a cover sheet identifying the recipient, refund reason, agency and contact information. The State sends both to the recipient’s servicing Social Security office. SSA credits the proper record and determines payment under SSI rules. This differs from a regional-review instruction to refund directly to the recipient.",
      "route": "State identified excess → recipient servicing Social Security office → record credit and applicable SSI payment processing",
      "next": "The State refund does not itself guarantee an unrestricted immediate customer payment.",
      "source": "iarstatehandbook2026",
      "section": "Section6D; printedpage23",
      "timing": "No fixed refund-processing or delivery deadline is stated.",
      "review_status": "State-owned check/cover-sheet task and SSA destination verified; customer is not assigned the State’s refund task."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/gso/eiar/eIAR_InternetHandbook.pdf",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "State-owned check/cover-sheet task and SSA destination verified; customer is not assigned the State’s refund task."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "iar-late-assistance-month-attribution",
      "title": "State assistance was paid later than the month it covered",
      "when": "The State paid assistance after its due month, with the payment within the IAR period.",
      "you": "Keep records showing what month the assistance covered and when it was paid; provide requested clarification.",
      "ssa": "Handbook section 8.A.2 permits the State to record such assistance in the month it should have been paid when all other IAR requirements hold. Staff distinguish the covered month from the actual payment month and verify the applicable period before using the amounts.",
      "route": "State monthly assistance reporting → SSA IAR month/amount review",
      "next": "A later payment date alone does not decide reimbursement; period and other requirements still apply.",
      "source": "iarstatehandbook2026",
      "section": "Section8A.2; printedpage26",
      "timing": "This is month attribution, not a service-time estimate.",
      "review_status": "Covered-month versus payment-month rule verified; detailed SI02003.003 period branches remain separately pending."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/gso/eiar/eIAR_InternetHandbook.pdf",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Covered-month versus payment-month rule verified; detailed SI02003.003 period branches remain separately pending."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "iar-corrective-ssi-after-state-paid",
      "title": "SSI is recalculated after the State was already reimbursed",
      "when": "Additional retroactive SSI is determined due after the initial IAR payment to the State.",
      "you": "Keep the revised payment notice and ask SSA to explain the correction and remaining payment handling.",
      "ssa": "SI 02003.003 F directs additional amounts determined due after initial State reimbursement to the SSI recipient under SSI payment rules. It includes computation errors, revised payment/eligibility decisions and specified final determinations after partial court-ordered payment. Handbook 8.A.7 corroborates the recalculated-month case: this additional SSI is not available for another IAR payment.",
      "route": "SSA corrective-payment review → recipient payment under applicable SSI rules",
      "next": "A correction does not itself establish the amount due or guarantee a lump-sum payment.",
      "source": "iarperiodcorrective",
      "section": "F corrective payments",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "iarstatehandbook2026",
          "section": "Section8A.7; printedpage27"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "No correction-payment delivery deadline is stated here.",
      "review_status": "Prior State payment and later additional-amount conditions verified; no customer no-action guarantee inferred."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502003003",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Prior State payment and later additional-amount conditions verified; no customer no-action guarantee inferred."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "iar-excess-refund-other-field-office",
      "title": "A State excess-IAR refund reaches a different SSA field office",
      "when": "A nonservicing field office receives a State-discovered excess-IAR refund check and cover sheet under SI 02003.003 G.",
      "you": "Keep refund correspondence and ask SSA to trace credit to the correct SSI record if the refund is unresolved.",
      "ssa": "G.4 says the receiving nonservicing office processes the remittance under the same instructions. The field office records the remittance, sends the refund to PC 2, gives the State a receipt, and controls credit to the correct recipient record. Payment to the recipient follows regular SSI rules. A different receiving office is not, by itself, a reason to leave the remittance unprocessed.",
      "route": "Receiving field office → PC 2 remittance processing → correct SSI record credit and applicable payment handling",
      "next": "Credit and any payment require review; no immediate customer refund is inferred.",
      "source": "iarperiodcorrective",
      "section": "G.1; G.4",
      "timing": "No recipient delivery deadline is supplied. The linked remittance-alert timing requires separate reconciliation.",
      "review_status": "Nonservicing office responsibility verified from preserved live G.4; technical transaction details and alert clocks remain separately scoped."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502003003",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Nonservicing office responsibility verified from preserved live G.4; technical transaction details and alert clocks remain separately scoped."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "iar-multiple-ssi-application-gates",
      "title": "IAR involves more than one SSI application",
      "when": "Two or more separate SSI applications are involved in State reimbursement review.",
      "you": "Keep each application’s decision and authorization records and ask SSA to explain which period each reimbursement covers.",
      "ssa": "SI 02003.003 E permits reimbursement for each interim period only when the earliest record has a reimbursement code, each application has a separate authorization, and no initial retroactive payment has been released to the State or claimant for any involved prior period. A later allowed application following denial needs its own authorization; its reimbursement begins with that application’s eligibility month.",
      "route": "Field office separate-application/authorization and prior-payment review → applicable interim-period accounting",
      "next": "Prior and later periods are not automatically combined; the listed conditions and eligibility decisions control.",
      "source": "iarperiodcorrective",
      "section": "E",
      "timing": "This defines period and prior-payment conditions, not a claim-processing deadline.",
      "review_status": "All separate-period gates verified; no individual reimbursement or eligibility conclusion inferred."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502003003",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "All separate-period gates verified; no individual reimbursement or eligibility conclusion inferred."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "iar-refund-wrong-account-credit",
      "title": "A State refund was credited to the wrong account",
      "when": "SSA investigation finds that a remittance was processed but credited to the wrong account.",
      "you": "Customer guidance: keep the refund or receipt information already available and ask SSA to investigate the credit. The cited staff procedure does not require you to contact an internal processing unit.",
      "ssa": "The field office reviews account and remittance records to determine exactly what happened, including available prior SSI records. For a processing error, it requests manual posting and correction of the wrongly credited balance through the jurisdictional PSC Debt Management Section using MDW. If the original RFOR account number was incorrect and matches no existing ROAR or SSR record, contact MATPSC Debt Management instead. The jurisdictional PSC also prepares SSA-666 if both Title II and Title XVI accounts are involved.",
      "route": "FO evidence review → jurisdictional PSC Debt Management; incorrect original account with no matching record → MATPSC Debt Management exception",
      "next": "SSA pursues the applicable account correction. This branch does not determine any individual refund or benefit amount.",
      "source": "remittanceunverified",
      "section": "D.3; D.7",
      "timing": "No customer completion deadline is stated. SI 02003.003 G.4 uses a 20-day unverified-alert check while GN 02403.050 C states 60 days; the scope difference remains unresolved and neither is presented as a customer SLA.",
      "review_status": "Independently verified against live POMS; model draft was incomplete and was not merged."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202403050",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Independently verified against live POMS; model draft was incomplete and was not merged."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "iar-remittance-suspense-not-posted",
      "title": "A State refund is in suspense and has not posted",
      "when": "SSA finds Process code S on the remittance query, indicating that the item is on the Suspense File.",
      "you": "Customer guidance: retain available receipt information and ask SSA whether the credit has posted. Clearing an internal alert alone does not establish that your account received credit.",
      "ssa": "The field office queries the remittance by identifying information and receipt number. A suspended item has not posted to the programmatic record. If necessary, the FO follows step 8 for manager clearance of the unverified alert even before removal from suspense, and separately contacts MATPSC with the account number, receipt number, amount and FO entry date for removal or correction.",
      "route": "FO remittance investigation → FO manager alert clearance when necessary; MATPSC suspense removal/correction",
      "next": "The alert and the suspended remittance require distinct actions. The cited subsection does not prescribe a customer notice or guarantee a payment outcome.",
      "source": "remittanceunverified",
      "section": "D.5; D.8; E",
      "timing": "No customer completion time is stated. The alert may be cleared before the processing center removes the item from suspense.",
      "review_status": "Live official subsections independently checked; draft blank trigger/routing/customer fields and altered acronym rejected."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202403050",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live official subsections independently checked; draft blank trigger/routing/customer fields and altered acronym rejected."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "iar-remittance-multiple-account-allocation",
      "title": "A refund intended for several accounts credited only one",
      "when": "SSA finds that a remittance was not divided among all the accounts originally entered.",
      "you": "Customer guidance: keep available remittance and account-allocation information and ask SSA to review which accounts received credit. The cited staff procedure does not direct you to make another payment merely because an allocation error occurred.",
      "ssa": "The field office queries the Receipt File for the original number of accounts and compares it with the accounts actually credited. If not all original accounts received credit, it requests correction through the jurisdictional PSC Debt Management Section using MDW: correct the uncredited accounts and reduce the balance of the account that received the entire credit. Staff review the applicable account records to determine the error.",
      "route": "FO original-account-count and posting comparison → jurisdictional PSC Debt Management allocation correction",
      "next": "SSA requests paired corrections to the affected accounts; the actual adjustment depends on the record investigation. No specific customer notice is prescribed in these subsections.",
      "source": "remittanceunverified",
      "section": "D.4; D.7",
      "timing": "No customer completion deadline is stated.",
      "review_status": "Live POMS independently verified. Queue276 useful summary preserved but blank trigger and role-mixed customer field were not merged."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202403050",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live POMS independently verified. Queue276 useful summary preserved but blank trigger and role-mixed customer field were not merged."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "lost-remittance-ssa-converted-cash",
      "title": "SSA lost a payment instrument purchased with your cash",
      "when": "You gave cash to the field office, which purchased a money order or cashier’s check that was subsequently lost.",
      "you": "Customer guidance: identify the original cash receipt when asking SSA to trace the remittance. The cited procedure assigns responsibility for securing the replacement instrument to the field office.",
      "ssa": "The field office contacts the issuer for tracing and replacement, asks it to cancel the original and issue a replacement, and secures the duplicate. Required stop-payment fees follow the linked third-party-draft procedure; detailed fee implementation remains unverified. Staff enter the replacement as a new receipt, use SERS when possible, link the original receipt number, and forward the remittance to MATPSC if it was not processed through SERS. Staff document the investigation and the manager clears the alert under B.4.",
      "route": "FO → issuing institution replacement/trace → SERS when possible, otherwise MATPSC; FO manager alert clearance",
      "next": "SSA replaces and processes the instrument under this procedure. This path is distinct from a customer purchasing an instrument that SSA later loses. No specific customer notice is prescribed.",
      "source": "lostremittancefo",
      "section": "C.1–C.4; C.6–C.7; B.4",
      "timing": "No completion deadline is stated; issuer tracing and replacement precede processing of the replacement.",
      "review_status": "Live official subsections verified. GN02403.160 fee details remain blocked by retrieval; queue277 invented citation typo rejected."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202403155",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live official subsections verified. GN02403.160 fee details remain blocked by retrieval; queue277 invented citation typo rejected."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "lost-remittance-negotiated-personal-check",
      "title": "SSA negotiated a lost personal check or money order",
      "when": "A personal check or money order received by the field office is missing, and endorsement evidence indicates SSA negotiated it.",
      "you": "Provide the receipt and front-and-back cancelled-instrument copy when available. The proof policy requires both for noncash remittances. If you refuse to request and provide the photocopy, the cited procedure directs the field office to obtain it.",
      "ssa": "The FO examines the endorsement and preserves the bank document. For FRB-CLEVE, it asks MATPSC to research processing and credit the record. For FRB-BALTIMORE, it also contacts MATPSC, which works with the Office of Finance to transfer funds. Noncash credit requires MATPSC receipt of the confirmed deposit ticket; trust-fund credit additionally requires established SSA negotiation with the assigned receipt number. Staff document investigation and manager alert clearance under B.4.",
      "route": "FO endorsement/proof review → MATPSC research; Baltimore endorsement → MATPSC coordination with Office of Finance",
      "next": "SSA researches and applies the appropriate credit when the evidence and processing requirements are met. A receipt by itself does not establish that the noncash amount reached the account.",
      "source": "lostremittancefo",
      "section": "B.1; B.2.a; B.4",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "lostremittancepolicy",
          "section": "B.2.b"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "If the initial research email receives no response, staff wait at least 30 days before following up with MATPSC. This is not a customer payment or resolution deadline.",
      "review_status": "Independently checked .155 and newer .150 proof requirements. Draft automatic/no-customer-action claim and direct Office-of-Finance routing rejected."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202403155",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Independently checked .155 and newer .150 proof requirements. Draft automatic/no-customer-action claim and direct Office-of-Finance routing rejected."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "lost-personal-check-second-remittance",
      "title": "SSA did not negotiate a lost personal check or money order",
      "when": "Endorsement investigation establishes that SSA did not negotiate the missing personal check or money order.",
      "you": "Respond to SSA’s request for a replacement or explain why you decline, including any cost objection. If SSA later negotiates the original after receiving the second payment, the procedure calls for return of the original amount.",
      "ssa": "The FO explains that payment was not received and requests a second remittance; cost objections follow GN02403.160, whose details remain unverified. If paid again, process a new receipt and clear the alert after posting when it is reasonable the original will not be found. If no second payment, obtain reasons, document development and follow B.4. The note requires at least three calls and one call-in letter; unsuccessful attempts to obtain a statement must be documented. These contacts are staff development, not a reason for the customer to delay responding.",
      "route": "FO replacement or refusal development → receipt/posting and FO manager alert clearance; cost objections → linked fee procedure",
      "next": "Replacement, refusal documentation and later double-payment correction follow different conditions. This does not establish a particular debt balance or guarantee that another payment is owed in your case.",
      "source": "lostremittancefo",
      "section": "B.2.b; B.3; B.4",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "lostremittancepolicy",
          "section": "B.3"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "No fixed completion deadline is stated. Three calls and one call-in letter are contact requirements, not a customer waiting period.",
      "review_status": "Live official conditions verified. No-proof/no-second-remittance does not permit overpayment credit under .150B3; .160 fee details remain blocked."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202403155",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live official conditions verified. No-proof/no-second-remittance does not permit overpayment credit under .150B3; .160 fee details remain blocked."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "lost-endorsed-government-check-routing",
      "title": "SSA lost an endorsed government check you submitted",
      "when": "The field office received an endorsed government check as a remittance and subsequently lost it.",
      "you": "Customer guidance: retain available check and receipt information and ask SSA to investigate the remittance. The cited procedures assign the stop-payment and account-credit requests to SSA staff.",
      "ssa": "The FO checks outstanding status through TCIS. If not deposited, Title II stop-payment initiation goes to the jurisdictional PSC; for Title XVI, the FO initiates it under the linked F-stop procedure. If outstanding, send available documentation to the jurisdictional PSC for credit after checking that no cancellation credit already posted, and annotate the relevant account record. If not outstanding and fraud is indicated, refer investigation to the Center for Security and Integrity in MATPSC and request credit through the jurisdictional PSC. Document and clear the alert under B.4.",
      "route": "FO status evidence → Title II jurisdictional PSC or Title XVI FO stop-payment initiation; account-credit request → jurisdictional PSC; indicated fraud → MATPSC investigation",
      "next": "SSA investigates and requests the applicable credit without duplicating an existing cancellation credit. Checks cancelled under limited payability are unacceptable remittances under the subsection note.",
      "source": "lostremittancefo",
      "section": "D.1–D.3; B.4",
      "timing": "No customer completion time is stated. Detailed GN02408.020 transaction and Treasury follow-up rules require separate review.",
      "review_status": "Live .155D ownership and conditions verified. Queue280 assigned staff actions to customer_next and was not merged."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202403155",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live .155D ownership and conditions verified. Queue280 assigned staff actions to customer_next and was not merged."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "lost-bank-instrument-credit-or-duplicate",
      "title": "SSA lost a cashier’s check, bank draft or bank money order",
      "when": "The field office received one of these bank instruments and subsequently lost it.",
      "you": "Provide the receipt and front-and-back cancelled-instrument copy if available. If SSA did not negotiate it, respond to the request for a duplicate or explain that you cannot provide one.",
      "ssa": "Determine whether SSA negotiated the instrument. If yes, obtain a copy and notify MATPSC for account credit, applying the newer noncash proof and confirmed-deposit-ticket requirements. If not, request a duplicate. Process a supplied duplicate as a regular remittance with a new receipt, using SERS when possible; no duplicate refers to GN02403.160, whose detailed procedure remains unverified. If the original later turns up, notify MATPSC’s Debt Management Section Chief and forward the instrument. Document and clear the alert under B.4.",
      "route": "FO negotiation/proof review → MATPSC credit research, or duplicate receipt processing; later original → MATPSC Debt Management Section Chief",
      "next": "Negotiated proof, duplicate replacement and a later-found original require different actions. The cited section does not prescribe a customer notice or a guaranteed credit amount.",
      "source": "lostremittancefo",
      "section": "E.1–E.4; B.4",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "lostremittancepolicy",
          "section": "B.2.b"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "No customer completion time is stated.",
      "review_status": "Live .155E and .150B2b independently checked; queue281 blank trigger and altered citation quote rejected."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202403155",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live .155E and .150B2b independently checked; queue281 blank trigger and altered citation quote rejected."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "lost-cash-remittance-proof-credit",
      "title": "Your cash payment receipt documents money SSA later lost",
      "when": "You paid cash to an SSA employee acting under their position authority, and SSA later lost the cash or the instrument purchased with it.",
      "you": "Keep and provide the automated DMS receipt or SSA-1395-BK manual receipt. The policy accepts these as cash-payment proof; its separate noncash cancelled-instrument requirement does not apply to this cash-proof rule.",
      "ssa": "Establish receipt of payment and review the cash receipt. Loss after receipt does not undo repayment of that part of the overpayment. With proper proof, the individual overpayment may be credited; trust-fund credit waits until SSA negotiation of the purchased check or money order with its assigned receipt number is established. The FO buys the instrument for forwarding to MATPSC and follows .155 when that instrument is lost.",
      "route": "FO cash-receipt evidence → individual account-credit review; FO-purchased instrument tracing/replacement → .155 procedure and MATPSC posting",
      "next": "SSA distinguishes proof that you paid cash from later accounting for the converted instrument. This does not establish your individual debt balance.",
      "source": "lostremittancepolicy",
      "section": "B.1; B.2.a",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "lostremittancefo",
          "section": "C.1–C.4; C.6–C.7"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "No customer completion deadline is stated. Trust-fund posting has a separate negotiation-evidence condition.",
      "review_status": "Live current2024 policy independently checked; model blank trigger, invented original-receipt-only requirement and vague routing rejected."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202403150",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live current2024 policy independently checked; model blank trigger, invented original-receipt-only requirement and vague routing rejected."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "destroyed-noncash-remittance-proof-gate",
      "title": "A noncash payment instrument was destroyed and credit is unproved",
      "when": "SSA received a noncash remittance instrument that was lost or destroyed, and investigation has not established payment or obtained a replacement.",
      "you": "Provide available receipt and cancelled-instrument evidence and respond to SSA’s replacement or tracing requests. A noncash receipt alone does not establish that the amount reached the account. Cash payments have a separate proof rule.",
      "ssa": "The FO determines whether the instrument was presented for payment and who endorsed it, following the applicable .155 investigation. If neither payment to SSA nor a second remittance is established, .150B3 does not permit overpayment credit and directs that the matter not be referred to MATPSC. Established processing or replacement follows the appropriate credit route. The same investigation rules apply to instruments received and then destroyed.",
      "route": "FO payment/endorsement and replacement development → applicable .155 route; no established payment or second remittance → no MATPSC referral under .150B3",
      "next": "Credit depends on the evidence and applicable processing requirements. This branch does not decide your debt balance or direct automatic repayment.",
      "source": "lostremittancepolicy",
      "section": "B.3, including final note",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "lostremittancefo",
          "section": "B.1–B.3; E.1–E.2"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "No customer completion deadline is stated.",
      "review_status": "Live current2024 policy verified; model denial of any routing despite explicit conditional routes and altered quote rejected."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202403150",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live current2024 policy verified; model denial of any routing despite explicit conditional routes and altered quote rejected."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "returned-unendorsed-benefit-check-miscoded",
      "title": "An unendorsed returned benefit check was miscoded as a remittance",
      "when": "The field office reviews an unverified receipt and finds an unendorsed returned benefit check entered as a regular remittance.",
      "you": "Customer guidance: identify the returned benefit check and available receipt when asking SSA to review the missing credit. The staff procedure does not instruct you to send another payment merely because this coding error occurred.",
      "ssa": "The FO reviews the check number; a Regional Finance Center four-digit prefix is a clue to a returned benefit check entered with regular-remittance reason O rather than returned-check reason B. Verify the actual check type. Such returned checks go to Treasury for processing. For an unendorsed returned benefit check, follow D.8 for manager alert clearance. If misdirected to MATPSC, the subsection says MATPSC forwards it to Treasury. Detailed Treasury-return processing cross-reference GN02401.001 was unavailable.",
      "route": "FO check-type/coding evidence → Treasury processing; misdirected MATPSC item → Treasury; FO manager alert clearance",
      "next": "SSA investigates the returned-check processing route. The numeric prefix alone does not establish the result or a particular account credit.",
      "source": "remittanceunverified",
      "section": "D.1; D.8",
      "timing": "No customer completion deadline is stated.",
      "review_status": "Live .050D1 verified; GN02401.001 returned404, so detailed return transactions remain deferred. Draft prefix-only conclusion and altered quote rejected."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202403050",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live .050D1 verified; GN02401.001 returned404, so detailed return transactions remain deferred. Draft prefix-only conclusion and altered quote rejected."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "remittance-alert-conditional-followup",
      "title": "An unverified-remittance inquiry remains unanswered",
      "when": "Under GN02403.050E, MATPSC has not responded after two weeks, the problem remains unresolved and the action control record has been cleared.",
      "you": "Customer guidance: keep your inquiry and receipt information and ask SSA for the status of the unresolved credit. The cited interval governs staff follow-up, not a promised response or payment date.",
      "ssa": "When all three conditions hold, the technician recontacts MATPSC Debt Management and labels the contact as the first follow-up. If MATPSC still has not responded after another week, the technician’s manager contacts the MATPSC Remittance Unit manager using the staff directory. The separate negotiated-check research procedure in .155B2a has its own minimum30day follow-up instruction.",
      "route": "FO technician → MATPSC Debt Management first follow-up; continued nonresponse → FO manager contacts MATPSC Remittance Unit manager",
      "next": "SSA escalates the unresolved inquiry through the applicable staff route. This does not prescribe a customer notice or guarantee resolution within these intervals.",
      "source": "remittanceunverified",
      "section": "E, final two paragraphs",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "lostremittancefo",
          "section": "B.2.a, research follow-up note"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "First follow-up after two weeks only with unresolved problem and cleared ACR; manager contact after another week without response. Do not substitute these intervals for the separate .155 research minimum30days.",
      "review_status": "Live conditional timing and roles independently checked; queue285 omitted cleared-record/unresolved gates in trigger and truncated worker action, so not merged."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202403050",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live conditional timing and roles independently checked; queue285 omitted cleared-record/unresolved gates in trigger and truncated worker action, so not merged."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "lost-remittance-investigation-trigger",
      "title": "The remittance search failed and more than 60 days have passed",
      "when": "The FO cannot locate the remittance after the GN02403.050D search steps and more than60days have elapsed since the FO received it.",
      "you": "Customer guidance: retain the receipt and available payment evidence and ask SSA which instrument-specific investigation applies. The elapsed period is a staff trigger, not a deadline by which you must receive money or wait to report a problem.",
      "ssa": "Start lost-in-transit procedures to determine whether the instrument was negotiated. Select the applicable .155 path for personal check or money order, cash converted by the FO, endorsed government check, or bank instrument; use .150 proof requirements. Do not assume an automatic replacement or use the cash-proof rule for a noncash receipt.",
      "route": "FO unsuccessful record search → instrument-specific .155B/C/D/E investigation and applicable MATPSC/PSC/issuer route",
      "next": "SSA investigates negotiation and applies the relevant proof, replacement and account-credit conditions. There is no universal replacement outcome.",
      "source": "lostremittancefo",
      "section": "A",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "remittanceunverified",
          "section": "D.1–D.9"
        },
        {
          "source": "lostremittancepolicy",
          "section": "B.2"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "More than60days since FO receipt plus unsuccessful search triggers this procedure. SI02003.003G4 separately refers to20day IAR unverified checking; the scope relationship remains unresolved. Neither is a customer resolution guarantee.",
      "review_status": "Live .155A verified; model invented60day search duration and automatic system determination rejected."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202403155",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live .155A verified; model invented60day search duration and automatic system determination rejected."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "fstop-wrong-ssn-record-corrected",
      "title": "A check issued under the wrong SSN before records were corrected",
      "when": "SSA issued a check under an incorrect SSN and corrected the payment records after issuance.",
      "you": "Customer guidance: ask SSA to review the issued check and corrected payment record. Keep available check or notice information; do not send identifying records to internal staff destinations yourself.",
      "ssa": "For Title II, the FO or teleservice center sends an MDW requesting an F-stop to the processing center, which inputs it through the named SSA-4510 application. For Title XVI, the teleservice center forwards an MDW to the jurisdictional FO; the FO processes the F-stop against the incorrect SSN using reason2, not eligible for payment. The F-stop determines check status through Treasury without itself issuing a replacement. Detailed linked input-screen instructions remain separately unverified.",
      "route": "Title II FO/TSC → PC F-stop input; Title XVI TSC → jurisdictional FO F-stop against incorrect SSN → Treasury status investigation",
      "next": "SSA investigates the issued check’s status. This action does not itself create a new payment or decide individual eligibility.",
      "source": "fstopprocedure",
      "section": "A; B.1.a–B.1.b",
      "timing": "No completion deadline is stated. The specific branch requires that records were corrected after check issuance.",
      "review_status": "Live current subsection verified; model omitted FO TitleII initiation and invented uncertainty about explicitly assigned roles, so not merged."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202408020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live current subsection verified; model omitted FO TitleII initiation and invented uncertainty about explicitly assigned roles, so not merged."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "fstop-notdue-nondeath-return-exceptions",
      "title": "A check is not due after a payee change or another nondeath event",
      "when": "SSA determines an issued check is not due for a reason other than death, such as a payee change or legal incompetence.",
      "you": "Customer guidance: report the changed circumstances and ask SSA how to handle the issued or returned check. A returned payment or automatic reissue does not by itself determine your entitlement.",
      "ssa": "For Title II, FO/TSC sends MDW to the processing center, which inputs the F-stop. For Title XVI, the teleservice center forwards to the jurisdictional FO, which inputs reason2 not eligible for payment. When a check returns, credit posts to the benefit record. Under C.3, SSI does not automatically reissue in nonentitlement situations. Title II REACT automatically reissues an address-return AD payment even if not due; miscellaneous MS and duplicate-check DC returns do not automatically reissue.",
      "route": "Title II FO/TSC → PC F-stop; Title XVI TSC → jurisdictional FO F-stop; returned-check processing depends on program and return reason",
      "next": "SSA processes the status inquiry and return under the applicable rules. No universal no-reissue outcome applies across both programs and all return reasons.",
      "source": "fstopprocedure",
      "section": "B.2.a–B.2.b; C.3",
      "timing": "No customer completion deadline is stated.",
      "review_status": "Live roles and return-code exceptions independently verified; queue288 wrongly generalized no reissue and copied task instruction as action, so not merged."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202408020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live roles and return-code exceptions independently verified; queue288 wrongly generalized no reissue and copied task instruction as action, so not merged."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "fstop-due-before-death-nonreceipt",
      "title": "A payment due before death was reportedly not received",
      "when": "After a beneficiary or recipient dies, SSA receives an allegation that a payment due before death was not received.",
      "you": "Customer guidance: report the nonreceipt and ask which underpayment-development process applies. A check-status request does not determine who is entitled to receive any remaining amount.",
      "ssa": "For Title II, the teleservice center sends MDW to the jurisdictional PC. The FO completes underpayment development under GN02301.500 or GN02301.030 and sends MDW to the PC, which inputs the F-stop. For Title XVI, the teleservice center sends MDW to the jurisdictional FO; the FO inputs the F-stop with reason2 not eligible for payment and completes applicable underpayment development, referring to SI02101.006. That reason code is the procedural input, not an individual survivor-eligibility conclusion.",
      "route": "Title II TSC/FO development → jurisdictional PC F-stop; Title XVI TSC → jurisdictional FO F-stop and applicable underpayment development",
      "next": "SSA separately investigates the check and develops any underpayment. The linked SSA-1724 page is a form pointer; it alone does not establish survivor priority or entitlement.",
      "source": "fstopprocedure",
      "section": "B.3.a–B.3.b",
      "timing": "No customer completion deadline is stated. The allegation concerns a payment due but not received before death.",
      "review_status": "Live .020B3 verified; .500 form pointer and .006 scope checked. Detailed survivor-priority adjudication is separate; queue289 blank routing/trigger copied instruction rejected."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202408020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live .020B3 verified; .500 form pointer and .006 scope checked. Detailed survivor-priority adjudication is separate; queue289 blank routing/trigger copied instruction rejected."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "fstop-cashed-check-signature-dispute",
      "title": "You dispute the signature on a cashed check after an F-stop",
      "when": "An F-stop was input, the check was cashed, and you protest the resulting overpayment because you do not recognize the signature.",
      "you": "Complete the FS-1133 in the Treasury claims package. For the .160B2 claims package, sign and date both sides; Treasury does not process a photocopy of the FS-1133. If visiting the FO for completion assistance, follow the instructions to mail the original to Treasury using its supplied envelope or current provided address.",
      "ssa": "If the completed form returns to the FO, .020C1 directs staff to scan it with the check photocopy into Evidence Portal and forward to Treasury for forgery determination. Under .160, match the forms to the check number, symbol, amount and date; review questions1–6 and signatures/dates. For an assistance visit, .160H instead instructs the claimant to mail the original directly to Treasury, and staff diary90days for the disposition notice and obtain status through TCIS or Treasury.",
      "route": "Customer original FS-1133 → Treasury; completed package returned to FO → staff evidence capture and Treasury forwarding under .020C1; no PC/CO mailing under .160H",
      "next": "Treasury investigates and provides its determination. The cited procedures do not guarantee a finding of forgery or a replacement payment.",
      "source": "fstopprocedure",
      "section": "C.1",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "treasuryclaimsforms",
          "section": "A IMPORTANT; B.2; H"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "The90day diary is staff control for the Treasury disposition notice, not a guaranteed investigation or payment deadline.",
      "review_status": "Both official subsections checked; assistance-visit customer mailing versus returned-completed-package FO forwarding preserved as separate triggers. Draft truncated quote and omitted original-form/evidence conditions not merged."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202408020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Both official subsections checked; assistance-visit customer mailing versus returned-completed-package FO forwarding preserved as separate triggers. Draft truncated quote and omitted original-form/evidence conditions not merged."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "nonreceipt-recognized-own-signature",
      "title": "You recognize your own signature on the check",
      "when": "During nonreceipt development, the beneficiary, recipient or representative payee recognizes the check signature as their own.",
      "you": "Explain accurately whether you recognize the signature and discuss any remaining payment or debt questions with SSA. This branch concerns the nonreceipt allegation, not every possible account dispute.",
      "ssa": "Interview the person and review the appropriate master records to determine whether the allegation is true nonreceipt. When the person recognizes their signature, do not send the claim to Fiscal Service; explain why that nonreceipt claim is invalid and cannot be submitted to Treasury. Initiate overpayment recovery only if appropriate.",
      "route": "FO interview and record review → recognized-signature explanation; no Treasury nonreceipt referral under B.1; appropriate recovery development separately",
      "next": "SSA explains the effect on the nonreceipt claim. Recognition alone is not presented here as a determination of a particular debt amount or automatic recovery action.",
      "source": "treasuryclaimsforms",
      "section": "B.1",
      "timing": "No customer completion deadline is stated.",
      "review_status": "Live official subsection independently checked; draft blank trigger and omitted qualified recovery action not merged."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202406160",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live official subsection independently checked; draft blank trigger and omitted qualified recovery action not merged."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "deceased-payee-treasury-claims-form",
      "title": "The payee died before the Treasury claims form was completed",
      "when": "Nonreceipt was alleged before death and completion of an FS-1133 is still necessary after the payee dies.",
      "you": "Customer guidance: ask SSA who is eligible to complete the form under the applicable underpayment rules. Provide requested signature examples from around the check date when available; family relationship alone is not presented as proof of underpayment eligibility.",
      "ssa": "Under D, have an individual eligible for the underpayment complete the form, using the Title II or SSI underpayment rules. If no individual is eligible and a forgery determination is needed, staff enter N/A for questions1–8, sign their name and position, obtain contemporary signature samples and attach an explanation of why the deceased payee cannot sign, then send to Treasury under H. Under F, signature samples are still necessary even when a family member completes the form; review the folder and request cancelled checks or other contemporary examples. If completion is impossible, consult GN02406.300 rather than inventing a substitute.",
      "route": "FO underpayment-eligibility development → eligible completer; no eligible person plus needed forgery determination → staff evidence package → Treasury",
      "next": "Treasury receives the applicable form and signature evidence. The completion route does not itself award an underpayment or decide forgery.",
      "source": "treasuryclaimsforms",
      "section": "D; F; H",
      "timing": "No completion deadline is stated. Signature evidence should relate to the period around the check issue date.",
      "review_status": "Live D/F requirements checked; GN02301.030 priority scope retrieved, full priority exceptions separately pending. Queue292 omitted eligible-completer path and blank trigger, not merged."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202406160",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live D/F requirements checked; GN02301.030 priority scope retrieved, full priority exceptions separately pending. Queue292 omitted eligible-completer path and blank trigger, not merged."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "treasury-claims-disposition-conditional-review",
      "title": "Treasury issues a forgery result or asks for more evidence",
      "when": "Treasury sends a Claims Disposition Notice following the check-claims investigation.",
      "you": "Read the Treasury notice and respond to requests for additional evidence. If you disagree with a forgery determination, follow the protest instructions in Treasury’s determination letter and ask SSA for help if needed.",
      "ssa": "Review the disposition and promptly supply requested information. A forgery finding requires record review to determine whether payment is due; do not treat it as automatic payment. The .160G recovery condition requires no forgery, no timely protest and DCN involvement. Detailed .310 procedures add case-specific reconsideration, appeal checks and recovery controls, so a universal immediate-recovery instruction is not established here.",
      "route": "Treasury disposition → SSA evidence response/payment-due review; disputed Treasury decision → Treasury protest per notice, with SSA assistance available",
      "next": "The notice may request evidence, report the finding or recommend further action. Payment and recovery outcomes depend on the applicable record and due-process conditions.",
      "source": "treasuryclaimsforms",
      "section": "G",
      "timing": "The source refers to a60day protest period; follow the actual notice. The linked .310C3 also specifies staff90day control and appeal-status checks before resuming recovery. These are not customer resolution guarantees.",
      "review_status": "Live .160G verified; .310C3/E/F cross-check recorded additional conditions. Draft missing routing/no-forgery branch and ambiguous scope not merged.",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "checkclaimreconsideration",
          "section": "C.3; F.3"
        }
      ]
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202406160",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live .160G verified; .310C3/E/F cross-check recorded additional conditions. Draft missing routing/no-forgery branch and ambiguous scope not merged."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "treasury-vague-disposition-clarification",
      "title": "Treasury’s disposition does not clearly resolve forgery",
      "when": "SSA receives a Claims Disposition Notice with vague language rather than a final statement about whether the check was forged.",
      "you": "Customer guidance: keep the Treasury letter and ask SSA to clarify the status if the outcome is unclear. Follow any separate evidence or protest instructions in the notice.",
      "ssa": "Every CDN must contain a final forgery disposition. For vague wording such as settlement at agency discretion, the field office contacts its regional office; a processing center contacts its Operations Analyst. Do not infer a finding of forgery or a payment award from the vague wording. Treasury’s claimant letter and SSA disposition are separate records in this process.",
      "route": "FO → regional office; PC → its Operations Analyst for disposition clarification",
      "next": "SSA obtains clarification before treating the vague wording as a final determination. This subsection does not promise a payment or specify a customer notice for the clarification itself.",
      "source": "checkclaimreconsideration",
      "section": "E.1; E.2 IMPORTANT",
      "timing": "No customer completion deadline is stated for this clarification.",
      "review_status": "Live subsection and footer verified:rev2024-05-10 batch2026-03-19 TN127(01-25). Model blank trigger and unsupported no-customer-interaction claim rejected."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202406310",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live subsection and footer verified:rev2024-05-10 batch2026-03-19 TN127(01-25). Model blank trigger and unsupported no-customer-interaction claim rejected."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "treasury-forgery-protest-ssa-assistance",
      "title": "You ask SSA for help protesting Treasury’s forgery decision",
      "when": "You disagree with Treasury’s original forgery determination and contact SSA for assistance with the protest.",
      "you": "Follow the Treasury letter’s protest instructions. If asking SSA for help, complete and sign the provided formal-protest letter and supply relevant proof and check information you have.",
      "ssa": "Provide the ExhibitK letter for claimant completion and help identify the check number, symbol and program. Attach the claimant’s evidence. Do not use FS-3864 as the transmittal. Mark the envelope FORMAL PROTEST and send to the Treasury appeal destination specified in F.3, or use its specified fax route. Prepare the F.4 control for the response. This branch does not substitute the Treasury protest for any separate SSA reconsideration step.",
      "route": "Claimant Treasury protest → SSA completion/evidence assistance when requested → Treasury Check Claims appeal destination in F.3",
      "next": "Treasury considers the protest. Filing does not itself establish forgery, payment entitlement or the recovery result.",
      "source": "checkclaimreconsideration",
      "section": "F.3–F.4; K",
      "timing": "The180day diary controls the staff response follow-up; it is not a promised customer decision time. Use the protest deadline in Treasury’s notice.",
      "review_status": "Live F3/F4/K verified; queue295 invented FS3874 source correction and unsupported submission-notification promise rejected. Official instruction says FS3864."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202406310",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live F3/F4/K verified; queue295 invented FS3874 source correction and unsupported submission-notification promise rejected. Official instruction says FS3864."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "old-check-investigation-record-recreation",
      "title": "Treasury cannot locate an old check-investigation record",
      "when": "SSA has exhausted credit searches, Treasury reports no old investigation record, and PHUS shows a successfully processed stop with no exception status.",
      "you": "Customer guidance: retain available check and inquiry information and ask SSA for the investigation status. The Treasury callback instruction below applies to staff.",
      "ssa": "Explain to Treasury that the old record may require recreation. Allow three workdays before calling back, then follow up because Treasury does not contact staff and recreated records remain online about two weeks. Staff must have the check symbol and number; Treasury does not supply this information from an SSN-only inquiry. Do not use direct input as a follow-up to a successfully processed investigation.",
      "route": "FO/PC exhausted query/document and TCIS search → Treasury old-record recreation → staff callback/status review",
      "next": "SSA retrieves the recreated investigation information when available and applies the relevant credit procedure. Recreation alone does not establish a customer payment.",
      "source": "treasuryclaimsforms",
      "section": "C, old-investigation table row and final NOTE",
      "timing": "Allow Treasury three workdays before staff callback; recreated records remain online about two weeks. Neither interval guarantees customer resolution.",
      "review_status": "Live evidence gates and staff timing verified; queue296 assigned callback to customer and omitted successful-stop evidence gate, so not merged."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202406160",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live evidence gates and staff timing verified; queue296 assigned callback to customer and omitted successful-stop evidence gate, so not merged."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "treasury-physical-check-document-request",
      "title": "SSA needs a physical check document from Treasury",
      "when": "A physical document such as a check photocopy is needed during the manual credit follow-up procedure.",
      "you": "Customer guidance: keep available check information and ask SSA for the case status. The document request described here is a staff request for delivery to the SSA worker.",
      "ssa": "Call Treasury and request that the document be mailed directly to the worker, with the worker’s name and module number on the envelope. Establish a 30-day diary. Have the check symbol and number available; an SSN-only inquiry is insufficient. Do not use direct input to follow up a successfully processed investigation.",
      "route": "FO/PC staff Treasury document request → document delivered to requesting worker → staff diary/status follow-up",
      "next": "SSA obtains the needed document for the investigation. This subsection does not prescribe a customer benefit award or completion notice.",
      "source": "treasuryclaimsforms",
      "section": "C, physical-document table row and final NOTE",
      "timing": "The source says to expect the document within 10–15 workdays and establish a 30-day diary. This is a document expectation and staff control, not a customer payment guarantee.",
      "review_status": "Live staff recipient, identifying evidence and timing checked; model used delivery expectation as trigger and omitted evidence restrictions, not merged."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202406160",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live staff recipient, identifying evidence and timing checked; model used delivery expectation as trigger and omitted evidence restrictions, not merged."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "treasury-secondreview-and-ssa-notices",
      "title": "Treasury completes a second review of the forgery decision",
      "when": "Treasury reviews an appeal of its original forgery determination and returns its second determination to SSA.",
      "you": "Read Treasury’s affirming or reversing letter and SSA’s reconsideration notice. Follow the appeal information in those notices; this branch does not decide your individual right to payment or legal review.",
      "ssa": "Treasury assigns an analyst who did not participate initially and, if handwriting comparison is performed, a different expert. Treasury sends the claimant a letter and SSA a CDN. Under H, the FO/PC sends the appropriate reconsideration notice. If not forged, follow the specified program record/recovery actions; if forged, Title II corrects the prior record event and records reconsideration approval, while Title XVI removes a manual diary but leaves the protective MT-TAC because recovery is inappropriate. Exact linked transaction implementation and recovery scheduling require separate current-policy checks.",
      "route": "Treasury independent second review → claimant letter and SSA CDN → FO/PC reconsideration notice and program-specific record action",
      "next": "The second determination affirms or reverses Treasury’s original finding. A finding and SSA’s follow-on notice are separate steps; neither is presented here as automatic new benefit entitlement.",
      "source": "checkclaimreconsideration",
      "section": "G.1–G.2; H.1–H.2",
      "timing": "No second-review completion deadline is stated. H.1 uses COM+1 for recovery scheduling; the term is not expanded here and detailed scheduling remains separately unverified.",
      "review_status": "Live G1/G2/H outcome-specific actions checked. Queue298 omitted independent-review conditions and SSA follow-on actions, so not merged."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202406310",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live G1/G2/H outcome-specific actions checked. Queue298 omitted independent-review conditions and SSA follow-on actions, so not merged."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-eligiblecouple-spouse-apparent-overpayment-release",
      "title": "An SSI eligible-couple spouse faces an apparent overpayment for another period",
      "when": "The otherwise payable underpayment is for an eligible spouse who was an eligible-couple member and lived with the deceased in the month of death, while another-period apparent overpayment is unfinalized.",
      "you": "Customer guidance: ask SSA to identify the survivor category and the unresolved period, and respond to actual evidence requests. The staff decision boundary below is not a new customer evidence-filing deadline.",
      "ssa": "For this eligible-spouse category, do not delay an otherwise payable underpayment unless the apparent-overpayment determination can be made before the end of the month following discovery of the underpaid amount; otherwise pay it. If the overpayment is appealed or waiver requested, pay the underpayment. For the separate ineligible-individual or other-survivor category, do not issue while the other-period excess-payment disposition is unresolved; expedite that final determination.",
      "route": "SSA SSI survivor-category and period review → eligible-spouse release exception, or other-survivor expedited apparent-overpayment determination",
      "next": "Category-specific rules govern release. Do not apply the Title II unresolved-protest hold to every SSI survivor or infer a particular payment amount.",
      "source": "ssideceasedunderpayment",
      "section": "B.2",
      "timing": "For the eligible-spouse exception, the decision boundary is the end of the month following the month the underpaid amount was discovered. No overall payment-turnaround guarantee is stated.",
      "review_status": "Live TN41(05-26),batch2026-09-22 checked; model invented customer evidence deadline and omitted appealed/waiver exception and other-category gate, rejected."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502101003",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live TN41(05-26),batch2026-09-22 checked; model invented customer evidence deadline and omitted appealed/waiver exception and other-category gate, rejected."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-estate-underpayment-prohibition",
      "title": "An estate asks SSA for unpaid SSI after death",
      "when": "An estate seeks an SSI underpayment on the deceased recipient’s record.",
      "you": "Ask SSA to explain the nonpayment and retain its notice. An estate’s inability to receive SSI does not establish whether a separately qualifying spouse or parent can receive an underpayment.",
      "ssa": "Apply the A.2 prohibition on paying an SSI underpayment to an estate. For an inquiry about nonpayment, B.4 directs SSA-L8166-U2, Notice of Important Information, explaining the denial. Do not import the Title II estate-representative priority category into SSI. Review any separate potential spouse or parent under the applicable category rules rather than treating estate denial as denial to every survivor.",
      "route": "SSA SSI recipient-category review → estate nonpayment determination → SSA-L8166-U2 to inquirer; any separate survivor claim → category-specific review",
      "next": "The estate receives an explanation of nonpayment. The generic nonpayment-notice path is also mapped in ssi-death-nonpayment-inquiry; this branch supplies the estate-specific legal distinction.",
      "source": "ssideceasedunderpayment",
      "section": "A.2; B.4",
      "timing": "No notice-processing deadline is stated.",
      "review_status": "Live estate bar and notice checked; queue308 altered form number in claimed quote and copied task text as route, rejected. Existing generic notice branch preserved."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502101003",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live estate bar and notice checked; queue308 altered form number in claimed quote and copied task text as route, rejected. Existing generic notice branch preserved."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-deceased-directfee-collectibility-priority",
      "title": "An SSI underpayment after death involves a direct fee and debts",
      "when": "An authorized representative’s direct fee, interim assistance reimbursement or potential collectible overpayments affect an SSI underpayment after death.",
      "you": "Customer guidance: ask SSA to explain the payment priority and any offset, and provide evidence requested for the survivor category or debt issue. SSA determines collectibility; you are not required to decide it yourself.",
      "ssa": "For a direct representative fee after death, verify that another party, such as a State for IAR or a survivor, is eligible for at least part of the underpayment. When direct fee payment is involved, the exception order is IAR, direct representative fee, then recovery of prior overpayment. An underpayment payable to a spouse or parent may recover that survivor’s overpayment only if collectible. Apply the applicable period/protest rules before determining the remaining payable amount.",
      "route": "SSA eligible-other-party and payment-priority review → authorized IAR/direct fee → collectible-offset review → eligible survivor remainder",
      "next": "The priority and collectibility decisions determine what can be released. Neither a fee nor an offset is assumed payable merely because it appears on the record.",
      "source": "ssideceasedunderpayment",
      "section": "A.1, including EXCEPTION; B.1",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "ssiunderpaymentalive",
          "section": "A.1"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "No processing deadline is stated.",
      "review_status": "Live .003 and .002 crossref checked. Dedicated-account no-recovery note is retained for living-recipient scope, not automatically transplanted to a deceased account. Model wrongly made fee eligibility depend on collectible debt, rejected."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502101003",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live .003 and .002 crossref checked. Dedicated-account no-recovery note is retained for living-recipient scope, not automatically transplanted to a deceased account. Model wrongly made fee eligibility depend on collectible debt, rejected."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-8510-parent-guardian-authorizing-lines",
      "title": "Use the correct authorizing person on SSA-8510",
      "when": "SSA needs applicable third-party personal information for a minor or legally incompetent adult, or information about a parent, sponsor or other authorizing person.",
      "you": "Tell staff whose information is requested and the relationship or legal authority of the proposed signer.",
      "ssa": "For a minor or legally incompetent adult, staff explain the request and put the parent or legal guardian’s name and SSN on the authorizing-person line, with the claimant’s name and SSN on the claimant line. For information about a deemor, sponsor or parent authorizing disclosure for themselves, staff identify that person as the authorizing person. The claimant signing for their own information uses the first line and leaves the second blank.",
      "route": "Field office evidence development to the appropriate authorizing person and identified third-party source.",
      "next": "Have the appropriate person sign the applicable paper authorization as instructed. Payee status alone is not treated here as authority to sign for a competent adult. Separate bank, payroll-provider and medical releases retain their own rules.",
      "source": "ssiinitialevidence",
      "section": "D.1.a-c; C authorization note",
      "timing": "This is a signer and form-completion check; no authorization-processing deadline is specified.",
      "review_status": "Live subsection verified; sponsor status does not itself authorize disclosure for another adult."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500601100",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live subsection verified; sponsor status does not itself authorize disclosure for another adult."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-8510-telephone-letter-sign-return",
      "title": "Return a signed SSA-8510 after a telephone interview",
      "when": "During a telephone interview, SSA needs an applicable SSA-8510 authorization to request third-party information.",
      "you": "Complete, sign and return the paper form using the instructions SSA sends.",
      "ssa": "The field office sends an Information Request Letter with completion, signature and return instructions. SSA-8510 requires a wet signature and cannot be completed by attestation. Staff document the secured authorization; the system authorization page is not the signed form itself.",
      "route": "Field office evidence request to the appropriate authorizing person, then the identified third-party source.",
      "next": "Follow the letter’s return instructions and contact the field office if assistance is needed. Do not assume that answering the telephone questions replaces the required signature.",
      "source": "ssiinitialevidence",
      "section": "C authorization bullets; D.1.c important/note",
      "timing": "This authorization instruction does not itself establish a universal form-return deadline or mailing-delivery guarantee.",
      "review_status": "Verified live; general initial-claim evidence notice periods remain separate."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500601100",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Verified live; general initial-claim evidence notice periods remain separate."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-cuba-haiti-asylum-application-authorization",
      "title": "Authorize verification of a Cuba or Haiti asylum application",
      "when": "A noncitizen SSI claimant originally from Cuba or Haiti reports filing an asylum application.",
      "you": "Provide the available immigration evidence and sign the applicable SSA-8510 as instructed.",
      "ssa": "The field office obtains the SSA-8510 signature so SSA may contact USCIS about the asylum application. Staff separately review the applicable documentary category and verify documents with DHS through online SAVE. An application for asylum is distinguished from a grant of asylum.",
      "route": "Field office SSI evidence development, with USCIS/DHS status verification under the applicable official procedures. The authorization does not establish an immigration or SSI eligibility result.",
      "next": "Bring requested immigration documents to the field office rather than mailing them, following SSA’s evidence instructions. Ask what additional evidence is needed if no current document is available.",
      "source": "ssiinitialevidence",
      "section": "D.1.d; C immigration-document instruction",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "ssiqualifiedstatusevidence",
          "section": "B.7.c introductory note and Category2(C)"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "No USCIS or SSA verification completion time is specified by these instructions.",
      "review_status": "Verified live current subsections; operational SAVE details beyond public instructions and individual eligibility not inferred."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500601100",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Verified live current subsections; operational SAVE details beyond public instructions and individual eligibility not inferred."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-cuban-haitian-asylum-filing-date",
      "title": "Use the asylum filing date rather than the work-card date",
      "when": "SSA reviews Category2(C) Cuban/Haitian entrant evidence and the asylum filing date may affect the SSI determination.",
      "you": "Provide the DHS receipt for Form I-589 when requested, along with available status documents.",
      "ssa": "The field office distinguishes the I-589 filing date shown by the DHS receipt from the employment authorization document’s date. If no earlier Cuban/Haitian entrant category applies and the date is material, staff request the I-589 filing receipt. Documents are verified with DHS through online SAVE.",
      "route": "Field office SSI noncitizen evidence review; earlier entrant categories and any time-limited eligibility require separate review.",
      "next": "Ask which date SSA is using and provide earlier status evidence if available. A work-card issue date alone does not establish the Category2(C) acquisition date or individual SSI eligibility.",
      "source": "ssiqualifiedstatusevidence",
      "section": "B.7.a note; B.7.c introductory note and Category2(C)",
      "timing": "The relevant date is filing with DHS, rather than the later employment card date. No current employment-authorization waiting period or verification turnaround is asserted.",
      "review_status": "Verified against current live subsection; historical60/150day explanation not used as current DHS timing guidance."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500502130",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Verified against current live subsection; historical60/150day explanation not used as current DHS timing guidance."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-cuban-haitian-no-current-document",
      "title": "Get guidance when no current immigration document is available",
      "when": "During Cuban/Haitian entrant evidence development, the customer says no current immigration document is available.",
      "you": "Tell the field office which documents are missing and what evidence remains available.",
      "ssa": "Staff provide the official SAVE Records: Fast Facts for Benefit Applicants fact sheet for contacting DHS to update, correct or replace immigration documents. SSA separately verifies the listed status documents with DHS through online SAVE.",
      "route": "Field office SSI evidence review; document updating, correction or replacement is pursued with DHS using the official guidance.",
      "next": "Follow the fact sheet’s guidance and ask SSA what evidence is still needed. Bring requested immigration documents to the field office under SSA’s instructions. A missing current document alone does not determine the customer’s immigration status or SSI eligibility.",
      "source": "ssiqualifiedstatusevidence",
      "section": "B.7.c introductory paragraphs",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "ssiinitialevidence",
          "section": "C immigration-document instruction"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "No document-replacement or SSA verification deadline is specified here.",
      "review_status": "Live POMS duty verified; detailed fact-sheet replacement steps not inferred."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500502130",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live POMS duty verified; detailed fact-sheet replacement steps not inferred."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-cuban-haitian-removal-proceeding-document",
      "title": "Provide removal-proceeding evidence for Category2(B) review",
      "when": "SSA develops Cuban/Haitian entrant status based on removal proceedings and the submitted document may be an application for immigration relief.",
      "you": "Provide the available DHS proceeding notice and explain any missing documents.",
      "ssa": "The field office checks for DHS Form I-221, I-862 or I-122 as listed Category2(B) evidence, and uses the date first placed in removal proceedings shown on that evidence. An EOIR date stamp on a copy of Form I-589, I-485 or another relief application is not accepted as Category2(B) evidence. Staff verify status documents with DHS through online SAVE.",
      "route": "Field office SSI noncitizen evidence review; asylum-application evidence under Category2(C) is a separate documentary path.",
      "next": "Ask staff which proceeding notice is needed and request help if it cannot be obtained. A document error does not itself determine immigration status or SSI eligibility.",
      "source": "ssiqualifiedstatusevidence",
      "section": "B.7.c introductory note; Category2(B)",
      "timing": "The category date follows commencement of removal proceedings on the listed DHS evidence; no verification turnaround is promised.",
      "review_status": "Live subsection verified; no general original-only rule added from the model draft."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500502130",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live subsection verified; no general original-only rule added from the model draft."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-cuban-haitian-earliest-status-time-limit",
      "title": "Check earlier status before using a later immigration date",
      "when": "A Cuban/Haitian entrant has more than one qualifying status or a later permanent-resident document.",
      "you": "Bring earlier status evidence as well as current documents and tell SSA about changes.",
      "ssa": "The field office checks exceptions permitting eligibility without a time limit before applying the seven-year provision. For Cuban/Haitian entrants, staff establish the earliest entrant-category date and compare any earlier qualifying seven-year category. The limited provision requires SSI filing within seven years of acquiring the relevant status. A later adjustment to permanent residence does not restart that period.",
      "route": "Field office SSI noncitizen eligibility review using verified status history.",
      "next": "Ask staff to explain the applicable status date and any exception developed; report later status or citizenship changes. Eligibility still requires review of all applicable conditions.",
      "source": "ssiqualifiedstatusevidence",
      "section": "B.7.a note",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "ssisevenyearlimit",
          "section": "A.1-A.2; D.1; F.1-F.3"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "Where applicable, this is a one-time seven-year period measured from the relevant qualifying status, not seven years of payments or a new period from the latest card. No individual suspension date or processing time is calculated here.",
      "review_status": "Live subsections verified independently; model draft not merged."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500502130",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live subsections verified independently; model draft not merged."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-lapr-spouse-quarters-death-divorce",
      "title": "Review spouse work quarters after death, remarriage or divorce",
      "when": "SSA considers a permanent resident under the 40 qualifying-quarter provision.",
      "you": "Tell SSA marriage, death and divorce dates and identify relevant spouse employment.",
      "ssa": "The field office develops marriage duration and verifies relevant earnings, observing disclosure rules. Quarters earned during marriage by a current or deceased spouse may count; remarriage does not erase deceased-spouse quarters. Divorce or annulment before the eligibility determination generally prevents using that former spouse. Quarters already credited are retained after a later marriage ending, but termination requiring a new claim requires a new alien-eligibility determination.",
      "route": "Field office SSI eligibility and qualifying-quarter development.",
      "next": "Ask which relationship periods and earnings evidence need verification. This review does not establish overall SSI eligibility.",
      "source": "ssilaprquarters",
      "section": "B.2.d.1 and B.2.d.4; D.2 steps3-4",
      "timing": "Relationship status at determination and a later new claim matter. Five-year restrictions, quarter exclusions and other conditions require separate review; no turnaround is promised.",
      "review_status": "Selected live subsections verified; no family earnings record disclosure inferred."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500502135",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected live subsections verified; no family earnings record disclosure inferred."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-lapr-family-earnings-record-safeguard",
      "title": "Document family work quarters with earnings-record safeguards",
      "when": "SSA verifies qualifying quarters using a living parent or spouse earnings record.",
      "you": "Identify relevant work and relationship periods; ask staff what evidence is needed.",
      "ssa": "The field office verifies relevant family quarters and follows disclosure instructions. Under the step4 safeguard, staff do not put the living parent or spouse earnings query or certified earnings record in the claimant file. They record the quarter count and relevant earning period on a Report of Contact or in the specified remarks field.",
      "route": "Field office qualifying-quarter development and evidence documentation.",
      "next": "SSA documents the quarter determination while protecting the underlying family earnings record. Follow up on any separate evidence request; this safeguard does not mean all development is finished.",
      "source": "ssilaprquarters",
      "section": "D.2 steps3-4, especially step4 IMPORTANT",
      "timing": "The safeguard applies during verification and documentation; no completion time is specified.",
      "review_status": "Live subsection verified; no blanket claim that customer action or access rights end."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500502135",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live subsection verified; no blanket claim that customer action or access rights end."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-lapr-noncovered-work-evidence",
      "title": "Develop noncovered work evidence for SSI qualifying quarters",
      "when": "Prior earnings-record development leaves fewer than 40 qualifying quarters and additional noncovered employment is alleged.",
      "you": "Provide employer details, dates, pay amounts and available work records.",
      "ssa": "The field office obtains noncovered earnings details and excludes pension entries from this calculation. If further employment remains alleged, staff request available evidence such as W-2/W-2c, pay, union, tax or unemployment records and statements. For this noncovered qualifying-quarter determination, staff need not follow the usual evidence order and may consider older earnings beyond the normal limitations period with supporting evidence. If evidence cannot be supplied, staff contact the employer by phone or Form SSA-L4201.",
      "route": "Field office SSI qualifying-quarter evidence development; covered earnings correction follows separate rules.",
      "next": "SSA documents whether combined development establishes the quarter requirement. This does not itself correct a Title II earnings record or establish all SSI eligibility conditions.",
      "source": "ssilaprquarters",
      "section": "D.2 steps7-8 and step8 IMPORTANT",
      "timing": "Older noncovered earnings can be considered for this determination; no employer-response or claim-completion deadline is specified.",
      "review_status": "Live scope verified; model request for customer to supply DEQY rejected."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500502135",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live scope verified; model request for customer to supply DEQY rejected."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-lapr-noncovered-selfemployment-evidence",
      "title": "Support both business activity and net self-employment earnings",
      "when": "SSA develops alleged noncovered self-employment for the SSI 40 qualifying-quarter provision.",
      "you": "Provide available evidence of business activity and earnings, and explain missing records.",
      "ssa": "The field office must establish both a trade or business and net self-employment earnings, supported by evidence; one condition alone is insufficient. In the linked evidence procedure, business licenses, invoices, sales records or third-party statements can support business activity. Staff obtain earnings evidence appropriate to farming or other business activity.",
      "route": "Field office SSI qualifying-quarter development using the linked self-employment evidence procedure.",
      "next": "SSA documents the combined quarter determination and supporting evidence. Establishing this factor does not establish all SSI eligibility requirements.",
      "source": "ssilaprquarters",
      "section": "D.2 step9",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "selfemploymentdoubt",
          "section": "B.1-B.2"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "For this noncovered quarter determination, older self-employment earnings beyond the limitations period may be considered with both conditions and supporting evidence. Covered earnings follow separate rules; no completion time is promised.",
      "review_status": "Live linked evidence checked; older earnings-correction screen names not applied to SSI workflow."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500502135",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live linked evidence checked; older earnings-correction screen names not applied to SSI workflow."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-lapr-benefit-quarter-verification",
      "title": "Check benefit dates before excluding a work quarter",
      "when": "SSA reviews earnings from 1997 onward under the permanent-resident qualifying-quarter provision.",
      "you": "Tell SSA about benefits received by you and the relative whose work is considered, including dates.",
      "ssa": "The field office asks about federal means-tested benefits in the earnings quarter, accepts the allegation absent contrary evidence, and contacts the administering State agency for eligibility dates when verification is required. Such receipt generally prevents crediting a post-1996 quarter. For the needed 40th quarter in the SSI filing quarter, staff check the exception when no other such benefit was received before filing. Later receipt does not remove that quarter.",
      "route": "Field office SSI quarter review; State benefit agency if verification is necessary.",
      "next": "Ask SSA to consider the filing-quarter exception before excluding the needed quarter. Retroactive Medicaid determined concurrently with or after SSI does not remove the 40th or preceding credited quarter under the subsection note.",
      "source": "ssilaprquarters",
      "section": "E; B.3.a-B.3.b including NOTE",
      "timing": "Exact filing and benefit dates matter; no verification turnaround is specified.",
      "review_status": "Live exception verified; no individual quarter count or eligibility conclusion."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500502135",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live exception verified; no individual quarter count or eligibility conclusion."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-lapr-natural-adoptive-parent-quarters",
      "title": "Review parent work before age 18, including adoption changes",
      "when": "SSA considers natural or adoptive parent earnings for the permanent-resident qualifying-quarter provision.",
      "you": "Tell SSA parent identities, your birth date, adoption dates and available relevant work information.",
      "ssa": "The field office checks the parent work period through the quarter the claimant reached 18, even if the claimant is now older or the parent has died. Natural-parent quarters can include work before the claimant birth. Adoptive-parent quarters can also include earlier work if adoption occurred before age 18. Biological-parent quarters are not creditable after parental rights were lost through adoption, but quarters already credited are not lost if that loss occurred after the eligibility determination. Staff verify relevant earnings under the quarter-development procedure.",
      "route": "Field office SSI parent-relationship and qualifying-quarter review.",
      "next": "Ask which dates and evidence remain needed. Parent quarters considered here do not automatically establish SSI eligibility or Title II entitlement.",
      "source": "ssilaprquarters",
      "section": "B.2.c introductory paragraph, B.2.c.2-B.2.c.3, B.2.c.7; D.2 step3",
      "timing": "The age-18 quarter, adoption date and timing of any prior determination matter; no processing deadline is specified.",
      "review_status": "Live selected rules verified; detailed relationship-document requirements remain a separate review."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500502135",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live selected rules verified; detailed relationship-document requirements remain a separate review."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-lapr-stepparent-marriage-quarters",
      "title": "Check stepparent work when parents separate or divorce",
      "when": "SSA considers stepparent earnings in the permanent-resident qualifying-quarter review.",
      "you": "Explain marriage, separation, divorce or annulment dates and identify relevant stepparent work.",
      "ssa": "The field office checks whether the marriage to the natural or adoptive parent occurred before the claimant turned 18 and remained undissolved by divorce or annulment at the eligibility determination. Creditable periods run from the marriage quarter through the age-18 quarter. Separation without divorce can satisfy this relationship condition. Quarters already credited are not lost if the parents later divorce. Natural or adoptive parent quarters may also be considered under their applicable rules.",
      "route": "Field office SSI relationship-period and qualifying-quarter development.",
      "next": "Ask which marriage dates and earnings periods SSA still needs. Relationship review alone does not establish the quarter total or all SSI eligibility conditions.",
      "source": "ssilaprquarters",
      "section": "B.2.c.4 including NOTE; B.2.c.5; D.2 step3",
      "timing": "Marriage before age18 and legal relationship at determination matter; no claim-completion time is specified.",
      "review_status": "Selected live subsection verified; model age18-only trigger rejected."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500502135",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected live subsection verified; model age18-only trigger rejected."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-lapr-parent-holdingout-quarters",
      "title": "Check a parent holding-out spouse relationship for child work quarters",
      "when": "SSA considers quarters from a natural or adoptive parent partner under the holding-out spouse rule.",
      "you": "Explain the relationship, household and child-age facts, and provide requested evidence.",
      "ssa": "The field office checks whether the holding-out relationship still exists at determination, the partner lives with the parent, and the claimant is under18. Only quarters during that relationship are considered under this branch. Holding out means both people present themselves to their community as married. For the linked noncitizen relationship development, staff obtain the other person signed statement; when both allege holding out, obtain the beginning date, SSA-4178 and at least three qualifying evidence items, then evaluate the evidence.",
      "route": "Field office SSI relationship evidence review and qualifying-quarter development.",
      "next": "Ask which evidence items are needed. Living together alone does not resolve the relationship or overall SSI eligibility.",
      "source": "ssilaprquarters",
      "section": "B.2.c.6",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "ssialienmaritalevidence",
          "section": "B.3.a"
        },
        {
          "source": "ssiholdingout",
          "section": "A; C.3-C.4"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "Current relationship and age at determination are required here; no completion deadline is specified.",
      "review_status": "Special noncitizen evidence instructions verified; legal-stepparent adult-claimant rule not imported."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500502135",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Special noncitizen evidence instructions verified; legal-stepparent adult-claimant rule not imported."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-deceased-holdingout-prior-determination",
      "title": "Locate a prior holding-out determination after spouse death",
      "when": "SSA develops a noncitizen spousal relationship after an alleged holding-out spouse has died.",
      "you": "Tell SSA about earlier SSI relationship decisions and explain whether the relationship continued until death.",
      "ssa": "The field office checks that SSA developed and determined the holding-out relationship before death and that it had not ended. Evidence can include prior signed statements, supporting relationship records or the SSI record showing the spouse. Staff accept continued relationship through death absent contrary evidence. They must not make a new retroactive holding-out determination after death when the required spouse statement cannot be obtained.",
      "route": "Field office SSI prior-file and spousal-relationship evidence review.",
      "next": "Ask staff to locate the earlier determination and explain what remains unverified. This evidence rule alone does not decide overall eligibility.",
      "source": "ssialienmaritalevidence",
      "section": "B.3.b excluding separate deceased-veteran eligibility NOTE",
      "timing": "The relationship determination must predate death. No retrieval or decision turnaround is specified.",
      "review_status": "Live subsection verified; deceased-veteran remarriage condition not generalized to all spouse-quarter cases."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500502145",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live subsection verified; deceased-veteran remarriage condition not generalized to all spouse-quarter cases."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-noncitizen-ceremonial-marriage-evidence",
      "title": "Use alternative marriage evidence when preferred proof is unavailable",
      "when": "SSA verifies a ceremonial marriage for a noncitizen spousal-relationship eligibility provision.",
      "you": "Provide available marriage records and tell SSA if preferred proof cannot be obtained.",
      "ssa": "The field office requests preferred proof such as a public, religious or foreign marriage record or original certificate. If unavailable, staff consider secondary proof under the linked marriage-evidence rules: officiant or witness statements, a newspaper wedding account, or statements from at least two people who know a ceremony occurred. A prior Title II spouse-benefit entitlement record can support the marriage, while its duration may require additional evidence.",
      "route": "Field office SSI marital-evidence review, including prior Title II record review when applicable.",
      "next": "Ask which alternative evidence and marriage dates still need verification. A missing preferred certificate does not alone resolve the relationship determination.",
      "source": "ssialienmaritalevidence",
      "section": "B.1; B.2.a; B.2.b first bullet",
      "timing": "No evidence-retrieval or decision deadline is specified; duration is verified separately when material.",
      "review_status": "Live selected subsection checked; separate written-worker-confirmation alternative not implemented without linked procedure review."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500502145",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live selected subsection checked; separate written-worker-confirmation alternative not implemented without linked procedure review."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-aged-sevenyear-disability-appeal",
      "title": "Raise blindness or disability when appealing seven-year loss",
      "when": "An aged recipient appeals loss of SSI under the seven-year rule and alleges lawful U.S. residence on August22,1996.",
      "you": "Tell SSA about blindness or disability and your 1996 residence and immigration history.",
      "ssa": "The field office develops three issues: blindness/disability, U.S. residency and lawful presence on August22,1996. Disability onset may be later than that date. The medical decision is initial-level; noncitizen eligibility on appeal is reconsideration-level. When continued payments are involved, the field office asks DDS for priority medical processing.",
      "route": "Field office noncitizen reconsideration coordinated with DDS medical determination.",
      "next": "Ask SSA about the specific continued-payment provision and evidence needed. The planned-action notice explains loss, appeal and continuation rights.",
      "source": "ssisevenyearlimit",
      "section": "C.3.a-C.3.c",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "ssialienblinddisabled1996",
          "section": "B.1-B.2"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "This specific continuation path requires appeal within60days of receiving the planned-action notice or good cause for lateness, plus its stated allegations. Continued benefits stop in the month of an unfavorable noncitizen-eligibility reconsideration based on any of the three issues. No medical turnaround is guaranteed.",
      "review_status": "Specific live appeal rule verified; no general deadline substituted or individual continuation decision made."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500502106",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Specific live appeal rule verified; no general deadline substituted or individual continuation decision made."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-1996-residence-temporary-absence",
      "title": "Review an absence around August 1996 separately from current residence",
      "when": "SSA develops the historical lawful-residence condition and the claimant was temporarily outside the United States around August22,1996.",
      "you": "Explain travel dates, intent to return, maintained home ties and available immigration documents.",
      "ssa": "The field office develops residence intent and lawful presence for that historical date. An absence under six months without intent to abandon does not interrupt historical residence; over six months raises a rebuttable abandonment presumption. If outside on August22,1996, establish that DHS would or did allow lawful reentry. Staff request relevant DHS documents and verify them through SAVE, while developing residence evidence separately.",
      "route": "Field office historical-residence and immigration-document review, with DHS verification.",
      "next": "Provide available home, rent, utility or other residence evidence and ask what remains needed. Current SSI residence and physical-presence conditions still require separate review.",
      "source": "ssialienblinddisabled1996",
      "section": "B.2.a-B.2.b; D.1-D.2",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "usresidencyevidence",
          "section": "C; D.3"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "This historical test does not authorize a current six-month absence. The exact-six-month boundary is not resolved here; no individual residence finding is made.",
      "review_status": "Live linked evidence verified; historical intent and current payment-presence rules kept distinct."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500502142",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live linked evidence verified; historical intent and current payment-presence rules kept distinct."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-residence-secondary-evidence-unavailable-documents",
      "title": "Develop residence evidence when usual documents are unavailable",
      "when": "SSA has questions about U.S. residence and convincing documentary evidence cannot be obtained.",
      "you": "Explain why records are unavailable, describe your living arrangements and identify people with first-hand knowledge of your residence.",
      "ssa": "The field office first seeks convincing evidence. When unavailable and absent contrary evidence, staff use open-ended residence questions and secondary evidence. After attempts to obtain convincing records are exhausted, staff seek reliable, disinterested first-hand statements. The determination or Report of Contact records why documents were unavailable, questions and answers, at least two knowledgeable disinterested statements, and relevant observations.",
      "route": "Field office residency evidence development and documented determination.",
      "next": "Ask which records or contacts could resolve the question. Missing a lease alone does not establish the final residence finding.",
      "source": "usresidencyevidence",
      "section": "C.1; C.2.a-C.2.b; C.3",
      "timing": "Secondary statements follow exhausted attempts to obtain convincing evidence; no retrieval or decision time is specified.",
      "review_status": "Live procedure verified; staff documentation duties not assigned to the customer."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200303740",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live procedure verified; staff documentation duties not assigned to the customer."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-border-in-care-of-residence",
      "title": "Explain an in-care-of address in a border office service area",
      "when": "The claimant uses another person address in a field-office service area bordering Canada or Mexico.",
      "you": "Explain where you actually live, how long you have lived there and why you receive mail elsewhere.",
      "ssa": "The field office contacts the claimant in person and develops residence evidence. Staff ask how long the claimant lived at the mailing address. If not living there, staff establish actual residence and duration, contact location, reason for separate mail delivery, who lives at the mailing address, relationship to that person and when the claimant can be reached there. If convincing evidence and answers do not establish residence, staff obtain secondary evidence under the linked procedure.",
      "route": "Servicing field office in-person residency development and documented evidence review.",
      "next": "Ask how to arrange the requested contact and which residence evidence is needed. The mailing address alone does not establish the outcome.",
      "source": "usresidencyevidence",
      "section": "E; C.1-C.3",
      "timing": "No contact or decision deadline is specified; this special in-person instruction is limited to the stated border-area circumstances.",
      "review_status": "Live E verified; no home-visit mandate or automatic denial inferred."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200303740",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live E verified; no home-visit mandate or automatic denial inferred."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-aged-timelimited-medical-denial-notice",
      "title": "Read a medical denial while current time-limited eligibility continues",
      "when": "An aged recipient currently eligible under the seven-year provision receives an unfavorable medical decision in the separate blindness/disability development.",
      "you": "Review the medical explanation and appeal instructions; tell SSA if the notice or attachment is missing.",
      "ssa": "The field office records the DDS decision and prepares a manual SSI Important Information notice, SSA-L8166-U-2, with the DDS personalized medical explanation. The notice explains that the medical denial does not affect current eligibility under the applicable time-limited status and that the initial medical decision can be appealed. Staff mail the notice and medical write-up together.",
      "route": "DDS medical explanation returned to the field office for the scoped manual notice and appeal-rights mailing.",
      "next": "Use the notice appeal instructions if you disagree. Ask staff to distinguish the medical decision from any later action at the end of the time-limited period.",
      "source": "ssialienblinddisabled1996",
      "section": "F step4.c; F step8.a-F step8.c",
      "timing": "Current eligibility may continue through the applicable seven-year period subject to other conditions. No mailing turnaround or individual continuation decision is promised.",
      "review_status": "Live scoped notice verified; does not apply to a claimant who needs medical allowance for any noncitizen eligibility."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500502142",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live scoped notice verified; does not apply to a claimant who needs medical allowance for any noncitizen eligibility."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-aged-medical-allowance-time-limit-notice",
      "title": "Receive an explanation when the noncitizen time limit is removed",
      "when": "An aged recipient currently eligible under the seven-year provision receives a favorable DDS decision and meets the historical lawful-residence exception.",
      "you": "Review the new notice and report any facts that differ from SSA records.",
      "ssa": "The field office updates the medical determination and prepares a manual SSA-L8166 SSI Important Information notice. It explains that the earlier award time limit no longer applies because the recipient was found blind or disabled and lawfully residing in the United States on August22,1996. The explanation expressly depends on all other eligibility factors continuing to be met.",
      "route": "DDS favorable decision to field office medical-record update and manual notice.",
      "next": "Keep the notice and ask SSA to explain any remaining time-limit entry or missing explanation. A medical allowance by itself does not establish every condition.",
      "source": "ssialienblinddisabled1996",
      "section": "F step7.a-step7.c; B.1-B.2",
      "timing": "The manual notice follows the favorable medical determination and applicable findings; no notice-production or payment turnaround is specified.",
      "review_status": "Live scoped procedure verified; no permanent payment guarantee or individual eligibility conclusion."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500502142",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live scoped procedure verified; no permanent payment guarantee or individual eligibility conclusion."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-sevenyear-annual-reminder",
      "title": "Check the annual seven-year reminder and report status changes",
      "when": "A recipient subject to the noncitizen seven-year limit receives an SSA-L8165 Important Information reminder.",
      "you": "Review the listed beginning and ending dates and tell SSA about changed status or a possible exception.",
      "ssa": "The annual reminder explains the time limit and supplies SSA and USCIS contact information. It is issued to legally competent adult recipients and, where appropriate, eligible spouses, payees, guardians and authorized representatives. Staff can locate it in notice history or the archived notice record. The field office provides existing publications, citizenship information referrals and appropriate other-agency benefit referrals when the limit causes suspension.",
      "route": "SSA notice record and field office eligibility/status review; USCIS for naturalization information.",
      "next": "Ask SSA to review any incorrect status date or missing exception. The separate normal suspension notice applies at the period end if status remains unchanged.",
      "source": "ssisevenyearlimit",
      "section": "F.4-F.8",
      "timing": "The source specifies automatic annual issuance in June absent status changes. This is not a guaranteed delivery date or a new seven-year period.",
      "review_status": "Live F verified; 2005/2006 exhibit naturalization guidance not adopted as current advice."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500502106",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live F verified; 2005/2006 exhibit naturalization guidance not adopted as current advice."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-aged-medical-required-pending-development",
      "title": "Develop other evidence while the required medical decision is pending",
      "when": "An aged claimant needs a medical allowance for the noncitizen exception and presumptive blindness or disability payments are not involved.",
      "you": "Respond to medical and nonmedical evidence requests and tell SSA about missing documents.",
      "ssa": "The field office requests a new DDS disability decision for this provision rather than adopting a prior Title II disability decision for someone age65 or older. Staff simultaneously develop immigration evidence, verify current qualified status through SAVE, and review other nonmedical conditions. They return original immigration documents after storing copies. The claim remains pending until the DDS decision; premature closure can create an erroneous denial.",
      "route": "Field office nonmedical development coordinated with DDS medical review.",
      "next": "Ask which evidence is outstanding and whether the medical decision has returned. A pending medical issue does not prevent staff from developing the other factors.",
      "source": "ssialienblinddisabled1996",
      "section": "F step12.a-step12.d",
      "timing": "Development proceeds together; no DDS completion time or payment entitlement is promised.",
      "review_status": "Live scoped workflow verified; unverified screen-by-screen operational details not reproduced."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500502142",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live scoped workflow verified; unverified screen-by-screen operational details not reproduced."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-aged-medical-required-denial-notice",
      "title": "Receive the medical explanation with a required-allowance denial",
      "when": "An aged claimant is medically denied and a medical allowance was required for the noncitizen eligibility provision.",
      "you": "Read the decision and medical attachment; contact SSA if an enclosure is missing or the stated reason is unclear.",
      "ssa": "The field office processes this scoped denial, suppresses the automated notice and prepares the manual SSA-L8030-U2 ALIEN02 denial using the aged-person-not-disabled paragraph. Staff attach the DDS Information About the Disability Decision write-up and mail both documents to the claimant.",
      "route": "DDS medical explanation to the field office for the scoped manual denial and enclosure mailing.",
      "next": "Use the decision instructions to seek review if you disagree. Ask SSA which eligibility provision was decided; the separate notice for a person already eligible under the seven-year category has different payment consequences.",
      "source": "ssialienblinddisabled1996",
      "section": "F step15.a-step15.c; F step12.a explanatory note",
      "timing": "The manual notice follows the medical decision and scoped denial processing; no mailing deadline or individual eligibility conclusion is inferred.",
      "review_status": "Live selected notice procedure verified; old screen navigation and coding not reproduced."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500502142",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live selected notice procedure verified; old screen navigation and coding not reproduced."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-noncitizen-couple-staggered-decisions",
      "title": "Process the eligible member while the spouse medical decision is pending",
      "when": "In a noncitizen couple case, an aged member is eligible without a medical decision while the under65 spouse awaits one.",
      "you": "Respond to each member evidence requests and identify which decision or payment question concerns which person.",
      "ssa": "The field office can adjudicate the eligible aged member as an individual while the spouse medical decision is pending. When that decision arrives, staff update the record whether it is favorable or unfavorable and address any earlier-period amount due the spouse through the specified one-time payment process. The source also directs individual-record processing when an under65 disabled member is approved first and the other member is still awaiting a decision.",
      "route": "Field office individual/couple record coordination with DDS medical decision follow-through.",
      "next": "Ask which member is currently eligible and how SSA will review earlier months after the second decision. No spouse allowance or payment amount is assumed.",
      "source": "ssialienblinddisabled1996",
      "section": "G.2-G.4",
      "timing": "The first eligible member can be processed while the second decision is pending; no guaranteed payment date is specified.",
      "review_status": "Live scoped coordination verified; legacy record codes and computation acronym not reproduced."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500502142",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live scoped coordination verified; legacy record codes and computation acronym not reproduced."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-aged-posteligibility-disability-review",
      "title": "Ask about the disability exception during a time-limit review",
      "when": "A recipient age65 or older alleges blindness/disability while SSA reviews the time-limited noncitizen provision.",
      "you": "Tell SSA about the medical condition, earlier medical decisions and lawful residence on August22,1996.",
      "ssa": "The field office checks the subsection gates: applicable time-limited category, historical lawful residence, no applicable grandfathered category, and no prior medical decision or an ended appeal period for a prior denial. Staff develop the issue at scheduled or unscheduled redetermination, after contact about the suspension notice, or during an inquiry before that notice. They obtain disability forms, send them to DDS and control receipt of the decision.",
      "route": "Field office posteligibility review coordinated with DDS; an appeal of time-limit suspension has separate continuation requirements.",
      "next": "Ask which exception is being developed and which decision remains pending. Review the resulting medical explanation and notice.",
      "source": "ssialienblinddisabled1996",
      "section": "H.1-H.3 introductory development; H.3.a-H.3.b notice outcomes",
      "timing": "The inquiry can occur before the suspension notice; no medical decision deadline is specified. Appeal-period and continuation questions require their separate rules.",
      "review_status": "Live trigger/development verified; favorable/adverse notice details mapped separately in research473."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500502142",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live trigger/development verified; favorable/adverse notice details mapped separately in research473."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-lapr-currentyear-fortieth-quarter",
      "title": "Review current-year earnings near the fortieth qualifying quarter",
      "when": "A permanent resident may reach the 40 qualifying-quarter requirement using current-year earnings.",
      "you": "Report current earnings and any pending appeal; provide requested earnings evidence.",
      "ssa": "The field office checks verified earnings and allowed quarter assignments. Current-year quarters can be assigned only to past or current quarters, one per quarter per worker. If the fortieth quarter becomes creditable during the application life, eligibility under this provision can begin no earlier than the first month of its assigned quarter. Staff review application life and appeal status rather than assuming a new claim is always required.",
      "route": "Field office SSI qualifying-quarter and application/appeal review.",
      "next": "Ask which quarter and application period SSA is considering. Payment-start rules and other eligibility factors still require separate review.",
      "source": "ssilaprquarters",
      "section": "B.2.f",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "applicationlifepolicy",
          "section": "D.1-D.2"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "Application life runs through a final determination and can continue through a timely or good-cause appeal up to the ALJ decision, including specified ALJ remands. No future-quarter credit or individual payment date is inferred.",
      "review_status": "Live quarter and application-life subsections verified; current-year self-employment evidence remains a separate detailed path."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500502135",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live quarter and application-life subsections verified; current-year self-employment evidence remains a separate detailed path."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-lapr-fiveyear-quarter-gate",
      "title": "Check entry dates and exceptions before relying on forty quarters",
      "when": "A permanent resident seeks SSI under the 40 qualifying-quarter provision after entering on or after August22,1996.",
      "you": "Provide entry and status-adjustment history, including earlier immigration statuses.",
      "ssa": "The field office checks the five-year restriction as well as the quarter total. The period generally starts with entry as a qualified noncitizen; if entry was not in qualified status, it starts with later adjustment to qualified status. Staff review the listed exceptions before applying the restriction, including qualifying refugee, asylum, withholding and Cuban/Haitian entrant histories and applicable military-family or other exceptions. Each exception requires its own evidence and conditions.",
      "route": "Field office SSI noncitizen eligibility and verified status-history review.",
      "next": "Ask which entry/status date and exception SSA is reviewing. Do not assume forty quarters alone establish eligibility or that everyone must wait five years.",
      "source": "ssilaprquarters",
      "section": "B.1 including EXCEPTIONS",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "ssialienbasic",
          "section": "A.3.b"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "The five-year period is measured from the applicable qualified-status event; no individual waiting period, application advice to delay or eligibility result is calculated here.",
      "review_status": "Current basic rule and detailed exceptions checked; older G845 entry-verification pointer not implemented without currency reconciliation."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500502135",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Current basic rule and detailed exceptions checked; older G845 entry-verification pointer not implemented without currency reconciliation."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-cfa-current-application-processing",
      "title": "Verify CFA immigration evidence under the current SSI application route",
      "when": "A person seeks SSI under the Compacts of Free Association provision and SSA reviews the applicable status and other conditions.",
      "you": "Provide available immigration documents and explain missing evidence.",
      "ssa": "The field office takes the application, reviews immigration documents and verifies them through SAVE in every case under this provision. Staff store legible copies of both sides, return original documents and retain the verification response. After verification, staff develop other eligibility factors and send the case to DDS when a medical decision is appropriate. If another factor makes the claimant ineligible, staff decide that factor rather than treating CFA status itself as the reason.",
      "route": "Field office SSI evidence and eligibility development, DHS verification and DDS when appropriate.",
      "next": "Ask which evidence or other eligibility issue remains. Lawful CFA residence alone does not establish all SSI requirements.",
      "source": "ssicfaeligibility",
      "section": "A; B introductory verification; C.1-C.2",
      "timing": "The current field-office processing instructions apply beginning September26,2026. Earlier manual force-due cases have a separate conversion instruction; no verification or payment turnaround is promised.",
      "review_status": "Live current procedure verified; archived emergency processing not restarted or generalized."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500502113",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live current procedure verified; archived emergency processing not restarted or generalized."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-cfa-initial-status-check-inconclusive",
      "title": "Continue verification after an inconclusive initial CFA status check",
      "when": "The initial SAVE process does not verify the status claimed under the CFA SSI provision.",
      "you": "Provide available immigration evidence and respond to any specific document request.",
      "ssa": "The field office initiates additional verification rather than treating an inconclusive initial result as a completed status determination. The source describes I-94 CFA/PAL, CFA/FSM, CFA/MIS and older CFA/RMI notations, electronic I-94 printouts, and possible I-766 A08 evidence. Staff review the documents and continue the verification process under the referenced instructions.",
      "route": "Field office additional DHS verification; detailed linked processing remains subject to source confirmation.",
      "next": "Ask which document or verification step remains outstanding. Do not assume the initial result means approval or denial.",
      "source": "ssicfaeligibility",
      "section": "B.1-B.2",
      "timing": "No additional-verification response deadline is specified in this subsection.",
      "review_status": "Live113 initiation and document scope verified; linked620/630 detailed procedures unavailable in this retrieval and not invented."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500502113",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live113 initiation and document scope verified; linked620/630 detailed procedures unavailable in this retrieval and not invented."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-lapr-no-work-quarter-statement",
      "title": "Explain a no-work history without unnecessary quarter searches",
      "when": "The permanent resident alleges that neither they nor the parents or spouses defined by this provision ever worked while residing in the United States.",
      "you": "Explain the relevant work history accurately and sign the specific statement SSA requests.",
      "ssa": "The field office explains the consequences, obtains a signed statement of that no-work history and records that the forty-quarter requirement is not met. Quarter verification is unnecessary under this narrow condition. Staff distinguish that finding from other possible noncitizen eligibility categories identified in the source.",
      "route": "Field office SSI qualifying-quarter determination and review of other potentially applicable categories.",
      "next": "Tell SSA about any work or relationship information omitted from the allegation and ask whether another category needs development. A failure of this quarter requirement alone does not decide every SSI eligibility route.",
      "source": "ssilaprquarters",
      "section": "D.1; C NOTE",
      "timing": "No signed-statement or claim-completion deadline is specified.",
      "review_status": "Live narrow no-verification condition checked; no automatic overall denial inferred."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500502135",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live narrow no-verification condition checked; no automatic overall denial inferred."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-family-quarter-totals-not-titleii-credits",
      "title": "Distinguish family SSI quarters from your own earnings record",
      "when": "SSA combines eligible family work periods for the permanent-resident forty-quarter provision.",
      "you": "Identify relevant family work and relationship periods; ask which credits SSA counted.",
      "ssa": "The field office calculates qualifying quarters from covered and noncovered earnings under the applicable rules. After1977, each worker can supply up to four quarters per year. The claimant may receive more than four credited quarters for a year by combining eligible own, parent and spouse quarters, subject to relationship periods and exclusions. Parent or spouse quarters credited for this SSI provision do not establish the claimant Title II entitlement and are not posted to the claimant earnings record.",
      "route": "Field office SSI qualifying-quarter calculation and evidence documentation.",
      "next": "Ask for an explanation of the SSI quarter determination. A family-quarter total here does not mean the relative earnings were transferred to your Social Security record.",
      "source": "ssilaprquarters",
      "section": "B.2.b; D.2 steps3-4",
      "timing": "Annual per-worker limits apply; no earnings-posting or decision deadline is specified.",
      "review_status": "Live distinction verified; model overreach that own quarters never count for TitleII rejected."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500502135",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live distinction verified; model overreach that own quarters never count for TitleII rejected."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-quarter-shortfall-certified-evidence-review",
      "title": "Review earnings evidence before concluding a qualifying-quarter shortfall",
      "when": "Initial record review does not establish forty qualifying quarters and relevant own or family earnings are alleged.",
      "you": "Identify missing work periods, employers and which person earned the wages.",
      "ssa": "The field office follows the earnings-record verification sequence, including eligible family earnings when alleged and certified records when earlier counts remain insufficient. Staff review certified records with the respective workers while observing disclosure rules. If further earnings remain alleged, staff continue the referenced earnings development. If the reviewed count remains short and no further earnings are alleged, staff retain the claimant certified record and document the quarter determination and supporting evidence.",
      "route": "Field office SSI quarter review and applicable earnings-evidence development; living-relative record safeguards remain in force.",
      "next": "Ask which earnings periods were reviewed and what evidence can resolve a missing-work allegation. The quarter finding is separate from overall SSI eligibility.",
      "source": "ssilaprquarters",
      "section": "D.2 steps1-6",
      "timing": "The evidence sequence precedes the scoped quarter determination; no record-retrieval or claim-completion deadline is specified.",
      "review_status": "Live sequence and disclosure scope verified; no customer instruction to obtain internal queries."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500502135",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live sequence and disclosure scope verified; no customer instruction to obtain internal queries."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-parent-quarter-relationship-evidence",
      "title": "Document the parent relationship before using family qualifying quarters",
      "when": "A parent’s earnings are offered for the LAPR qualifying-quarter category.",
      "you": "Provide available relationship records and identify conflicting information.",
      "ssa": "The field office documents relationship evidence under the verification cross-reference in SI 00502.135A5. SI 00502.140D2a requires evidence in the file and does not permit an unverified relationship allegation. The quarter rule removes a general same-household requirement except for holding-out relationships. Staff apply the separate age and relationship-period conditions before crediting quarters.",
      "route": "Field office SSI relationship-evidence development, followed by qualifying-quarter review.",
      "next": "Ask what relationship evidence remains needed; supplying evidence does not establish overall SSI eligibility.",
      "source": "ssilaprquarters",
      "section": "A.5; B.2.c",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "ssialienmilitaryfamily",
          "section": "D.2.a"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "Relationship verification precedes crediting family quarters; no processing deadline is specified.",
      "review_status": "Selected live cross-references checked; stale parent-definition pointer and general deeming allegation rules recorded separately."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500502135",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected live cross-references checked; stale parent-definition pointer and general deeming allegation rules recorded separately."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-historical-quarter-paid-evidence",
      "title": "Check when historical wages were paid before assigning qualifying quarters",
      "when": "The quarter review depends on earnings before1978.",
      "you": "Identify payment dates and available tax, payroll or employer-service records.",
      "ssa": "The field office uses quarters actually paid for pre1978 earnings. For nonagricultural wages after1936 through1977, the linked wage rule requires at least$50 paid in the quarter, combining employers. For pre1937 work with annual tax evidence alone and at least$200 annual earnings,135B2e permits at most one quarter, assigned advantageously. Additional evidence of a full year with the same employer permits dividing annual earnings by$50, capped at four. Staff also apply the family relationship-period limits.",
      "route": "Field office historical earnings and SSI qualifying-quarter review; agricultural wages and self-employment require their separate rules.",
      "next": "Ask which payment period or employer-service evidence is missing. The result establishes the scoped quarter count, not overall eligibility.",
      "source": "ssilaprquarters",
      "section": "B.2.b; B.2.e",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "historicalwagequarters",
          "section": "A; B.1-B.2"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "These are historical credit-assignment periods, not a response or processing deadline.",
      "review_status": "Live historical text verified; no current-year dollar threshold inferred."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500502135",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live historical text verified; no current-year dollar threshold inferred."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-simultaneous-spouse-quarter-crediting",
      "title": "Review qualifying quarters from concurrent spouse relationships",
      "when": "A claimant is separated but not divorced from a legal spouse and has a current holding-out spouse, or both eligible couple members have earnings.",
      "you": "Identify each relationship, its dates and the relevant work periods.",
      "ssa": "The field office may consider quarters from both the legal spouse and the current holding-out spouse simultaneously under135B2d2. Under135B2d3, quarters belonging to eligible couple members may be credited to both members. Staff verify relationship periods before counting. For a living holding-out spouse,145B3a requires that person’s signed statement; when both allege holding-out, staff obtain the starting date, SSA-4178 and at least three specified evidence items, then evaluate the relationship.",
      "route": "Field office SSI marital-evidence development and qualifying-quarter review; living-relative earnings disclosure safeguards continue.",
      "next": "Ask which relationship periods and evidence items remain unresolved. A combined count does not decide all SSI requirements.",
      "source": "ssilaprquarters",
      "section": "B.2.d.1-B.2.d.3; D.2 step4",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "ssialienmaritalevidence",
          "section": "B.1; B.3.a"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "Verify relationships and applicable periods before crediting; no completion deadline specified.",
      "review_status": "Live special marital-evidence and simultaneous-crediting rules checked; no holding-out evidence demand applied to the legal spouse merely because of separation."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500502135",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live special marital-evidence and simultaneous-crediting rules checked; no holding-out evidence demand applied to the legal spouse merely because of separation."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-marriageyear-quarter-assignment",
      "title": "Assign annual earnings to qualifying marriage quarters",
      "when": "Post1977 spouse earnings and a marriage spanning only part of the earnings year affect the qualifying-quarter count.",
      "you": "Provide the marriage date and identify the earnings year.",
      "ssa": "The field office assigns available qualifying quarters within the earnings year advantageously, subject to the applicable restrictions. A quarter of marriage can count even when the spouse worked at another time in that same year. The135B2e example assigns two available quarters to the two quarters touched by an August marriage. Staff verify the relationship period and annual earnings rather than requiring work during each assigned marriage quarter. Current-year assignments remain limited to past and current quarters, one per worker per quarter.",
      "route": "Field office SSI qualifying-quarter assignment and relationship-period review.",
      "next": "Ask whether the annual earnings were assigned to eligible marriage quarters; the quarter finding remains separate from the SSI payment-start decision.",
      "source": "ssilaprquarters",
      "section": "B.2.e example; B.2.f",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "quarterassignment",
          "section": "A; B"
        },
        {
          "source": "quarterrestrictions",
          "section": "4"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "A qualifying quarter is acquired on its first day; future quarters cannot be assigned currently. This is not a processing-time promise.",
      "review_status": "Live specialSSI assignment example checked with linked flexible-assignment/future-quarter rules; no blanket import of TitleII freeze exclusions into noncoveredQQs."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500502135",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live specialSSI assignment example checked with linked flexible-assignment/future-quarter rules; no blanket import of TitleII freeze exclusions into noncoveredQQs."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-historical-agricultural-quarter-allocation",
      "title": "Review historical agricultural wages under their separate allocation rule",
      "when": "Qualifying-quarter development involves agricultural wages paid after1954 and before1978.",
      "you": "Identify the employers, year and agricultural wage payments available for verification.",
      "ssa": "The field office checks the historical agricultural rule instead of applying the nonagricultural$50-paid-quarter test. Annual agricultural wages of$400 or more ordinarily yield four quarters; $300-399.99 yield the last three, $200-299.99 the last two and $100-199.99 the last quarter. Assignment uses quarters not otherwise credited and remains subject to restrictions. Staff identify whether flexible assignment needs separate development under00301.325.",
      "route": "Field office historical agricultural earnings and SSI qualifying-quarter review; coverage and flexible-assignment exceptions require their cited rules.",
      "next": "Ask whether the correct agricultural year and existing wage quarters were considered; the allocation alone does not establish SSI eligibility.",
      "source": "historicalagriculturalquarters",
      "section": "A; B example",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "ssilaprquarters",
          "section": "B.2.b; B.2.e"
        },
        {
          "source": "quarterrestrictions",
          "section": "1"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "The specified years and quarters are historical allocation periods; no processing deadline is stated.",
      "review_status": "Live historical allocation verified; separate coverage and flexible-assignment details remain in discovery."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0300301320",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live historical allocation verified; separate coverage and flexible-assignment details remain in discovery."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-historical-selfemployment-taxyear-allocation",
      "title": "Allocate historical self-employment using the taxable-year rule",
      "when": "Quarter development involves self-employment for a taxable year beginning after1950 and before1978.",
      "you": "Identify the taxable-year beginning and ending dates and provide available net-earnings records.",
      "ssa": "The field office applies the historical self-employment rule separately from the nonagricultural wage-payment test. Net self-employment earnings must reach$400 for the taxable year; the ordinary rule credits four quarters unless a short taxable year is involved. Calendar-year income is allocated equally to each quarter. Fiscal or short-year income is allocated equally to the ending quarter and the next three or fewer preceding quarters touching the taxable year. Staff check the separately referenced maximum-earnings exception when relevant rather than treating four as universal.",
      "route": "Field office historical earnings and qualifying-quarter review; maximum-earnings exception requires separate development.",
      "next": "Ask which taxable-year dates and earnings evidence remain needed; staff perform the credit allocation.",
      "source": "historicalselfemploymentquarters",
      "section": "A; B.1-B.2",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "ssilaprquarters",
          "section": "B.2.b; B.2.e"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "No credit applies to a taxable year beginning before1951; death and taxable-year boundaries constrain the historical period. No processing deadline is given.",
      "review_status": "Live allocation rule checked; no current threshold, rounded example arithmetic or automatic five-quarter SSI result inferred."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0300301340",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live allocation rule checked; no current threshold, rounded example arithmetic or automatic five-quarter SSI result inferred."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-agricultural-1951-1954-regular-wage-quarters",
      "title": "Use the earlier agricultural rule for1951 through1954",
      "when": "The qualifying-quarter review reaches agricultural labor wages in1951-1954.",
      "you": "Identify the wage-payment quarters and provide available records.",
      "ssa": "The field office treats agricultural labor quarters in1951-1954 as regular wage quarters under325A1. Staff use the regular wage rule for that period, including combining employers toward the$50 paid-quarter amount, instead of applying the later1955-1977 annual agricultural bands.",
      "route": "Field office historical earnings-period classification and SSI qualifying-quarter review.",
      "next": "Ask which historical rule and payment quarters support the count; overall SSI eligibility remains a separate determination.",
      "source": "agriculturalflexiblequarters",
      "section": "A.1",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "historicalwagequarters",
          "section": "A; B.1-B.2"
        },
        {
          "source": "historicalagriculturalquarters",
          "section": "A"
        },
        {
          "source": "ssilaprquarters",
          "section": "B.2.b"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "The1951-1954 range selects the historical rule; it is not a claim-processing deadline.",
      "review_status": "Live period-specific rule checked; separate flexible-assignment authority not generalized to everySSI case."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0300301325",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live period-specific rule checked; separate flexible-assignment authority not generalized to everySSI case."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-covered-wage-review-other-evidence",
      "title": "Consider employer and other evidence when covered wages are disputed",
      "when": "A qualifying-quarter shortfall leads to a dispute about covered wages on the earnings record.",
      "you": "Identify the employer, work and payment periods, and records that may show the discrepancy.",
      "ssa": "The field office reviews the covered-wage issue with the respective worker and observes family-record disclosure safeguards. The posted record is presumed correct, including missing entries, but contrary evidence may come from the worker, employer, a third party or information already in SSA files that was not associated with the worker’s number. SSA determines whether that evidence is sufficient to overcome the presumption and supports any applicable correction.",
      "route": "Field office covered-wage development and qualifying-quarter review; noncovered earnings follow their separate SSI evidence route.",
      "next": "Explain where contrary evidence can be obtained and ask which discrepancy remains unresolved; a missing posting is not resolved by allegation alone.",
      "source": "wagedevelopmentpolicy",
      "section": "B.1-B.4",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "ssilaprquarters",
          "section": "D.2 step6; step4 safeguard"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "Applicable record-correction time-limit rules require separate review; this evidence policy sets no retrieval or completion deadline.",
      "review_status": "Live evidence-source/sufficiency policy checked; no customer demand to obtain internal queries or universal right to correction inferred."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0301404003",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live evidence-source/sufficiency policy checked; no customer demand to obtain internal queries or universal right to correction inferred."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-survivor",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "apply-survivor-1",
      "title": "Contact SSA to apply",
      "you": "Call SSA or visit a local office about the application.",
      "ssa": "The SSA-10 information page describes phone and office application routes.",
      "source": "survivor",
      "section": "How to apply",
      "owner": "SSA; exact internal assignment not established",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "SSA national number or local office → survivor-claim application assistance",
      "next": "Contact SSA about applying and call ahead about arrangements. Appointment wording on this form-information page requires reconciliation with current service-delivery guidance; this overview does not promise walk-in access."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ssa-10.html",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-survivor",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "apply-survivor-2",
      "title": "Provide family and work information",
      "you": "Answer the requested relationship, marriage and work questions.",
      "ssa": "Request information relevant to the surviving-spouse claim.",
      "source": "survivor",
      "section": "What we will ask you",
      "owner": "SSA; exact internal assignment not established",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "Relationship, marriage and work information → SSA claim development",
      "next": "Answer the questions SSA requests for the surviving-spouse claim. The public information checklist does not establish a final eligibility result or exact internal assignment."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ssa-10.html",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-survivor",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "apply-survivor-3",
      "title": "Develop the evidence",
      "you": "Provide requested death, relationship and other evidence.",
      "ssa": "SSA says not to delay filing solely because documents are missing and offers help obtaining them.",
      "source": "survivor",
      "section": "Documents you may need",
      "owner": "SSA; exact internal assignment not established",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "Requested death and relationship evidence → SSA evidence review",
      "next": "SSA says not to delay filing solely because documents are missing and offers help obtaining them. Follow the requested evidence rules and instructions; no payment date follows automatically from submitting documents."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ssa-10.html",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-survivor",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "remarriage-age-entitlement",
      "title": "A surviving spouse has remarried",
      "when": "A claim or existing entitlement needs review.",
      "you": "Provide marriage date, age and prior entitlement details.",
      "ssa": "Distinguish the initial-entitlement disregard rules from termination rules for existing benefits.",
      "route": "Survivor claims review",
      "next": "Current widow(er) entitlement and an initial claim are different questions.",
      "source": "survivorremarriage",
      "section": "A–B",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300207003",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-survivor",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "remarriage-after60",
      "title": "Remarriage followed attainment of age 60",
      "when": "A widow(er) or surviving divorced spouse applies at 60 or older.",
      "you": "Give the exact marriage and birth dates.",
      "ssa": "Disregard remarriage when the cited age condition is met.",
      "route": "Survivor entitlement review",
      "next": "Other survivor-benefit requirements remain.",
      "source": "survivorremarriage",
      "section": "A.2–3",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300207003",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-survivor",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "disabled-remarriage50",
      "title": "You remarried after 50 while disabled",
      "when": "An initial disabled widow(er) or surviving divorced-spouse claim is being reviewed before 60.",
      "you": "Give marriage and disability dates and prior entitlement details.",
      "ssa": "Apply the remarriage-disregard conditions, including disability at remarriage; later claims at 60 require their own prior-entitlement test.",
      "route": "FO survivor eligibility development",
      "next": "Do not apply the age-60 exception mechanically to all age-50 cases.",
      "source": "survivorremarriage",
      "section": "A.1–2",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300207003",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-survivor",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "remarriage-controlling-date",
      "title": "Disability at remarriage is material",
      "when": "The age-50 remarriage rule is being evaluated.",
      "you": "Give the marriage date and relevant disability history.",
      "ssa": "Apply the controlling-date guide; remarriage can set an earlier medical-development date, with a separate prior-DWB-at-remarriage exception.",
      "route": "FO date development → medical review",
      "next": "The atlas does not calculate a personal onset or controlling date.",
      "source": "dwbdates",
      "section": "C, lines 7–8 and following paragraphs",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411005050",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-survivor",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "dwb-medicare-only-unfavorable-notice",
      "title": "A disabled widow(er) claim seeks Medicare only and has an unfavorable onset date",
      "when": "DDS prepares the specified unfavorable allowance on a disabled widow(er) claim filed only for Medicare coverage.",
      "you": "Keep the Medicare-related determination and explanation. Ask SSA which component will issue the notice if only a medical explanation has been discussed.",
      "ssa": "Under DI 26530.015 D.2, DDS prepares the personalized disability explanation and forwards the case to the program service center (PSC). The PSC releases that explanation with its notice. Check applicable explanation exceptions, including DI 26530.005 D.3 for later onset that still permits earliest disabled-Medicare entitlement.",
      "route": "DDS explanation preparation → PSC case handoff and notice release",
      "next": "This instruction assigns notice responsibility; it does not establish a cash widow(er) award or waive the PSC notice. Read the issued notice for the actual determination and response instructions.",
      "source": "disabilitypartialnotice",
      "section": "D.2",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "disabilityexplanationcases",
          "section": "D.3"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "No PSC handoff, notice-delivery or Medicare-entitlement processing duration is specified.",
      "review_status": "Selected Medicare-only initial-claim notice handoff checked; not the Medicare-continuation-during-appeal procedure."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0426530015",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected Medicare-only initial-claim notice handoff checked; not the Medicare-continuation-during-appeal procedure."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-survivor",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "widow-ssi-loss-medicaid-partA",
      "title": "Widow(er) benefits end SSI before Medicare Part A begins",
      "when": "A former SSI/SSP widow(er) recipient may meet the special Medicaid continuation conditions after Title II payments begin.",
      "you": "Keep the SSI planned-action notice and ask the State Medicaid agency about this continuation provision. Tell SSA and the State about any Medicare Part A entitlement.",
      "ssa": "SI 01715.015 B.5.a describes continuation where SSI/SSP would otherwise remain payable but for Title II, SSI/SSP was received the preceding month, and Part A entitlement has not begun. SSA sends State data and includes referral paragraphs 1142/1144 in planned-action notices for the specified excess-income SSI-loss, continuing-income BIC D/W and no-Part-A conditions. Under B.5.c, the field office assists State requests by checking the MBR for Part A; if absent, SSI records may identify waiting/qualifying-period credit months.",
      "route": "SSA referral and requested Part A record check → State Medicaid agency review",
      "next": "This continuation basis ends at Part A entitlement. Current status and other coverage rules still require review; the State issues Medicaid ineligibility decisions and notices.",
      "source": "formerSSImedicaid",
      "section": "A; B.5.a; B.5.c",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "ssimedicaidrouting",
          "section": "A.3"
        },
        {
          "source": "ssimedicaidgeneral",
          "section": "C.2"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "Part A entitlement is a coverage condition; no referral or State-review completion duration is specified.",
      "review_status": "Selected continuation/referral and PartA-check handoff verified; individual coverage and credit-month calculations are not determined."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0501715015",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected continuation/referral and PartA-check handoff verified; individual coverage and credit-month calculations are not determined."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-survivor",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "dwb-ssi-ssp-waiting-credit",
      "title": "Prior SSI or SSP months may count toward DWB and Medicare waiting periods",
      "when": "A current or former SSI or federally administered SSP recipient becomes entitled, or deemed entitled for Medicare only, to DWB under the applicable standard.",
      "you": "Tell SSA about prior SSI/SSP eligibility, including periods without payments. Ask staff to check the records rather than assuming only paid months count.",
      "ssa": "HI 00801.154 B credits the eligibility period from the first month eligible for any payment through DWB entitlement, including nonpayment, suspension and termination months. The same months can count toward both the five-month DWB waiting period and the 24-month Medicare qualifying period. DI 11015.001 C.1 also directs the field office to code the Benefit Continuity Factors screen for windfall offset when SSI is involved, preventing premature retroactive-benefit release before the SSI determination processes.",
      "route": "Field-office SSI/SSP history and DWB/Medicare credit review → applicable offset/payment follow-through",
      "next": "Staff must apply the credit and remaining entitlement conditions. This does not guarantee immediate Medicare, cash payment or a particular amount.",
      "source": "dwbmedicarecredit",
      "section": "B",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "dwbgeneral",
          "section": "C.1"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "Five and 24 months are waiting/qualifying periods that may receive credit; they are not claim-processing deadlines.",
      "review_status": "Selected credit-month rule and SSI offset handoff checked; complete DI11015.020 evidence/calculation procedure remains to be reviewed."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0600801154",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected credit-month rule and SSI offset handoff checked; complete DI11015.020 evidence/calculation procedure remains to be reviewed."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-survivor",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "titleii-underpayment-samepriority-survivor-dies",
      "title": "Several survivors share an underpayment or one dies before receiving it",
      "when": "More than one person qualifies in the highest Title II underpayment-priority category, or a listed recipient dies before receiving or negotiating the payment.",
      "you": "Provide SSA with relevant relationship, benefit and death information when requested. Ask which priority category applies; this Title II rule does not establish the SSI underpayment outcome.",
      "ssa": "Determine the highest eligible priority category and divide the underpayment equally among its members. If a recipient dies before receipt or negotiation, divide that share among living people in the same category; if nobody else remains there, pay living people in the next lower category. Before issuing a death underpayment, check Numident to determine whether the potential recipient is deceased. Do not assume that the deceased recipient’s estate automatically takes that share.",
      "route": "SSA Title II underpayment priority/recipient-status review → living recipients in the applicable category",
      "next": "SSA determines the proper living recipients and shares under the statutory order. This subsection does not prescribe a specific redistribution notice or decide anyone’s individual eligibility here.",
      "source": "titleiiunderpaymentpriority",
      "section": "B.1–B.2",
      "timing": "Death before receipt or check negotiation changes the distribution path. No processing deadline is stated.",
      "review_status": "Live B1/B2 verified; queue299 invented notification and omitted equal-share calculation, not merged. Full priority and estate exceptions remain separately queued."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202301030",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live B1/B2 verified; queue299 invented notification and omitted equal-share calculation, not merged. Full priority and estate exceptions remain separately queued."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-survivor",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "estate-goodacquittance-no-precedent",
      "title": "SSA has no precedent for the estate collector’s payment authority",
      "when": "There is no precedent establishing whether a person designated to receive or collect estate assets can give SSA good acquittance for the underpayment.",
      "you": "Provide requested evidence of your authority and information about people with higher priority. Ask SSA which evidence it needs; this procedure does not direct you to contact an internal legal office yourself.",
      "ssa": "Good acquittance requires the person’s attestation that nobody with higher priority could claim the underpayment and SSA’s determination that this is true. When there is no precedent about the estate collector’s authority, send the case to the regional office, PSC, Operations Support Branch or equivalent as appropriate. That receiving component forwards the question to Regional Chief Counsel or the Office of General Counsel for guidance.",
      "route": "SSA underpayment authority review → appropriate RO/PSC/OSB or equivalent → RCC/OGC legal guidance",
      "next": "SSA obtains legal guidance about payment authority. Holding an estate-related title alone is not treated here as proof that the underpayment is payable.",
      "source": "titleiiunderpaymentpriority",
      "section": "C.1–C.2",
      "timing": "No customer completion deadline is stated for legal guidance.",
      "review_status": "Live attestation-plus-verification and two-stage legal route checked; queue300 omitted evidence gate and invented no further customer action, not merged."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202301030",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live attestation-plus-verification and two-stage legal route checked; queue300 omitted evidence gate and invented no further customer action, not merged."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-survivor",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "underpayment-valid-claim-after-distribution",
      "title": "A valid claimant comes forward after the underpayment was distributed",
      "when": "SSA receives a valid request for a share after it already distributed a Title II underpayment.",
      "you": "Give SSA the information supporting your request. If SSA contacts you about an earlier payment, respond to its refund or evidence request. A family settlement is not presented as a prerequisite to submitting your request.",
      "ssa": "The FO explores an amicable settlement among eligible recipients. If settlement is not possible, issue the adverse claimant their proper share and request refund of amounts erroneously paid to other recipients. If previously paid recipients fail to refund, treat those funds as an overpayment and process accordingly. Verify the request and proper share; do not treat every later allegation as an approved claim.",
      "route": "FO valid-claim/share review → recipient settlement attempt → proper-share payment and erroneous-payment refund request; failure to refund → overpayment processing",
      "next": "SSA corrects the distribution through the applicable settlement or payment/refund route. This subsection does not prescribe a named customer notice or guarantee a particular result for an unverified claim.",
      "source": "titleiiunderpaymentpriority",
      "section": "D",
      "timing": "No processing, settlement or refund deadline is stated in this subsection.",
      "review_status": "Live sequence and failure-to-refund condition verified; model blank trigger and incomplete customer role not merged."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202301030",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live sequence and failure-to-refund condition verified; model blank trigger and incomplete customer role not merged."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-survivor",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "estate-courtappointment-evidence-current-authority",
      "title": "An estate representative supplies court-appointment evidence",
      "when": "A person seeks to receive a Title II underpayment as a court-appointed executor or administrator.",
      "you": "Provide the court-certified appointment evidence and your full representative title. If the certification is more than a year old, the document must show that the appointment remains in effect. Being named executor in a will alone does not satisfy this court-appointment proof rule.",
      "ssa": "Accept qualifying certified court orders, appointment letters, short certificates or proper court-official documents clearly naming the estate representative. Check certification by a proper court officer; copies of certified documents are acceptable only if made by a proper court officer. Review continued effect when certification is over a year old and any other authority evidence needed. Retain appointment certifications in the deceased beneficiary’s electronic file using the cited document-retention route.",
      "route": "SSA Title II estate-authority evidence review → certified appointment/current-effect check → deceased beneficiary’s electronic evidence file",
      "next": "SSA determines whether the evidence establishes the claimed authority, subject to priority and good-acquittance rules. No individual underpayment award is determined here.",
      "source": "estatelegalrepresentative",
      "section": "A; D.2–D.5",
      "timing": "More-than-one-year certification age requires evidence that appointment remains effective; it is not a processing deadline.",
      "review_status": "Live documentary alternatives, court certification and retention checked; queue302 blank trigger/vague routing and unsupported format uncertainty not merged."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202301035",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live documentary alternatives, court certification and retention checked; queue302 blank trigger/vague routing and unsupported format uncertainty not merged."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-survivor",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "estate-alternative-authority-evidence-law",
      "title": "Estate authority rests on a small-estate rule or another legal basis",
      "when": "A claimant seeks Title II underpayment authority through a small-estate statute, public administration, foreign law or another asset-collection authority.",
      "you": "Provide evidence of the specific authority you rely on, as requested by SSA. Court appointment is not presented as a universal requirement for every alternative-authority path.",
      "ssa": "Apply the law of the State or foreign country where the deceased resided at death and require good acquittance. A small-estate claimant must show compliance with the applicable statutory requirements. A public administrator must show authority to collect assets, for which a certified appointment order may be acceptable; another collector must show their authority, for which an affidavit or certified order may be acceptable. If qualification is questioned, send to the RO, which forwards to RCC for guidance. Foreign-authority details require the cited country-policy review.",
      "route": "SSA authority-specific evidence and applicable-law review → RO → RCC if qualification is uncertain",
      "next": "SSA determines whether the claimed authority and evidence qualify under the applicable law. This does not decide an individual estate or survivor entitlement.",
      "source": "estatelegalrepresentative",
      "section": "A; B; C; D.1",
      "timing": "The applicable-law reference is residence at death. No processing deadline is stated.",
      "review_status": "Live evidence alternatives and legal route verified; model used applicable law as trigger and introduced unsupported priority uncertainty, not merged. Country-specific and State-statute details remain queued."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202301035",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live evidence alternatives and legal route verified; model used applicable law as trigger and introduced unsupported priority uncertainty, not merged. Country-specific and State-statute details remain queued."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-survivor",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "smallestate-requirements-not-yet-satisfied",
      "title": "A small-estate claimant has not yet satisfied the State requirements",
      "when": "The claimant can qualify only as estate legal representative, no executor or administrator was appointed, and the person appears to meet small-estate requirements but has not complied with them.",
      "you": "Contact the appropriate civil authority for information on satisfying the applicable State requirements, as SSA advises. Provide the resulting evidence to SSA; this path does not promise that you qualify.",
      "ssa": "Review the estate-only and no-appointed-representative conditions. Apply the small-estate law of the deceased’s State of domicile at death. Advise the not-yet-compliant claimant to contact the appropriate civil authority. A statute from a different State does not provide good acquittance under this rule. Verify the applicable requirements rather than inventing an estate-value threshold or universally requiring probate appointment.",
      "route": "SSA small-estate/domicile review → appropriate civil authority for State compliance information → SSA evidence review",
      "next": "The claimant learns and satisfies the applicable requirements if possible; SSA then evaluates authority and payment priority. The subsection does not specify a named notice or payment deadline.",
      "source": "smallestatejurisdiction",
      "section": "A; B; C.1–C.2",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "estatelegalrepresentative",
          "section": "C; D.1"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "Domicile is determined at death; no processing or State-compliance deadline is stated.",
      "review_status": "Live general SSA route checked; specific State statutes/thresholds remain unverified. Queue304 useful summary preserved but routing omitted return-to-SSA evidence review; independently authored."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202315005",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live general SSA route checked; specific State statutes/thresholds remain unverified. Queue304 useful summary preserved but routing omitted return-to-SSA evidence review; independently authored."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-survivor",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "titleii-underpayment-statutory-priority",
      "title": "SSA identifies who has priority for a Title II underpayment after death",
      "when": "A deceased Title II beneficiary has an underpayment to distribute after applicable overpayment handling.",
      "you": "Provide requested relationship, household and benefit information. Ask SSA which statutory category applies; an underpayment is a separate issue from a new survivor-benefit application.",
      "ssa": "Apply amounts due against the deceased’s overpayment unless recovery was waived, subject to the linked protest procedures. For the remainder, review priority in order: spouse living in the same household at death or entitled on the same earnings record for the death month; children entitled on that record for that month; similarly entitled parents; then other surviving spouse, children and parents; finally the estate’s legal representative. The surviving-divorced-spouse note excludes that spouse provision. Verify relationships and estate authority rather than assuming the category from a label.",
      "route": "SSA Title II overpayment/protest and statutory-priority review → highest qualifying recipient category",
      "next": "SSA determines the proper category and available amount. These Title II priorities do not establish the SSI underpayment rules or an individual award.",
      "source": "titleiiunderpaymentpriority",
      "section": "A",
      "timing": "Household-at-death and death-month entitlement conditions apply to the first categories; no processing deadline is stated.",
      "review_status": "Live priority order and .065 current cross-reference checked. Detailed pending-protest hold is separately queued. Model omitted offset/waiver and divorce note in action; not merged."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202301030",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live priority order and .065 current cross-reference checked. Detailed pending-protest hold is separately queued. Model omitted offset/waiver and divorce note in action; not merged."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-survivor",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "deceased-titleii-protest-underpayment-hold",
      "title": "A deceased Title II beneficiary’s overpayment protest is unresolved",
      "when": "A Title II underpayment is due and the deceased beneficiary’s overpayment waiver or reconsideration protest remains unresolved.",
      "you": "Customer guidance: ask SSA which protest remains pending and respond to evidence requests through the applicable appeal or waiver process. This branch does not say that no further customer action can be needed.",
      "ssa": "Do not release the underpayment until the unresolved waiver or reconsideration protest is resolved. In the separate no-pending-protest condition, withhold the outstanding overpayment amount and issue any remainder to the proper recipients under statutory priority. Do not release a remainder while treating the unresolved-protest condition as though it were the no-protest route.",
      "route": "SSA Title II protest-status review → pending waiver/reconsideration resolution before release; no protest → offset and statutory-priority remainder",
      "next": "The protest disposition determines the available underpayment and next distribution step. This Title II hold is not a universal SSI rule.",
      "source": "deceasedtitleiioverpayment",
      "section": "A; B",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "titleiiunderpaymentpriority",
          "section": "A"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "The hold lasts until protest resolution; no resolution deadline is stated.",
      "review_status": "Live2024 procedure verified; queue306 wrongly combined paying remainder with pending protest and invented no further action, rejected."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202301065",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live2024 procedure verified; queue306 wrongly combined paying remainder with pending protest and invented no further action, rejected."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-survivor",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "survivor-preliminary-request-before-minimum-evidence",
      "title": "Request preliminary-payment review while minimum evidence is still being obtained",
      "when": "A survivor claimant reports urgent living-expense needs while the initial claim is being developed.",
      "you": "Describe the immediate needs and ask SSA to consider preliminary-payment procedures.",
      "ssa": "The field-office adjudicator assesses indications of need during the initial or later interview. Staff may take the preliminary-payment request before all minimum payment evidence is available, preferably during the initial interview. Taking the request does not authorize payment: the minimum evidence and applicability requirements must be met before preliminary payments are made.",
      "route": "Field office preliminary-payment request and evidence/applicability review within the survivor claim.",
      "next": "Ask which minimum evidence and applicability conditions remain outstanding; supply requested evidence promptly.",
      "source": "preliminarypaymentgeneral",
      "section": "A; C",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "act205expedited",
          "section": "q(3); q(5)"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "A request can be taken at any adjudicative stage; preliminary certification may precede statutory waiting periods only under its conditions. No payment-by date is promised.",
      "review_status": "Live earlyrequest versuspayment distinction checked; disability-basedsurvivor andlump-sum claims not included by this branch."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0302807001",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live earlyrequest versuspayment distinction checked; disability-basedsurvivor andlump-sum claims not included by this branch."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-survivor",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "survivor-household-partial-award-before-preliminary",
      "title": "Check household partial adjudication before preliminary payments",
      "when": "Final evidence may permit an award for some claimants living in the same household while other development remains.",
      "you": "Identify household claimants and evidence already available for each claim.",
      "ssa": "The field office checks whether partial adjudication can pay a household claimant using final evidence. RS02807.001B directs partial adjudication rather than preliminary payment when that procedure permits payment to claimants in the same household. Staff separately apply the partial-award entitlement, unresolved-issue and immediate-payment conditions and maintain control of outstanding issues.",
      "route": "Field office claim-specific partial-adjudication review and appropriate payment/control processing.",
      "next": "Ask which claim can be decided and which issue remains pending; partial adjudication does not establish entitlement for every household member.",
      "source": "preliminarypaymentgeneral",
      "section": "B note",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "preliminarypaymentapplicability",
          "section": "F"
        },
        {
          "source": "partial",
          "section": "B; B.1"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "No universal partial-award completion duration is specified; applicability and payment due must be established.",
      "review_status": "Live household boundary checked;005F links01010.100 but currentpartialpolicy is01010.110, recorded in research505."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0302807001",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live household boundary checked;005F links01010.100 but currentpartialpolicy is01010.110, recorded in research505."
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-death",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "report-death-1",
      "title": "Identify the reporter",
      "you": "Provide the report and relationship information requested.",
      "ssa": "Distinguish acceptable first-party reports from third-party allegations.",
      "source": "death",
      "section": "C–E",
      "owner": "SSA receiving component",
      "systems": [
        "DIPS"
      ],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "SSA receiving component → reporter and beneficiary-status classification",
      "next": "SSA distinguishes acceptable first-party reports, third-party beneficiary reports and non-beneficiary reports. Required identifying information and verification rules depend on that classification."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202602050",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-death",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "report-death-2",
      "title": "Apply the verification rule",
      "you": "Respond if further verification is needed.",
      "ssa": "Verify third-party death reports for beneficiaries before terminating benefits. First-party rules differ.",
      "source": "death",
      "section": "C–D",
      "owner": "SSA receiving component",
      "systems": [
        "DATS"
      ],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "SSA receiving component → required third-party beneficiary verification",
      "next": "A third-party beneficiary report must be verified before benefits are terminated. Acceptable first-party reports follow a different rule. This step does not ask the customer to certify that SSA completed its verification."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202602050",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-death",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "report-death-3",
      "title": "Record and consider related actions",
      "you": "Ask separately about possible survivor claims.",
      "ssa": "Record death information through DIPS/Numident and develop appropriate survivor-benefit leads.",
      "source": "death",
      "section": "A; F",
      "owner": "SSA receiving component",
      "systems": [
        "DIPS",
        "Numident"
      ],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "DIPS / Numident → payment systems and appropriate survivor-claim leads",
      "next": "SSA records the death information and considers related survivor claims and payee issues. A death report does not itself establish another person’s entitlement to survivor benefits."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202602050",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-death",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-couple",
      "title": "The person received SSI as part of an eligible couple",
      "when": "One member of an SSI eligible couple dies.",
      "you": "Tell SSA who else receives benefits on the record.",
      "ssa": "Review the death input and its effect on the survivor’s payment; individual status starts the following month.",
      "route": "FO → SSI record / payment review",
      "next": "The survivor’s SSI requires its own review.",
      "source": "ssideath",
      "section": "A.2; B stage 2",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0502301250",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-death",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-payee-notice",
      "title": "A payee receives an SSI death-termination notice",
      "when": "The deceased recipient’s record has a payee.",
      "you": "Read the notice and appeal rights; report a mistaken death immediately.",
      "ssa": "The system issues SSA-L8166 with appeal rights to the payee.",
      "route": "SSI termination → payee notice",
      "next": "T01 is an advance-notice exception; no universal prior-warning promise.",
      "source": "ssideath",
      "section": "B stages 3–4",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0502301250",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-death",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "deceased-ss5-parent-names",
      "title": "Requesting a deceased person’s SS-5",
      "when": "Request includes parent names.",
      "you": "Identify the requested SS-5 record.",
      "ssa": "Route to the OEIO FOIA Workgroup; parent names require proof of their deaths.",
      "route": "OEIO FOIA Workgroup",
      "next": "Provide requested death proof; no release or timing guarantee.",
      "source": "deceaseddisclosure",
      "section": "C.4",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected subsection checked; remaining disclosure exceptions require review"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0203315010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; remaining disclosure exceptions require review"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-death",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "deceased-adap-consult",
      "title": "The deceased record includes protected treatment information",
      "when": "A disclosure request involves ADAP records.",
      "you": "Explain the requested records and purpose to SSA.",
      "ssa": "Consult the regional Privacy Act Coordinator. For required vital-statistics disclosures, the coordinator contacts the Office of the General Counsel; other disclosures also require coordinator guidance.",
      "route": "Regional Privacy Act Coordinator; Office of the General Counsel for the cited vital-statistics case",
      "next": "SSA must obtain the prescribed guidance before resolving the disclosure request; release is not automatic.",
      "source": "deceaseddisclosure",
      "section": "B.2.c; C.2",
      "timing": "No consultation or completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Consultation route checked; no independent interpretation of 42 CFR 2.15"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0203315010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Consultation route checked; no independent interpretation of 42 CFR 2.15"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-death",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "funeral-director-ssn-disclosure",
      "title": "A funeral director asks SSA to verify the deceased person’s SSN",
      "when": "A funeral home director requests SSN disclosure or verification.",
      "you": "Provide the requested proof of death.",
      "ssa": "Check for proof of death from a source other than the State before providing the requested information.",
      "route": "SSA disclosure review; exact internal assignment not established",
      "next": "The request requires the specified death evidence; a State death report alone does not establish this release route.",
      "source": "deceaseddisclosure",
      "section": "C.5",
      "timing": "No processing duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected disclosure condition checked; other applicable restrictions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0203315010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected disclosure condition checked; other applicable restrictions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeal-disability",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "appeal-disability-1",
      "title": "Check the appeal route",
      "you": "Use the determination and official appeal service.",
      "ssa": "iAppeals screens the case and presents the appropriate appeal request.",
      "source": "appeal",
      "section": "C–D",
      "owner": "SSA iAppeals",
      "systems": [
        "EDCS",
        "iAppeals"
      ],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "iAppeals screening → applicable medical appeal form or instruction to contact SSA",
      "next": "If screening fails, the service directs you to contact SSA. The cited procedure does not promise that SSA will initiate the contact for you."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0481007050",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeal-disability",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "appeal-disability-2",
      "title": "Complete the appeal package",
      "you": "Complete the request, disability report and applicable authorization.",
      "ssa": "The service requires the relevant forms and allows document attachments.",
      "source": "appeal",
      "section": "E–F",
      "owner": "SSA iAppeals",
      "systems": [
        "i3441",
        "SSA-827"
      ],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "Online appeal package → SSA; paper SSA-827 when required → field office",
      "next": "Complete and submit the appeal request and report. If electronic authorization is unavailable or not used, send the signed paper SSA-827 with its cover sheet as instructed. Minimum online completion may still leave information needed for transfer."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0481007050",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeal-disability",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "appeal-disability-3",
      "title": "Submit, not just save",
      "you": "Submit the appeal within the applicable notice deadline.",
      "ssa": "Starting an iAppeals draft does not protect the appeal filing date.",
      "source": "appeal",
      "section": "B; F",
      "owner": "SSA iAppeals",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "Submit Appeal → SSA receipt of completed online package",
      "next": "Saving or starting a draft does not protect the appeal filing date. Submit within the applicable deadline; the draft reentry period is not an extension. Late filing requires separate good-cause review."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0481007050",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeal-disability",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "titleii-worklist",
      "title": "An online Title II appeal has been submitted",
      "when": "The request is on the office’s Internet Disability WMI list.",
      "you": "Keep the submission receipt.",
      "ssa": "Managers/technicians check the list; import within five business days, resolve discrepancies and develop late-filing cause if needed.",
      "route": "FO WMI → MCS → EDCS / DDS or hearing office",
      "next": "The list does not automatically assign a technician.",
      "source": "iappealsrouting",
      "section": "D.1–3",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0203101125",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeal-disability",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "titleii-hearing-transfer",
      "title": "The online request is for a Title II hearing",
      "when": "The case requires a hearing-office transfer.",
      "you": "Keep responding to development requests.",
      "ssa": "Transfer through EDCS within five business days of the WMI submit date; send a copy of the request.",
      "route": "FO → servicing hearing office",
      "next": "The transfer target is not a hearing-date or decision guarantee.",
      "source": "iappealsrouting",
      "section": "D.3.d",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0203101125",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeal-disability",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "submitted-update",
      "title": "You need to change an already submitted appeal",
      "when": "The iAppeals submission is complete.",
      "you": "Provide later updates by mail, phone or in person; retain the receipt.",
      "ssa": "Handle updates outside the submitted iAppeals form.",
      "route": "Claimant → SSA appeal contact",
      "next": "Saving a reentry number alone is not submission.",
      "source": "iappealsrouting",
      "section": "A; C; C.1",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0203101125",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeal-disability",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-intake",
      "title": "The online disability appeal includes SSI",
      "when": "A Title XVI internet appeal is submitted.",
      "you": "Keep the receipt and answer discrepancy questions.",
      "ssa": "Import within five business days of the WMI submit date; complete missing fields and develop late-filing cause when needed.",
      "route": "FO → MSSICS → EDCS",
      "next": "The source describes NEWINT creation and next-day workload listing; these are intake stages.",
      "source": "ssiiappeals",
      "section": "B.1–3",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0504005035",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeal-disability",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-hearing",
      "title": "The SSI appeal requests a hearing",
      "when": "The Title XVI case requires hearing-office transfer.",
      "you": "Review the mailed copy of your appeal request.",
      "ssa": "Transfer through EDCS within five business days of WMI submission; mail a copy and process any listed non-medical issue too.",
      "route": "FO → servicing hearing office",
      "next": "This staff transfer target does not promise a hearing date.",
      "source": "ssiiappeals",
      "section": "B.4–6",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0504005035",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeal-disability",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "late-reconsideration-good-cause-not-found",
      "title": "Good cause is not found for a late reconsideration request",
      "when": "The responsible component does not find good cause to extend the reconsideration filing time.",
      "you": "Keep the dismissal and any separate new-application closeout notification; ask about the dates and requests each document concerns.",
      "ssa": "Staff dismiss reconsideration and notify the claimant without an appeal-rights paragraph, examine the correctness of the prior action and possible reopening, and consider the appeal request as a protective writing for a new application. A protective filing is closed by taking an application or providing closeout notification.",
      "route": "Component with reconsideration jurisdiction → dismissal and prior-action review → applicable new-application protective-filing closeout.",
      "next": "Review the actual notices and ask whether a new application is needed to use a protected filing date. The protective writing is not an extension of the dismissed appeal.",
      "source": "appealgoodcauseprocedure",
      "section": "D.1.b.2",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "closeout",
          "section": "A"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "Protective closeout runs from its notification: six months for Title II, 60 days for Title XVI, with the following-workday rule. These are application closeout periods, not appeal or decision deadlines.",
      "review_status": "Official reconsideration-specific outcome and closeout rule checked; no blanket statement that every dismissal is beyond all review."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0203101020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official reconsideration-specific outcome and closeout rule checked; no blanket statement that every dismissal is beyond all review."
  },
  {
    "journey": "disability-review",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "disability-review-1",
      "title": "Complete the requested report",
      "you": "Describe current health and daily-life information.",
      "ssa": "SSA sends the review request and report instructions.",
      "source": "cdreview",
      "section": "What to do during a Disability review",
      "owner": "SSA; exact internal assignment not established",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "SSA review letter → requested Continuing Disability Review report",
      "next": "Complete the requested health and daily-life report using the letter’s instructions. The request does not decide whether benefits continue."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/disability/review",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "disability-review",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "disability-review-2",
      "title": "Return the report",
      "you": "Use the listed online, upload, fax or mail route.",
      "ssa": "Check the report for necessary information and send the case to DDS.",
      "source": "cdreview",
      "section": "Other ways; After you submit",
      "owner": "SSA → DDS",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "Report submission → SSA information check → state DDS examiner",
      "next": "SSA describes checking that it has the needed information before sending the case to DDS. The public page lists online, upload, fax and mail options; detailed staff processing screens are outside this overview."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/disability/review",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "disability-review",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "disability-review-3",
      "title": "Complete further development",
      "you": "Respond to examiner requests or an examination if needed.",
      "ssa": "DDS may request more forms or an examination; SSA mails the review decision and appeal information when relevant.",
      "source": "cdreview",
      "section": "After you submit",
      "owner": "DDS / SSA",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "DDS examiner development → SSA review decision letter",
      "next": "The examiner contacts you and may request forms or schedule an examination. SSA mails the decision after review and explains appeal if it finds you no longer eligible. No overall review duration is given."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/disability/review",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "disability-review",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "cdr-pending-court-action",
      "title": "A court case is pending during the review",
      "when": "An individual civil action or active class action is pending.",
      "you": "Continue responding to review requests.",
      "ssa": "Do not screen out or delay the scheduled CDR solely for the pending action; complete the review and process under the applicable order.",
      "route": "DDS CDR processing → applicable order handling",
      "next": "A pending case does not itself suspend review requests.",
      "source": "cdrscreening",
      "section": "B.2",
      "timing": "No end-to-end processing duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected screening condition checked; full case-category policy remains"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0428003005",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected screening condition checked; full case-category policy remains"
  },
  {
    "journey": "disability-review",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "child-cdr-future-diary",
      "title": "A child’s record has a future medical diary",
      "when": "DDS screens a Title XVI child case.",
      "you": "Keep earlier decisions and current requests.",
      "ssa": "Do not screen out solely for a future diary. The cited ordinary-child exception requires a fully developed recent decision and an unmatured diary not due within three months; the cited C.3 recent-decision rule excludes low-birth-weight and age-18 redetermination cases.",
      "route": "DDS case-type-specific screening",
      "next": "The 12-month decision and three-month diary conditions are not customer response deadlines.",
      "source": "cdrscreening",
      "section": "B.3; C.3",
      "timing": "No end-to-end processing duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected screening condition checked; full case-category policy remains"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0428003005",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected screening condition checked; full case-category policy remains"
  },
  {
    "journey": "disability-review",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "cdr-abroad-jurisdiction",
      "title": "A Title II or concurrent CDR involves foreign residence",
      "when": "The C.1 chart applies, excluding concurrent age-18 medical redeterminations, and a border FO does not service the foreign residence.",
      "you": "Identify current residence when asked.",
      "ssa": "OEIO assumes jurisdiction; DDS forwards the case to V22 OIO/IDO.",
      "route": "DDS → OEIO, V22 OIO/IDO",
      "next": "This route is restricted by workload and residence; it is not a rule excluding everyone who is age 18.",
      "source": "cdrscreening",
      "section": "C.1 foreign-country row",
      "timing": "No end-to-end processing duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected screening condition checked; full case-category policy remains"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0428003005",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected screening condition checked; full case-category policy remains"
  },
  {
    "journey": "disability-review",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "cdr-incorrect-alert-closeout",
      "title": "DDS finds the CDR alert was incorrect",
      "when": "DDS determines the case was incorrectly selected or alerted.",
      "you": "Explain the discrepancy and retain requests until SSA clarifies the review status.",
      "ssa": "DDS may stop the CDR, process No Determination, document the reason on SSA-5002 or DDE addressed to FO, and annotate that FO will prepare and release a closeout notice.",
      "route": "DDS documented No Determination → applicable return route → FO closeout notice",
      "next": "Expect the FO closeout notice when the screened-out case is closed. No Determination is not a medical cessation decision or a promised payment change.",
      "source": "cdrscreening",
      "section": "E; F",
      "timing": "No closeout or mailing duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected documentation and notice responsibilities checked; detailed paper/electronic return manuals remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0428003005",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected documentation and notice responsibilities checked; detailed paper/electronic return manuals remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "disability-review",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "cdr-career-railroad-route",
      "title": "The review involves a career railroad case",
      "when": "The CDR is classified as a career railroad case.",
      "you": "Identify relevant railroad benefit information when requested.",
      "ssa": "Return the case to FO for routing to Great Lakes Programs Service Center / Disability Review Section for processing and Railroad Retirement Board coordination.",
      "route": "DDS → FO → GLPSC / DRS ↔ Railroad Retirement Board",
      "next": "Non-career railroad cases follow normal procedures; this route does not establish a disability or payment result.",
      "source": "cdrscreening",
      "section": "D",
      "timing": "No processing or coordination duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected career-case route checked; linked classification and coordination instructions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0428003005",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected career-case route checked; linked classification and coordination instructions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "disability-review",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "cdr-ticket-use-timing",
      "title": "Ticket use predates the relevant CDR selection or initiation",
      "when": "The applicable Title II/concurrent or SSI-adult chart applies, excluding the specified age-18 workloads.",
      "you": "Identify Ticket-use dates and retain review notices.",
      "ssa": "Check whether the Ticket was in use before mailer selection or full medical CDR initiation. If a mailer led to a later full CDR, use the individual/payee initiation-notice date as the controlling date.",
      "route": "DDS chart-specific screening → applicable No Determination return when criteria met",
      "next": "Ticket involvement alone does not establish protection. SSA must check the timing and applicable work-incentive policy.",
      "source": "cdrscreening",
      "section": "C.1–C.2 Ticket rows",
      "timing": "Relative Ticket-use/selection/notice dates, not a processing-duration guarantee",
      "review_status": "Chart timing condition checked; complete Ticket protection policy remains"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0428003005",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Chart timing condition checked; complete Ticket protection policy remains"
  },
  {
    "journey": "disability-review",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "cdr-working-diary-twp",
      "title": "Work activity requires checking the diary and trial-work status",
      "when": "The Title II/concurrent C.1 chart applies, excluding concurrent age-18 medical redeterminations.",
      "you": "Provide requested work dates and earnings information.",
      "ssa": "Check the working/MIP-or-MINE/not-completed-TWP combination. For working MIE cases, continue needed medical/work review; return to FO when its assistance is needed.",
      "route": "DDS screening or continued review → FO work development when needed",
      "next": "Work alone does not prevent a medical review. TWP completion and medical-diary category are distinct checks.",
      "source": "cdrscreening",
      "section": "C.1 working row",
      "timing": "Diary and trial-work conditions; no processing duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected chart condition checked; detailed work/medical-development exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0428003005",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected chart condition checked; detailed work/medical-development exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "disability-review",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "new-work-mip-mine-development",
      "title": "Work is discovered during MIP or MINE medical development",
      "when": "Medical development began, no final decision exists, TWP is incomplete, and the case has a MIP or MINE diary.",
      "you": "Provide requested work facts while SSA determines the proper review route.",
      "ssa": "Discontinue medical development and send to FO via SSA-408 for work/TWP development as appropriate. Exception: if sufficient evidence supports a final MIRS cessation decision, decide rather than return solely for work development.",
      "route": "DDS → FO via SSA-408, subject to the medical-evidence exception",
      "next": "Work development is a staff task; this route does not itself decide cessation or payment.",
      "source": "ddsworkrole",
      "section": "A.4 first paragraph and exception",
      "timing": "No development or return duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected published route checked; no individual MIRS determination; linked policy limitations recorded"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0428050010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected published route checked; no individual MIRS determination; linked policy limitations recorded"
  },
  {
    "journey": "disability-review",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "new-work-mie-parallel-development",
      "title": "An MIE medical review also needs work development",
      "when": "Work discovered during MIE medical development is not likely to result in cessation.",
      "you": "Respond to the requested medical and work information.",
      "ssa": "Retain the folder and continue medical development while referring the work issue to FO for resolution.",
      "route": "DDS retains medical review; FO resolves referred work issue",
      "next": "The work referral does not necessarily stop medical development or guarantee a payment result.",
      "source": "ddsworkrole",
      "section": "A.4 final paragraph",
      "timing": "No referral-resolution duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected parallel-development distinction checked; full work/medical adjudication remains"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0428050010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected parallel-development distinction checked; full work/medical adjudication remains"
  },
  {
    "journey": "disability-review",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-child-treatment-payee-goodcause",
      "title": "SSA asks a child’s SSI payee about treatment evidence",
      "when": "A child’s continuing disability review includes the payee’s treatment-evidence responsibility.",
      "you": "Provide requested treatment records or source information and explain barriers to obtaining treatment.",
      "ssa": "Apply the medically necessary and available treatment requirement; SSA may find evidence inappropriate or unnecessary given the impairment. Consider good cause for missing evidence/cooperation, including physical, information, transport or work-hour barriers. Help the payee comply and consider payee suitability if appropriate treatment still is not obtained.",
      "route": "Field office → evidence/availability/good-cause review → assistance and any payee-suitability development",
      "next": "This is a payee-responsibility review, not an automatic medical cessation.",
      "source": "childdisabilitypayee",
      "section": "C.3",
      "timing": "No treatment-evidence or payee-review completion duration specified.",
      "review_status": "Selected necessity/availability/exception/good-cause safeguards checked; no individual treatment instruction"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200502075",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected necessity/availability/exception/good-cause safeguards checked; no individual treatment instruction"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "report-ssi-wages-1",
      "title": "Identify reportable income",
      "you": "Identify wages and other changes that need reporting.",
      "ssa": "SSA distinguishes monthly wages from self-employment and other income changes.",
      "source": "wages",
      "section": "Income you need to report",
      "owner": "SSA; exact internal assignment not established",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "Customer → reporting method appropriate to income category",
      "next": "Identify income and changes that need reporting, including spouse income when living together. The public page does not establish internal staff assignment or adjudication screens."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/reporting/wages",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "report-ssi-wages-2",
      "title": "Report monthly wages",
      "you": "Use the listed online, mobile-app or automated telephone option.",
      "ssa": "The wage-reporting page describes the available reporting methods.",
      "source": "wages",
      "section": "Report wages each month",
      "owner": "SSA; exact internal assignment not established",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "Monthly wage report → listed online, app or automated telephone service",
      "next": "SSA’s public guidance says to report monthly wages by the sixth day of the following month. Notify the local office of job changes to keep reporting online. This reporting date is not a processing-time promise."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/reporting/wages",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "report-ssi-wages-3",
      "title": "Report other changes separately",
      "you": "Notify SSA about job changes and other income changes.",
      "ssa": "Different reporting instructions apply to self-employment and other income.",
      "source": "wages",
      "section": "Report changes in income",
      "owner": "SSA; exact internal assignment not established",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "Self-employment or other income change → listed SSA contact",
      "next": "The public page says to report these changes by the tenth day of the month after the change. Annual self-employment reporting has a separate January 10 instruction. Staff processing and any payment effect need separate review."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/reporting/wages",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-paystub-evidence-check",
      "title": "SSA needs to review the paystub evidence",
      "when": "Paystubs are used to verify SSI wages under the evidence-development rules.",
      "you": "Provide the requested unaltered wage evidence to SSA.",
      "ssa": "Check worker name or full SSN, gross wages and covered period. Accept qualifying originals, electronic employer/government-site stubs, and unaltered photocopies or facsimiles as primary evidence.",
      "route": "SSI wage-evidence review → evidence documentation",
      "next": "SSA must apply the evidence priority and other applicable checks; this does not establish an individual payment amount.",
      "source": "ssiwageevidence",
      "section": "A.1.b; C",
      "timing": "No verification completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected paystub requirements checked; no real wage or identity data handled here"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/links/0500820130",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected paystub requirements checked; no real wage or identity data handled here"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-wage-evidence-unobtainable",
      "title": "Acceptable primary and secondary wage evidence cannot be obtained",
      "when": "The required evidence-development attempts do not yield acceptable primary or secondary evidence.",
      "you": "State the wage amounts, frequency and dates received when SSA requests that information.",
      "ssa": "Accept the individual’s statement signed or recorded on a Report of Contact, including those wage details.",
      "route": "SSI evidence-priority development → conditional statement documentation",
      "next": "This is a fallback after evidence development, not permission to skip available evidence. Staff records the Report of Contact.",
      "source": "ssiwageevidence",
      "section": "A.5; C",
      "timing": "No development or processing duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected fallback checked; full evidence hierarchy and documentation exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/links/0500820130",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected fallback checked; full evidence hierarchy and documentation exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-monthly-paystub-receipts",
      "title": "SSA processes paystubs for multiple months",
      "when": "Monthly paystub reports are processed using SSIMWV.",
      "you": "Keep the receipt for each reported month.",
      "ssa": "Whenever possible use SSIMWV; issue and archive receipts to ORS. Generate a separate receipt for each month when processing multiple months.",
      "route": "SSI wage processing → monthly receipt/archive",
      "next": "A receipt acknowledges the report/evidence; it does not guarantee the correct payment or posting date.",
      "source": "ssiwageevidence",
      "section": "C.2.b; C.10",
      "timing": "No processing or receipt-delivery duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected evidence/receipt action checked; full related policy remains"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/links/0500820130",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected evidence/receipt action checked; full related policy remains"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-paystub-missing-date-copy",
      "title": "Paystubs have no pay date or are copies",
      "when": "SSA reviews incomplete or copied paystubs.",
      "you": "Give the pay date if requested; provide available unaltered copies.",
      "ssa": "Record a missing pay date from the worker’s signed statement or Report of Contact. Do not demand originals unless copies are questionable or insufficient; do not obtain missing stubs when other evidence determines those wages.",
      "route": "SSI wage-evidence review → documented resolution",
      "next": "Staff documents the statement. Other evidence checks remain applicable.",
      "source": "ssiwageevidence",
      "section": "C.2.d–f",
      "timing": "No processing or receipt-delivery duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected evidence/receipt action checked; full related policy remains"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/links/0500820130",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected evidence/receipt action checked; full related policy remains"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-work-ended-wage-evidence",
      "title": "Work ended or the employer changed",
      "when": "The worker reports wage termination.",
      "you": "Give the last work date and final paycheck date.",
      "ssa": "Accept a signed statement or staff Report of Contact unless accuracy is questionable. If inaccurate or conflicting, obtain primary evidence in the prescribed priority; document and issue a work-report receipt.",
      "route": "SSI termination-evidence review → receipt",
      "next": "Last work and final paycheck dates may differ. Related unemployment-benefit development is separate.",
      "source": "ssiwageevidence",
      "section": "E; C.10",
      "timing": "No processing or receipt-delivery duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected evidence/receipt action checked; full related policy remains"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/links/0500820130",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected evidence/receipt action checked; full related policy remains"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-nonapproved-wage-company",
      "title": "The employer uses a nonapproved wage-verification company",
      "when": "Higher-priority evidence is unavailable and the nonapproved-company route is considered.",
      "you": "Obtain the requested evidence directly from the company.",
      "ssa": "Treat qualifying worker-supplied information as secondary evidence subject to the linked conditions. Staff must not create accounts, enter personal information or contact/disclose to the nonapproved company.",
      "route": "Worker obtains evidence → SSA secondary-evidence review",
      "next": "The worker’s collection role differs from SSA evidence acceptance; acceptance is not automatic.",
      "source": "ssiwageevidence",
      "section": "A.2.d; C.7",
      "timing": "No evidence-development duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected evidence/form/verification condition checked; linked detailed conditions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/links/0500820130",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected evidence/form/verification condition checked; linked detailed conditions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-wrong-titleii-wage-form",
      "title": "The wage request uses SSA-L725 for an SSI review",
      "when": "SSA is developing Title XVI wages.",
      "you": "Ask SSA which wage evidence is needed.",
      "ssa": "Do not use SSA-L725 for Title XVI verification; its Title II earned-for-services amounts differ from wages paid. Use the applicable SSI evidence-development route.",
      "route": "SSI wage-evidence review",
      "next": "A form used for Title II is not automatically suitable for SSI.",
      "source": "ssiwageevidence",
      "section": "C priority-order note",
      "timing": "No evidence-development duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected evidence/form/verification condition checked; linked detailed conditions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/links/0500820130",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected evidence/form/verification condition checked; linked detailed conditions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-reported-wages-verification-exception",
      "title": "An exception requires verifying previously reported wages",
      "when": "The B.3 diary or alleged-month exception applies during the review period.",
      "you": "Provide requested wage evidence and explain any disputed amounts.",
      "ssa": "Develop all wages in the review period. Check the specified SSR diaries, more than two consecutive alleged months, or alleged months exceeding reported/verified months combined; use diary-specific instructions if an interface alert exists, otherwise the C evidence priority.",
      "route": "SSI verification review → applicable diary/evidence development",
      "next": "Staff checks record diaries; the customer supplies wage facts. Do not assume every reported amount requires redevelopment.",
      "source": "ssiwageevidence",
      "section": "B.2–B.3; D.1–D.3",
      "timing": "No evidence-development duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected evidence/form/verification condition checked; linked detailed conditions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/links/0500820130",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected evidence/form/verification condition checked; linked detailed conditions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-wrong-person-wages",
      "title": "The wages appear to belong to another person",
      "when": "The wage evidence appears inconsistent with the worker or deemor’s identity.",
      "you": "Explain which employer or wages you dispute.",
      "ssa": "Do not post wages that appear to belong to another person. Use the separate erroneous/duplicate earnings-development policy when applicable.",
      "route": "SSI wage-evidence review → separate earnings-record development as applicable",
      "next": "Not posting the disputed SSI wages does not itself correct an annual earnings record.",
      "source": "ssiwageevidence",
      "section": "C.6.a",
      "timing": "No evidence-resolution duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected evidence safeguard checked; full linked correction policy remains"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/links/0500820130",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected evidence safeguard checked; full linked correction policy remains"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-third-party-wage-disagreement",
      "title": "You disagree with the third-party wage evidence",
      "when": "SSA considers the specified secondary third-party queries.",
      "you": "State whether the wage information and work months are correct.",
      "ssa": "Document unsuccessful higher-priority evidence attempts and required worker agreement; seek other evidence when the worker disagrees.",
      "route": "SSI secondary-evidence review → alternative evidence development",
      "next": "A third-party query is not conclusive merely because it exists.",
      "source": "ssiwageevidence",
      "section": "C.4.b",
      "timing": "No evidence-resolution duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected evidence safeguard checked; full linked correction policy remains"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/links/0500820130",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected evidence safeguard checked; full linked correction policy remains"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-annual-quarterly-wage-totals",
      "title": "Only annual or quarterly totals cover the missing months",
      "when": "SSA uses period totals with previously verified months.",
      "you": "Identify the months you actually worked.",
      "ssa": "Document work-month allegations separately from Wages-page input. Preserve verified amounts unless new evidence shows error; subtract them from period totals and allocate the remainder to unverified alleged work months, documenting the calculation.",
      "route": "SSI wage documentation → supported monthly allocation",
      "next": "This describes staff calculation/documentation; no individual amount is calculated here.",
      "source": "ssiwageevidence",
      "section": "C.6.a–b",
      "timing": "No evidence-resolution duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected evidence safeguard checked; full linked correction policy remains"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/links/0500820130",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected evidence safeguard checked; full linked correction policy remains"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-wage-method-choice-receipt",
      "title": "You choose a wage-reporting method other than an automated tool",
      "when": "A recipient or representative submits monthly wages by another method, such as mailed pay stubs.",
      "you": "Choose a suitable reporting method and retain the wage-report receipt.",
      "ssa": "Discuss automated reporting options, but accept reports made by other permitted methods. Classify wages as verified, reported or alleged for processing. Issue a receipt for every wage report by a recipient or representative, including a representative payee, regardless of classification.",
      "route": "SSA wage intake → appropriate wage processing → receipt",
      "next": "Automated reporting is a choice. Receipt issuance does not itself determine the payment amount.",
      "source": "ssimonthlywageprocessing",
      "section": "D.1; F opening",
      "timing": "These paragraphs give no universal receipt-delivery interval; method-specific rules require separate review.",
      "review_status": "Official selected subsections independently checked 2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500820143",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official selected subsections independently checked 2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-verified-paystub-processing",
      "title": "Pay stubs support verified monthly wages",
      "when": "SSA receives the monthly wage report with pay stubs.",
      "you": "Provide the requested pay stubs and keep the receipt.",
      "ssa": "Use SSIMWV for pay-stub input; otherwise use the SSI Wages-page Verified Amount field, or SSA-1719(B) EN code 9 for cases outside the claim system. For concurrent benefits, enter eWork for possible Title II development before SSIMWV. Enter the following-month wage estimate under SI00820.150. Issue and archive the SSIMWV receipt in ORS; fallback receipts use eWork or DPS SSA-L724. If receipt issuance or storage fails, apply the cited evidence-documentation rules.",
      "route": "SSA wage technician → eWork if concurrent → SSIMWV / applicable fallback → ORS",
      "next": "The receipt documents submitted evidence; future wage estimates remain a separate input.",
      "source": "ssimonthlywageprocessing",
      "section": "F.1.a-d",
      "timing": "For in-person reports processed with SSIMWV, generate and provide the receipt immediately. No benefit-adjustment completion time is stated.",
      "review_status": "Official selected procedure checked 2026-10-17; linked estimate/evidence manuals require separate review"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500820143",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official selected procedure checked 2026-10-17; linked estimate/evidence manuals require separate review"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-fo-reported-wage-classification",
      "title": "You report pay-stub totals directly to the field office",
      "when": "The report concerns total gross wages for the current or immediately prior month.",
      "you": "Explain the wage period and whether totals come from pay stubs in your possession.",
      "ssa": "Check the period, pay-stub basis and processing cutoff. Current-month wages qualify only when no more wages are expected. Apply the temporary-period adverse-action notice rule and its exception. If classified as reported, enter Reported Amount, a following-month Alleged Amount estimate and transmit to SSR. Do not use SSIMWV or SSA-1719(B) for reported amounts. Issue a missing automated receipt through DPS SSA-L724 and store it in ORS.",
      "route": "Field office → classification/cutoff check → SSI Wages page → SSR and receipt",
      "next": "Staff determines the wage classification and applicable notice; customers do not operate SSA records or issue notices.",
      "source": "ssimonthlywageprocessing",
      "section": "E.1-3; F.2.b-c",
      "timing": "The cutoff controls staff classification and payment processing; it is not a promise of adjustment by a specific date.",
      "review_status": "Official selected subsections checked 2026-10-17; linked notice exceptions require separate review"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500820143",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official selected subsections checked 2026-10-17; linked notice exceptions require separate review"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-alleged-wage-input",
      "title": "The wage amount is classified as alleged",
      "when": "The monthly report does not qualify as verified or reported wages.",
      "you": "Keep the receipt and provide pay stubs if requested.",
      "ssa": "Post Alleged Amount on the SSI Wages page, or transmit SSA-1719(B) EN verification code 1 to SSR. Input a future estimate under SI00820.150. Issue the receipt using eWork or DPS SSA-L724. An allegation alone requires no separate documentation. In the late-cutoff example, request pay stubs after entering the allegation and issuing the receipt.",
      "route": "SSA wage technician → Alleged Amount / applicable SSR input → receipt and evidence request",
      "next": "Alleged classification does not establish verified wages or the correctness of a payment.",
      "source": "ssimonthlywageprocessing",
      "section": "F.3; H example 2",
      "timing": "The example illustrates a passed processing cutoff; its calendar day is not a universal reporting deadline.",
      "review_status": "Official selected subsections checked 2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500820143",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official selected subsections checked 2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-increased-wage-estimate",
      "title": "An increased wage estimate could create an overpayment",
      "when": "A wage earner reports higher gross wages.",
      "you": "Save pay slips showing the increase.",
      "ssa": "Document and lock the Report of Contact, or use SSA-5002 for non-claims-system cases. Start the increase with the first month that avoids an overpayment caused by unverified estimated wages. Verify prior-period wages under SI00820.130/.135 before changing prior-month income.",
      "route": "SSA wage review → prospective estimate / prior-period verification",
      "next": "An allegation alone does not authorize retrospective wage changes.",
      "section": "E",
      "timing": "Starting month follows the cited overpayment constraint; no processing duration is stated.",
      "source": "ssiwageestimates",
      "review_status": "Official selected subsection checked 2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500820150",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official selected subsection checked 2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-decreased-wage-estimate-conflict",
      "title": "An expected wage decrease conflicts with existing evidence",
      "when": "The person asks SSA to lower a previously developed estimate.",
      "you": "Explain the expected change in pay or hours.",
      "ssa": "Review supporting evidence. If contrary evidence exists, contact the employer to verify the anticipated decrease. Document the determination and separate conversations in locked Reports of Contact or SSA-5002 for non-claims-system cases.",
      "route": "SSA evidence review → employer verification when contradicted → estimate decision",
      "next": "The request requires evaluation; no individual payment result is inferred.",
      "section": "F",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified.",
      "source": "ssiwageestimates",
      "review_status": "Official selected subsection checked 2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500820150",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official selected subsection checked 2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-pay-frequency-estimate",
      "title": "Seasonal work or pay frequency changes the wage estimate",
      "when": "SSA develops a future wage pattern.",
      "you": "Explain pay rate, hours, pay dates, seasonality and deductions.",
      "ssa": "Review the actual pay schedule and monthly pay-period count. Use monthly frequency only for actual monthly pay. Consider seasonal work and applicable deductions or exclusions; regularly reported verified SSR wages may support the estimate without another contact.",
      "route": "SSA wage review → pay-pattern estimate",
      "next": "Estimate assumptions should reflect the actual wage pattern.",
      "section": "B.1-4; C.1",
      "timing": "The 14-month projection is an estimate horizon, not a processing deadline; starting-month constraints apply.",
      "source": "ssiwageestimates",
      "review_status": "Official selected subsections checked 2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500820150",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official selected subsections checked 2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-regular-scheduled-pay-increase",
      "title": "A regular pay increase is expected later in the year",
      "when": "The reporter alleges a regular anticipated pay increase.",
      "you": "Give the expected effective date and new hourly or per-pay gross amount.",
      "ssa": "Use the allegation for the future estimate: one period until the expected change and another from the increase through at least 14 months from now. Record the date and amount in a locked Report of Contact or SSA-5002 for non-claims-system cases.",
      "route": "SSA → separate future estimate periods → documented determination",
      "next": "This prospective rule does not waive prior-period wage verification.",
      "section": "G",
      "timing": "The 14-month horizon is not a customer response or completion period.",
      "source": "ssiwageestimates",
      "review_status": "Official selected subsections checked 2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500820150",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official selected subsections checked 2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-estimate-documentation-readability",
      "title": "SSA records and checks the wage estimate evidence",
      "when": "Staff documents a wage estimate or a case outside the SSI claim system.",
      "you": "Provide requested wage facts and review any statement you are asked to sign.",
      "ssa": "Record the determination on the Wages page and a locked Report of Contact, or SSA-5002 for non-claims-system cases. For those cases, document the estimate derivation on SSA-5002 or an appropriate signed SSA-795 and record pertinent pay facts. Store evidence in NDRED through EP or eView and inspect stored documents for readability. Apply the cited retention policy separately.",
      "route": "SSA estimate determination → evidence documentation → NDRED / EP / eView readability review",
      "next": "A readable stored record should support how the estimate was derived.",
      "source": "ssiwageestimates",
      "section": "D.1-3; H",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified.",
      "review_status": "Official selected subsections checked 2026-10-17; linked retention policy not independently certified"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500820150",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official selected subsections checked 2026-10-17; linked retention policy not independently certified"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-provider-authorization-before-search",
      "title": "SSA considers a wage-provider search when pay stubs are unavailable",
      "when": "Staff seeks wage verification from an approved provider.",
      "you": "Give your voluntary authorization decision and continue requested wage reporting.",
      "ssa": "Check WEIA for authorization before provider use; authorization may be obtained through WEIA or SSA-8240 with the cited paper-response documentation. Do not request company information after refusal or revocation. With proper authorization and unavailable pay stubs, check approved-provider employer participation and document evidence.",
      "route": "SSA → WEIA authorization check → approved-provider search / other evidence route",
      "next": "Existing payroll-data-authorization guidance covers who may authorize, recording, revocation and receipts. Provider access requires its own authorization check.",
      "source": "ssiwageverificationcompanies",
      "section": "D.1-2",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified.",
      "review_status": "Official selected subsections checked 2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500820147",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official selected subsections checked 2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-provider-missing-conflicting-components",
      "title": "Provider wage data omits details or conflicts with other evidence",
      "when": "Wage-provider evidence is incomplete or inconsistent.",
      "you": "Explain discrepancies and provide requested wage evidence.",
      "ssa": "Obtain other wage evidence to resolve discrepancies. Develop indicated cafeteria-plan amounts under SI00820.102 when exact amounts are missing, and obtain additional evidence for indicated unreported tips. Record verified wages on the Wages page or SSR. Document the determination in a locked Report of Contact/EVID, or SSA-5002 outside the claim system; store evidence and determination in CEF or NDRED through EP as applicable.",
      "route": "SSA wage review → additional evidence / benefit-plan development → documented determination",
      "next": "Provider totals do not settle missing components or conflicting wage facts.",
      "source": "ssiwageverificationcompanies",
      "section": "C.1.a; D.3-4",
      "timing": "No discrepancy-resolution completion period specified.",
      "review_status": "Official selected subsections checked 2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500820147",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official selected subsections checked 2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-cafeteria-plan-servicing-office",
      "title": "Benefit-plan evidence needs employer or servicing-office development",
      "when": "The cafeteria-plan development rules require an employer precedent.",
      "you": "Explain plan participation and provide requested pay information.",
      "ssa": "Check existing precedents and plan indicators. When development is needed, contact the employer payroll/HR/accounting office; for payroll outside the service area request the employer servicing field office precedent or its development. Obtain and retain the plan details and benefits package. If a precedent cannot be established, do not guess pay-slip itemizations; if the employer also will not verify wages, use SI00820.130 sources. With no pay stubs, contact the employer before secondary evidence for this development. Document and store the precedent under the cited case-system rules.",
      "route": "Field office → employer / employer-servicing field office → evidence determination",
      "next": "The evidence route depends on payroll location and available documentation.",
      "source": "ssicafeteriaplans",
      "section": "D.2; D.3 steps 1-3, 5-8",
      "timing": "No development completion interval specified.",
      "review_status": "Official selected routes checked 2026-10-17; computation worksheet not independently validated"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500820102",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official selected routes checked 2026-10-17; computation worksheet not independently validated"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-benefit-plan-payment-nature",
      "title": "A pay-slip benefit entry needs its nature clarified",
      "when": "Benefit-plan entries might represent salary reductions, employer funding, voluntary deductions or cash.",
      "you": "Provide requested plan and pay-slip details.",
      "ssa": "Determine which benefits were supplied through voluntary employee contributions. Distinguish qualified benefits purchased under salary reduction or employer-funded basic benefits from voluntary payroll deductions for additional benefits. The latter remain wages; cash instead of benefits is wages, while qualified-expense reimbursements are not SSI income. A deduction label alone does not establish its treatment.",
      "route": "SSA wage evidence review → employer-plan clarification → chargeable wage determination",
      "next": "SSA applies the verified arrangement; no individual wage total or SSI amount is calculated here.",
      "source": "ssicafeteriaplans",
      "section": "C.2-6; D.3 reminder",
      "timing": "No completion period specified.",
      "review_status": "Official selected distinctions checked 2026-10-17; no tax eligibility advice"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500820102",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official selected distinctions checked 2026-10-17; no tax eligibility advice"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-report-late-or-mail-postmark",
      "title": "A change report is late or sent by mail",
      "when": "An SSI change must be reported.",
      "you": "Report promptly even if late; provide reporter and subject identification, change facts and date through an accepted channel.",
      "ssa": "Explain the due date and that late changes must still be reported. Accept written, telephone or in-person reporting; apply the postmark rule for mail.",
      "route": "Recipient/payee → SSA change report",
      "next": "Mail is an option, not a required channel.",
      "section": "B.3-5; D.2-3",
      "timing": "Due within 10 calendar days after the change month; mail is timely if postmarked within that period. Sixth-day wage encouragement is a separate instruction.",
      "source": "ssireportingresponsibilities",
      "review_status": "Official selected subsections checked 2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502301005",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official selected subsections checked 2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-reporting-interview-payee-duty",
      "title": "SSA explains reporting duties to the recipient or payee",
      "when": "SSA conducts a face-to-face or telephone interview.",
      "you": "Ask which changes apply to your circumstances.",
      "ssa": "Explain relevant changes, reporting methods, due dates and potential consequences under the separate policies. A legally incompetent recipient has no reporting responsibility; their payee does. Do not treat late reporting as an automatic penalty decision.",
      "route": "SSA interview → individualized reporting explanation",
      "next": "Written explanations also accompany specified forms and notices.",
      "section": "B.1; C; D.1-3",
      "timing": "Explain responsibilities during each covered interview; no automatic payment-adjustment period stated.",
      "source": "ssireportingresponsibilities",
      "review_status": "Official selected subsections checked 2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502301005",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official selected subsections checked 2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-ineligible-child-wage-verification",
      "title": "The wages are an ineligible child’s wages",
      "when": "SSA reviews wage information for an ineligible child in the SSI case.",
      "you": "Report relevant changes and provide requested wage evidence through the field office.",
      "ssa": "Do not classify these wages as reported or use the electronic reporting methods described in SI00820.143C. Follow normal wage-verification policy under SI00820.135B. This processing exception does not remove relevant household/deeming reporting duties.",
      "route": "Field office → normal wage-evidence verification",
      "next": "The reporting channel and wage classification do not by themselves decide how income affects SSI.",
      "source": "ssimonthlywageprocessing",
      "section": "E opening",
      "timing": "No verification completion interval specified.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection checked 2026-10-17; no individual deeming conclusion"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500820143",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official subsection checked 2026-10-17; no individual deeming conclusion"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-mywr-employer-missing",
      "title": "Your employer does not appear in myWageReport",
      "when": "The employer cannot be selected for online wage reporting.",
      "you": "Contact SSA with the employer and wage information needed for review.",
      "ssa": "Check the employer information and EIN match in the SSI claim system or eWork. Technicians are encouraged to complete EIN fields when establishing or updating employers; missing EIN information prevents myWR reporting for that employer.",
      "route": "Customer → SSA employer/EIN review → appropriate reporting method",
      "next": "Do not assume the customer can edit SSA employer records through myWR.",
      "section": "B.3; C.1",
      "timing": "No employer-display or correction completion period specified.",
      "source": "ssimonthlywageprocessing",
      "review_status": "Official selected subsections checked 2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500820143",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official selected subsections checked 2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-telephone-tool-failure",
      "title": "The automated telephone wage report does not succeed",
      "when": "The reporter cannot submit wages through SSITWR.",
      "you": "Call the local office to report the wages rather than repeatedly trying the automated system.",
      "ssa": "Accept the direct report and apply the wage-period, pay-stub-basis and cutoff criteria for its proper classification and receipt.",
      "route": "SSITWR unsuccessful → local field office wage intake",
      "next": "Changing reporting channel does not waive verification or classification conditions.",
      "section": "E.3.c; F opening",
      "timing": "No guarantee of same-day input or payment adjustment.",
      "source": "ssimonthlywageprocessing",
      "review_status": "Official selected subsections checked 2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500820143",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official selected subsections checked 2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-mobile-deemor-paystub-evidence",
      "title": "A deemor reports their own wages in the mobile app",
      "when": "A person whose wages are deemed uses SSAMWR for their own wages.",
      "you": "Authenticate with your own identifying information, rather than the recipient’s. Enter individual pay-stub details; photos are an available option.",
      "ssa": "The app links the deemor wage report through the associated record. Uploaded or captured pay-stub images are stored in EP for technician access during wage verification; automated reports generate a receipt stored in ORS.",
      "route": "SSAMWR → wage record and receipt → EP evidence review when needed",
      "next": "The customer does not manage SSA’s evidence repository. A photo upload does not by itself establish every verification or payment outcome.",
      "source": "ssimonthlywageprocessing",
      "section": "C opening; C.2",
      "timing": "Qualifying automated SSI/prior-month reports are accepted during the current reporting month; first-six-day encouragement is separate from a processing guarantee.",
      "review_status": "Official selected subsections checked 2026-10-17; detailed DCF handoff not fully verified"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500820143",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official selected subsections checked 2026-10-17; detailed DCF handoff not fully verified"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-automated-after-cutoff-warning",
      "title": "The wage report succeeds after the payment cutoff",
      "when": "SSAMWR or SSITWR accepts a report after the applicable GK cutoff.",
      "you": "Keep the confirmation and receipt; read any subsequent payment-change notice.",
      "ssa": "The tool warns that the reported wages might not appear in a future payment. If the payment amount changes, SSA mails a notice explaining the change and appeal rights. Qualifying automated reported wages post to the SSI Wages page and SSR and generate an automated receipt.",
      "route": "Successful automated report → wage posting/receipt → payment-change notice when applicable",
      "next": "Successful submission does not guarantee the next payment reflects the report.",
      "source": "ssimonthlywageprocessing",
      "section": "D.2; F.2.a",
      "timing": "Reports are accepted throughout the current reporting month for qualifying prior-month wages; first-six-day encouragement does not limit that acceptance. No notice mailing interval is stated.",
      "review_status": "Official selected subsections checked 2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500820143",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official selected subsections checked 2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-missing-paystub-reported-total",
      "title": "Some pay stubs are missing but gross wages can be established",
      "when": "The reporter supplies only part of the month’s pay-stub information.",
      "you": "Provide available stubs and answer questions about missing pay amounts.",
      "ssa": "Determine the complete gross total from year-to-date figures on other stubs, or obtain missing gross amounts through subsequent contact when multiple stubs were submitted. Apply all reported-wage period and cutoff criteria. The cited example combines stubs with phone-supplied missing amounts, enters Reported Amount and issues a receipt.",
      "route": "Field office → complete gross-total development → proper classification and receipt",
      "next": "A partial set does not automatically establish reported wages. Existing evidence rules for missing stubs remain distinct from this classification route.",
      "source": "ssimonthlywageprocessing",
      "section": "E.3.a; H example 3",
      "timing": "The example’s reported classification depends on processing before the cutoff; no completion interval guaranteed.",
      "review_status": "Official selected subsections checked 2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500820143",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official selected subsections checked 2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-seasonal-stopped-selfemployment",
      "title": "Self-employment is seasonal, starts midyear or has ended",
      "when": "SSA determines monthly net earnings from self-employment for SSI.",
      "you": "Provide requested taxable-year and business information, including start or stop dates.",
      "ssa": "Allocate the taxable year’s net earnings equally across its months, including seasonal work or a business starting or ceasing during the year or before SSI application. Going out of business does not end the taxable year. Review the stated short-taxable-year exceptions. Use actual net earnings for SSI, not the Title II optional method; Title II coverage thresholds do not control SSI income treatment.",
      "route": "SSA income review → taxable-year determination → SSI monthly allocation",
      "next": "Business activity dates and taxable-year boundaries are distinct. No individual income or benefit amount is calculated here.",
      "source": "ssinesedetermination",
      "section": "A.1,4-6; B.1",
      "timing": "Taxable-year allocation is an income rule, not a processing completion period.",
      "review_status": "Official selected subsections checked 2026-10-17; tax-year cross-references require separate review"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500820210",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official selected subsections checked 2026-10-17; tax-year cross-references require separate review"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-netloss-couple-manual-route",
      "title": "A verified business loss offsets earnings of both spouses",
      "when": "A verified self-employment net loss reaches both members’ earned income.",
      "you": "Provide requested loss and earnings evidence for SSA review.",
      "ssa": "Divide the verified taxable-year loss across its months and offset only same-month earned income. Use the individual ISEI route when no balance reaches the spouse. If both members’ earnings are offset, follow the MSSICS-exclusion manual computation and form 1719b input: first apply the loss to the person who incurred it, then any balance to the spouse’s earned income. Joint versus separate tax filing does not change this rule.",
      "route": "SSA income review → individual ISEI / manual couple computation and 1719b",
      "next": "Staff determines and records the offset; the customer does not perform internal input.",
      "source": "ssinesedetermination",
      "section": "A.2; B.2",
      "timing": "Monthly allocation is an income rule; no completion period specified.",
      "review_status": "Official selected subsections checked 2026-10-17; no individual loss or benefit calculation"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500820210",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official selected subsections checked 2026-10-17; no individual loss or benefit calculation"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-personal-business-withdrawals",
      "title": "Cash or goods are withdrawn from the business for personal use",
      "when": "Personal business withdrawals are alleged or discovered.",
      "you": "Explain whether withdrawals were accounted for and provide a value estimate if needed.",
      "ssa": "Ask whether business records or tax costs/expenses properly accounted for withdrawals; accept the allegation about accounting. Do not count properly accounted withdrawals again. Otherwise obtain the value and correct the costs/expenses used for NESE; if no profit-and-loss statement is provided but NESE is alleged, add the withdrawal value to that allegation. Missing value estimates, or personal expenses exceeding stated NESE with no other income, require unstated-income development under SI00810.035.",
      "route": "SSA business-income review → accounting clarification / unstated-income development",
      "next": "The route develops facts; it does not establish fraud or an individual benefit amount.",
      "source": "ssinesedetermination",
      "section": "B.4",
      "timing": "No development completion interval specified.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection checked 2026-10-17; linked unstated-income detail not fully reviewed"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500820210",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official subsection checked 2026-10-17; linked unstated-income detail not fully reviewed"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-nese-evidence-priority",
      "title": "SSA needs evidence of self-employment net earnings",
      "when": "The applicable verification rules require evidence of net earnings.",
      "you": "Provide requested tax or business records and explain the earnings alleged.",
      "ssa": "Seek evidence in priority order: DEQY when it agrees with the signed or recorded allegation, federal tax return, business records, then a signed or recorded allegation only if no other evidence can be obtained. Do not apply another 7.65-percent deduction to DEQY amounts; that adjustment is already reflected. Apply the separate verification-exception gate.",
      "route": "SSA income review → evidence-priority development → documented net earnings",
      "next": "DEQY and the person’s allegation are distinct evidence that must agree for that route. Current tax-form line guidance remains separately unverified.",
      "source": "ssineseverification",
      "section": "A; B.1-4; C.2.a,c",
      "timing": "No evidence-development completion period specified.",
      "review_status": "Official selected procedure checked 2026-10-17; historical tax-form line references not adopted"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500820220",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official selected procedure checked 2026-10-17; historical tax-form line references not adopted"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-nese-verification-period-control",
      "title": "The prior-year business tax return is not yet available",
      "when": "SSA determines the self-employment verification period for a claim or review.",
      "you": "Provide the tax return when available and respond to follow-up evidence requests.",
      "ssa": "For an initial claim, verify the prior taxable year and document the source and allegations on the Self Employment Income page; apply the stated cessation-allegation exception. For a redetermination or income review, verify all unverified years through the prior year. The adjudicator may defer the immediately preceding year when the unavailable return is expected soon. If NESE verification is the sole pending issue, the redetermination may be cleared with a control for later verification.",
      "route": "SSA income review → required-year verification / controlled follow-up",
      "next": "Clearing the review does not waive the outstanding verification.",
      "source": "ssineseverification",
      "section": "C.3",
      "timing": "Near-future availability is a case condition; the February/April examples are not universal deadlines.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection checked 2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500820220",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official subsection checked 2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-currentyear-nese-estimate-advice",
      "title": "SSA estimates current-year business earnings",
      "when": "Self-employment during the current taxable year is alleged or indicated at a claim or review.",
      "you": "Report changes promptly, supply the tax return when available, and retain business records under the applicable estimate-method instructions.",
      "ssa": "Develop the current-year estimate and explain its basis and eligibility or payment effect. Advise prompt contact for changes and later tax-return submission. When using methods beyond the chart’s first two, advise maintaining business records until the return is available. Do not use an estimated net loss to offset other earnings; that loss must first be verified.",
      "route": "SSA income review → current-year estimate → change reports and later verification",
      "next": "An estimate and a verified loss have different effects; no individual eligibility result is inferred here.",
      "source": "ssinesecurrentestimate",
      "section": "A.1-3",
      "timing": "Promptly report changes; no estimate completion period or tax-filing deadline is supplied here.",
      "review_status": "Official selected subsections checked 2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500820230",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official selected subsections checked 2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-nese-method-seasonal-variation",
      "title": "Seasonal business or changed earnings affect the estimate method",
      "when": "SSA chooses the first applicable current-year NESE estimate method.",
      "you": "Provide available records and explain why current earnings differ from prior years.",
      "ssa": "Apply the chart’s conditions in sequence. Stable multi-year business may use prior-year NESE; a business conducted only in the preceding year may use the gross-net ratio. Do not use that ratio or partial-year new-business projection for seasonal or unusual income peaks. Where records are absent, use the signed or recorded best estimate under the applicable row. Obtain a satisfactory explanation for variation; request relevant documents for a lower estimate, but accept the recorded explanation when such event evidence is unavailable.",
      "route": "SSA income review → first applicable chart method → supported estimate",
      "next": "Staff chooses and documents the method; no individual income calculation is made here.",
      "source": "ssinesecurrentestimate",
      "section": "A.4 chart",
      "timing": "No estimate completion period specified.",
      "review_status": "Official method conditions checked 2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500820230",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official method conditions checked 2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-nese-estimate-filing-intent",
      "title": "The estimate uses business records or an earnings allegation",
      "when": "Staff applies the prospective NESE estimate adjustment.",
      "you": "Explain whether you plan to file a federal tax return and provide requested records.",
      "ssa": "Ask about filing plans. Apply .9235 only when filing is planned and the estimated profit after the multiplier is at least $400; below that result, or with no planned return, do not apply it. Document supporting evidence in locked EVID/Report of Contact, or the applicable non-claims-system NDRED/EP or CEF route, and inspect stored content.",
      "route": "SSA estimate review → filing-intent/threshold check → documented estimate",
      "next": "This prospective gate differs from verifying that taxes were paid on past earnings.",
      "source": "ssinesecurrentestimate",
      "section": "A.4 opening; A.5",
      "timing": "No completion period or tax-filing deadline specified.",
      "review_status": "Official estimate gate checked 2026-10-17; no individual computation or tax advice"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500820230",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official estimate gate checked 2026-10-17; no individual computation or tax advice"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-nese-verification-exceptions",
      "title": "SSA checks whether a self-employment verification exception applies",
      "when": "Self-employment is alleged or otherwise indicated.",
      "you": "Explain prior-year business activity and any matching SSA earnings record.",
      "ssa": "Apply C1 before evidence development. Listed exceptions cover clearly ineligible income allegations, a new business with no prior-taxable-year self-employment, matching NESE on the SSA record for Title II applicants/beneficiaries, or a non-income SSI denial.",
      "route": "SSA adjudicator → exception review / verification development",
      "next": "Staff applies the conditions; this page makes no individual eligibility decision.",
      "section": "C.1",
      "timing": "No completion interval specified.",
      "source": "ssineseverification",
      "review_status": "Official selected conditions checked 2026-10-17; no current form-line guidance"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500820220",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official selected conditions checked 2026-10-17; no current form-line guidance"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-nese-tax-paid-adjustment",
      "title": "Past earnings evidence needs an adjustment check",
      "when": "SSA determines chargeable NESE from business records, tax schedules or an allegation.",
      "you": "Provide requested evidence concerning the return and Social Security taxes paid.",
      "ssa": "Do not apply the deduction if the result is below $400. Applying the deduction to business-record amounts requires evidence of a filed return and paid Social Security tax; the cited schedule/allegation routes require paid-tax evidence. Assume business deductions allowable absent contrary evidence. Keep the already-adjusted DEQY rule separate.",
      "route": "SSA evidence review → applicable adjustment gate",
      "next": "Past tax-paid evidence differs from prospective filing intentions.",
      "section": "C.2.b,d-f",
      "timing": "No completion interval specified.",
      "source": "ssineseverification",
      "review_status": "Official selected conditions checked 2026-10-17; no current form-line guidance"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500820220",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official selected conditions checked 2026-10-17; no current form-line guidance"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-stale-wagedata-current-hours",
      "title": "Older wage data no longer reflects current hours",
      "when": "A reporter says hours changed since the NDNH or MEF information used for an estimate.",
      "you": "Explain the current hours and other requested pay facts.",
      "ssa": "Accept the allegation for a new estimate, post it and document a locked Report of Contact or SSA-5002 outside the claim system. If more facts are needed, contact the employer by phone or send SSA-L4201-BK by fax/mail if unavailable. After wage-earner or secondary-source contact still leaves required facts missing, use judgment to make the most accurate estimate possible.",
      "route": "SSA estimate review → updated facts / employer evidence → documented estimate",
      "next": "This prospective estimate rule does not authorize changing prior verified wages on allegation alone.",
      "source": "ssiwageestimates",
      "section": "C.2.c-d; C.3",
      "timing": "NDNH data are normally about six months old; that is data age, not an SSA response time.",
      "review_status": "Official selected subsections checked 2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500820150",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official selected subsections checked 2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-mef-match-evidence-disagreement",
      "title": "An earnings match needs monthly evidence or is disputed",
      "when": "SSA develops an MEF earnings discrepancy.",
      "you": "Explain whether the earnings belong to you, their period and any disagreement; provide requested evidence.",
      "ssa": "If the person agrees, request countable-income evidence. Insufficient evidence or disagreement calls for SSA-L4201-BK or signed authorization to verify with the employer. Develop monthly countable amounts from annual data under the applicable income policy. Apply the pre-eligibility/stopped-income exception. Route insufficient or denied self-employment evidence under RS01804.400; possible wrong-person earnings follow RM03870.004B1.",
      "route": "Field office → income evidence / employer verification / applicable earnings-correction policy",
      "next": "Annual match data are not automatically monthly countable income. Existing wrong-person wage guidance remains applicable.",
      "source": "ssimefmatch",
      "section": "E.5; E.7",
      "timing": "No resolution period specified; disclosure and finality rules require separate review.",
      "review_status": "Official selected routes checked 2026-10-17; linked resolution details not certified"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502310056",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official selected routes checked 2026-10-17; linked resolution details not certified"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-mef-noeffect-coordination",
      "title": "An earnings match may need no development or coordinated review",
      "when": "SSA screens an MEF earnings diary.",
      "you": "Provide requested information if contacted; ask how any proposed change affects your case.",
      "ssa": "If earned income cannot affect SSI eligibility or payment, staff may delete the diary without verification contact and must not transmit that income to SSR. Otherwise apply the limited/full-development rules. Coordinate with pending reviews or alerts; consider work-activity review for a Title II disability beneficiary or potential Title II eligibility when appropriate. Explain relevant work incentives and future reporting.",
      "route": "Field office → no-effect gate / limited or full development → coordinated case review",
      "next": "A match does not automatically trigger a work review, adverse change or a new benefit award.",
      "source": "ssimefmatch",
      "section": "C.1-3; D",
      "timing": "No review completion period specified.",
      "review_status": "Official selected gates checked 2026-10-17; linked development procedures remain separately scoped"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502310056",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official selected gates checked 2026-10-17; linked development procedures remain separately scoped"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-alert-prior-development-screen",
      "title": "SSA checks whether the matched issue was already developed",
      "when": "A wage-match alert requires screening.",
      "you": "Respond to any request with the facts and supporting records available to you.",
      "ssa": "Obtain an SSID and compare the alert with it and field-office files or records. Use limited development only when the same issue was previously developed and the coding agrees with the alert; otherwise use full development. A generic posting alone does not establish prior development.",
      "route": "Field office screening → limited or full development",
      "next": "SSA determines the development needed; the alert alone is not a final payment decision.",
      "source": "ssialertdevelopment",
      "section": "A.1",
      "timing": "No screening completion period specified.",
      "review_status": "Official selected subsection checked 2026-10-17; resource-diary AFI rule is separately scoped"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502310007",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official selected subsection checked 2026-10-17; resource-diary AFI rule is separately scoped"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-alert-full-confirmation",
      "title": "SSA needs confirmation of matched earnings information",
      "when": "The alert requires full development.",
      "you": "Explain whether the information is correct and provide evidence resolving any disagreement.",
      "ssa": "For a limited issue, send SSA-L3074-U2 for phone or face-to-face contact; otherwise send SSA-L8003-U2. Record confirmation on SSA-5002, complete needed development, update data and clear the diary. If you contact SSA without confirming or supplying resolving evidence, contact the data source; update after its confirming response.",
      "route": "Field office → customer contact → data-source confirmation when required",
      "next": "Disagreement is developed further; it does not itself establish that the matched information is correct.",
      "source": "ssialertdevelopment",
      "section": "B.1-2",
      "timing": "No contact or source-response completion period specified.",
      "review_status": "B.1-2 independently checked; special IRS disclosure and notice instructions remain separate"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502310007",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "B.1-2 independently checked; special IRS disclosure and notice instructions remain separate"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-match-result-notice",
      "title": "Confirmed match information changes the payment or creates a debt",
      "when": "Confirmed data produces a prospective reduction or overpayment.",
      "you": "Read the notice and contact SSA about facts you dispute.",
      "ssa": "For a prospective reduction, issue SSA-L8155 through processing; between the GK and Treasury cutoffs, use manual SSA-L8155-U2 for next-month reduction or stoppage. For overpayment without prospective reduction, use an automated overpayment notice unless excluded, then manual notice.",
      "route": "Field office → planned-action or overpayment notice",
      "next": "The notice depends on the confirmed effect, rather than the alert alone.",
      "source": "ssialertdevelopment",
      "section": "B.3",
      "timing": "Cutoff-dependent notice handling; no universal calendar processing date.",
      "review_status": "B.3 checked; exact cutoff calendar and appeal periods separately scoped"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502310007",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "B.3 checked; exact cutoff calendar and appeal periods separately scoped"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-tax-interview-privacy",
      "title": "Matched tax information concerns another person",
      "when": "SSA must check disclosure authority before discussing tax data.",
      "you": "Explain disputed facts and bring requested evidence. Ask about authorization if another person will join the discussion.",
      "ssa": "Check authority for each transaction. Do not disclose tax data to an unauthorized person without the taxpayer’s signed SSA-2495. If authorization is absent or refused, explain that information may affect SSI and discuss evidence the recipient supplies without revealing protected alert data.",
      "route": "Field office → authorization check → permitted discussion or independent evidence development",
      "next": "An SSI representative payee relationship alone does not settle authority for every transaction.",
      "source": "ssitaxinterview",
      "section": "B.4.a,c,d",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "ssitaxdisclosure",
          "section": "A.1-2; B.1-2"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "No interview completion period specified.",
      "review_status": "Selected disclosure gates checked; authority categories and form scope linked; special N20 timing deferred"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502310042",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected disclosure gates checked; authority categories and form scope linked; special N20 timing deferred"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-irs-prior-resolved-income",
      "title": "An IRS income alert repeats an already resolved transaction",
      "when": "Records clearly document prior development of the specific transaction.",
      "you": "Keep requested records available; respond if SSA asks about a different issue.",
      "ssa": "No further recipient contact is needed for a previously developed transaction documented as belonging to someone else or excluded. Income already verified and correctly posted needs no further development. Apply this to the particular transaction, not the entire case.",
      "route": "Field office → prior-development records → limited transaction disposition",
      "next": "Other unresolved transactions may still require development.",
      "source": "ssiirslimited",
      "section": "A.1-2",
      "timing": "No disposition completion period specified.",
      "review_status": "Income gates checked; liquid/nonliquid resource and AFI rules separately scoped"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502310047",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Income gates checked; liquid/nonliquid resource and AFI rules separately scoped"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-taxpayer-disputes-irs-data-evidence",
      "title": "Provide evidence when IRS data is disputed",
      "when": "The SSI recipient is the taxpayer and disagrees with IRS transaction data requiring development.",
      "you": "Provide available records supporting the explanation, and sign an appropriate evidence authorization if SSA requests it.",
      "ssa": "The field office obtains available evidence. If it is unavailable, staff request SSA-8510 or SSA-4641-U2 as appropriate and contact the payer to verify the data. Staff request active and inactive records, consider account activity beyond statements, and evaluate the transaction under the applicable income or resource rule.",
      "route": "Servicing field office IRS-alert development. Staff try local evidence sources before requesting assistance from another field office; third-party evidence affecting eligibility or payment requires recontact with the customer.",
      "next": "Respond to the evidence request and explain any records you cannot obtain. An alert alone does not establish ownership or countable income.",
      "source": "irsfulldevelopment",
      "section": "B.12; C.4.a; C.4.d-e; C.5.a-b",
      "timing": "The cited procedures specify an evidence sequence, without a fixed resolution deadline.",
      "review_status": "Verified live; exact authorization/financialinstitution crossrefs and formal notice steps remain separately scoped."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502310048",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Verified live; exact authorization/financialinstitution crossrefs and formal notice steps remain separately scoped."
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-irs-transaction-confirmed-other-owner",
      "title": "Correct payer records after SSA confirms another owner",
      "when": "Evidence establishes that the IRS transaction does not belong to the SSI recipient or the person whose income or resources are deemed to the recipient.",
      "you": "Contact the payer to correct its records and keep evidence of the correction request.",
      "ssa": "The field office ends further development of this IRS transaction, advises payer-record correction to avoid future matches, and assists by contacting the payer when necessary. The subsection allows notifying the payer that an incorrect SSN is being used without recipient consent.",
      "route": "Servicing field office and the payer’s record-correction process. Joint bank accounts require their separate ownership and rebuttal rules.",
      "next": "Ask SSA for assistance if needed. Correcting the payer’s records is intended to prevent repeat matches; the source does not guarantee that later matches will stop.",
      "source": "irsfulldevelopment",
      "section": "C.5.c",
      "timing": "No payer correction or future-match suppression deadline is specified.",
      "review_status": "Verified live; narrow incorrect-SSN notification permission does not imply permission for broader disclosure; no individual eligibility conclusion."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502310048",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Verified live; narrow incorrect-SSN notification permission does not imply permission for broader disclosure; no individual eligibility conclusion."
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-ssi-wages",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-irs-payer-unavailable-records",
      "title": "Review the case when payer records cannot be found",
      "when": "The customer lacks sufficient records or denies knowledge of the transaction, and the payer cannot locate records.",
      "you": "Explain which records are unavailable and provide any remaining evidence you have.",
      "ssa": "The field office discontinues development of that transaction, makes a determination using available evidence and records its basis. This does not automatically establish that the transaction belongs to someone else. Interest and life-insurance transactions require their special development instructions before concluding records cannot be obtained.",
      "route": "Field office evidence evaluation under SI 02310.048C.5.d, with SI 02310.049B.1/B.5 special cases and SI 00601.100 general evidence assistance.",
      "next": "Ask SSA to explain the evidence used and the resulting determination. If more evidence is available, identify it; do not assume unavailable records mean automatic eligibility or no further case requirements.",
      "source": "irsfulldevelopment",
      "section": "C.5.d",
      "timing": "No fixed decision time is stated. This path requires an actual payer-record evidence gap, rather than merely an unanswered first request.",
      "review_status": "Live subsection and specialcase crossrefs verified; individual outcome and appeal notice details not inferred."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502310048",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live subsection and specialcase crossrefs verified; individual outcome and appeal notice details not inferred."
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-redetermination",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-redetermination-1",
      "title": "Respond to the request",
      "you": "Keep the interview or return the requested form.",
      "ssa": "SSA describes telephone, in-person and mail redeterminations.",
      "source": "redetermination",
      "section": "How do we do a redetermination?",
      "owner": "SSA; exact internal assignment not established",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "SSA appointment letter or mailed form → redetermination response",
      "next": "Follow the interview or mailed-form instructions. If there is a representative payee, the public page describes sending the appointment letter to the payee and payee completion/signature of the mailed form."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-redets-ussi.htm",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-redetermination",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-redetermination-2",
      "title": "Supply relevant information",
      "you": "Provide requested financial and household evidence.",
      "ssa": "Review non-medical eligibility and request necessary documents.",
      "source": "redetermination",
      "section": "What is a redetermination?; Documents",
      "owner": "SSA; exact internal assignment not established",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "Requested evidence → SSA nonmedical eligibility/payment review",
      "next": "Provide the information SSA requests about income, resources and living arrangements. Not every example document is needed; SSA says it identifies necessary documents and helps obtain them."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-redets-ussi.htm",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-redetermination",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-redetermination-3",
      "title": "Ask for help or reschedule",
      "you": "Contact SSA if unable to attend or complete the form.",
      "ssa": "SSA describes help completing the form and rescheduling an interview.",
      "source": "redetermination",
      "section": "How do we do a redetermination?",
      "owner": "SSA; exact internal assignment not established",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "Customer request for help → SSA rescheduling or form assistance",
      "next": "Call if you cannot keep the appointment or need help with the form. The public page describes a 30-day response instruction; that is not a promise of a decision within 30 days."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-redets-ussi.htm",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-rz-staff-record-review",
      "title": "SSA reviews nonmedical eligibility and updates the record",
      "when": "A scheduled or change-triggered SSI redetermination is conducted.",
      "you": "Provide requested income, resource and living-arrangement information.",
      "ssa": "Review applicable eligibility factors, maintain required documentation and update the Supplemental Security Record. Conduct the interview through the appropriate review path or forms.",
      "route": "SSI redetermination interview → documented SSR review/update",
      "next": "The review concerns ongoing eligibility and correct payment; it does not promise an unchanged amount or completion date.",
      "source": "rzgeneral",
      "section": "A; B; C.1,C.3",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "rzpaper",
          "section": "A.1–A.2"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "No end-to-end processing duration specified",
      "review_status": "General staff duties checked; detailed income/resource development and notices remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502305001",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "General staff duties checked; detailed income/resource development and notices remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-rz-age18-medical",
      "title": "An age-18 disability redetermination is also needed",
      "when": "The applicable SSI age-18 disability-redetermination requirement applies.",
      "you": "Ask which requested information concerns the nonmedical review and which concerns the disability redetermination.",
      "ssa": "Distinguish the nonmedical review from the disability-redetermination workload. For qualifying age-18 cases, use adult initial-eligibility rules rather than the medical-improvement review standard.",
      "route": "Nonmedical SSI review and separate age-18 disability-redetermination development",
      "next": "An ordinary nonmedical review does not substitute for the age-18 determination. Initiation is not limited to the first year after the 18th birthday.",
      "source": "age18general",
      "section": "B.4",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "rzgeneral",
          "section": "C.2.c"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "No completion deadline asserted; first-year initiation limit does not apply as described in B.4",
      "review_status": "Standard and workload distinction checked; full FO/DDS processing remains to expand"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0411070001",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Standard and workload distinction checked; full FO/DDS processing remains to expand"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "rz-receipt-completion",
      "title": "The redetermination interview is finished but closure remains",
      "when": "RZ interview and development lead toward completion.",
      "you": "Keep the redetermination receipt.",
      "ssa": "Transmit initiation to SSR as soon as possible after interview. Close the RZ only after development is complete and the recipient/payee receives the system printout or signed form receipt.",
      "route": "FO → SSR initiation / RZ completion",
      "next": "Closing later does not change the initiation date to the closure date.",
      "source": "rzreviewperiod",
      "section": "D.1-2",
      "timing": "As soon as possible for initiation transmission; no fixed completion duration",
      "review_status": "Selected current staff procedure checked; legacy full journey remains partially enriched"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502305034",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected current staff procedure checked; legacy full journey remains partially enriched"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "rz-overlap-factors",
      "title": "The review overlaps a previously developed period",
      "when": "Records show an eligibility factor already developed for the overlap.",
      "you": "Identify earlier submissions if SSA asks.",
      "ssa": "Do not redevelop that factor for the overlap, except the Medicaid-use or1619(b) threshold test. First-of-month status factors are assumed developed for the prior action.",
      "route": "FO → prior-development / overlap review",
      "next": "This limits duplicate development, not all new evidence requests.",
      "source": "rzreviewperiod",
      "section": "D.4",
      "timing": "No fixed development duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected current staff procedure checked; no individual review-period calculation"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502305034",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected current staff procedure checked; no individual review-period calculation"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "rz-outside-period-change",
      "title": "A reported change falls outside the review period",
      "when": "Change predates the last RZ or follows current initiation.",
      "you": "Give the change date and requested evidence.",
      "ssa": "Before last RZ: develop only the changed factor under administrative finality. After current initiation: develop as needed without delaying RZ completion input until that change is developed.",
      "route": "FO → changed-factor development",
      "next": "Separate later development can continue after the current RZ closes.",
      "source": "rzreviewperiod",
      "section": "D.5",
      "timing": "No fixed development duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected current staff procedure checked; no individual review-period calculation"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502305034",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected current staff procedure checked; no individual review-period calculation"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "rz-curtail-period",
      "title": "One eligibility factor limits further development",
      "when": "SSA finds ineligibility for all or part of the review period.",
      "you": "Read SSA findings and respond to outstanding requests.",
      "ssa": "If ineligible throughout, curtail development of other eligibility factors. If ineligible for only part, curtail other-factor development only for those ineligible periods.",
      "route": "FO → review-period development scope",
      "next": "This is a conditional staff rule; it does not establish your eligibility or cancel the whole review.",
      "source": "rzreviewperiod",
      "section": "D.6",
      "timing": "Applies to the established ineligible periods; no processing duration specified",
      "review_status": "Official conditional procedure checked; individual result not determined"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502305034",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Official conditional procedure checked; individual result not determined"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "interface-run-date-fallback",
      "title": "The interface alert has no visible run date",
      "when": "Staff identifies the affirmative-action date for interface review.",
      "you": "Keep notices and submission dates.",
      "ssa": "Start with interface run date. If absent on the alert, use control-list date; if unavailable, SSR transaction date; if no longer present, FO received/requested-alert date.",
      "route": "FO → dated interface evidence / finality review",
      "next": "This date sequence does not decide whether a past determination can be revised; diligent pursuit and other finality rules still apply.",
      "source": "ssiinterfacepolicy",
      "section": "C.5.b-e and note",
      "timing": "Date-evidence hierarchy; no customer service deadline",
      "review_status": "Selected evidence rule checked; no individual reopening calculation"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502310005",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected evidence rule checked; no individual reopening calculation"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-revision-six-month-delay",
      "title": "A proposed SSI revision takes more than six months",
      "when": "Diligent-pursuit analysis is required after the investigation-start date.",
      "you": "Keep correspondence and relevant dates.",
      "ssa": "Analyze the investigation and document why delay was reasonable or unreasonable. Unexplained delay is presumed unreasonable. For an unfavorable interface revision with unreasonable delay, the original run date cannot remain the affirmative-action date; use a diligently pursued restart, subject to reopening limits.",
      "route": "FO → finality / documented delay review",
      "next": "Six months is a presumption threshold, not a service guarantee.",
      "source": "ssirevisionpursuit",
      "section": "B.3-5; I.2-3",
      "timing": "Six-month diligence analysis; no payment-delivery promise",
      "review_status": "Selected official condition checked; no individual reopening or payment decision"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0504070040",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected official condition checked; no individual reopening or payment decision"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-revision-notice-completion",
      "title": "Evidence is complete but the revised determination needs a notice",
      "when": "Staff evaluates completion of an SSI revision.",
      "you": "Keep the revised determination notice.",
      "ssa": "Distinguish receipt of all necessary facts from revision completion. Revision completes on the notice date changing eligibility or payment; use that date when evaluating the six-month presumption.",
      "route": "FO → revised determination / notice",
      "next": "Completed evidence gathering alone does not satisfy diligent pursuit.",
      "source": "ssirevisionpursuit",
      "section": "G-H",
      "timing": "Six-month diligence analysis; no payment-delivery promise",
      "review_status": "Selected official condition checked; no individual reopening or payment decision"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0504070040",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected official condition checked; no individual reopening or payment decision"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-evidence-only-doubt",
      "title": "New evidence raises doubt without establishing a revision",
      "when": "Earlier SSI determination reviewed.",
      "you": "Keep notices and provide requested evidence.",
      "ssa": "Evaluate the whole record. Evidence merely casting doubt cannot support revision based on new and material evidence alone; develop further when warranted.",
      "route": "FO → applicable evidence / recovery process",
      "next": "No individual revision, waiver or recovery result is determined here.",
      "source": "ssirevisionpursuit",
      "section": "E",
      "timing": "No processing duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected official distinction checked; full linked policy remains"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0504070040",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected official distinction checked; full linked policy remains"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-revision-current-notice",
      "title": "A revision reduces or ends current SSI",
      "when": "Current benefits face suspension, termination or reduction.",
      "you": "Read the planned-action notice promptly.",
      "ssa": "For nonmedical action, use SSA-L8155 with basis, reconsideration and payment-continuation rights. For medical disability/blindness cessation, DDS issues the cessation notice.",
      "route": "FO nonmedical notice / DDS medical notice",
      "next": "The medical and nonmedical notice routes differ.",
      "source": "ssirevisionnotice",
      "section": "A.4; B.4",
      "timing": "No notice-delivery duration specified; follow applicable notice deadlines",
      "review_status": "Selected official notice conditions checked; no personal appeal-date calculation"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0504070050",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected official notice conditions checked; no personal appeal-date calculation"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-revision-closed-notice",
      "title": "The revision affects only a closed past period",
      "when": "No change to current, prospective or ongoing eligibility/payment.",
      "you": "Keep the revised notice and review its hearing instructions.",
      "ssa": "Prepare SSA-L8100 stating the revision basis and ALJ-hearing right. This closed-period route includes past adverse changes only when current status is unaffected.",
      "route": "FO → revised-determination notice",
      "next": "Do not apply this notice route to a current benefit reduction.",
      "source": "ssirevisionnotice",
      "section": "A.5; B.3",
      "timing": "No notice-delivery duration specified; follow applicable notice deadlines",
      "review_status": "Selected official notice conditions checked; no personal appeal-date calculation"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0504070050",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected official notice conditions checked; no personal appeal-date calculation"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-revised-notice-recipients",
      "title": "A revised SSI notice needs the correct recipients",
      "when": "SSA revises an SSI determination.",
      "you": "Keep your address and representation information current.",
      "ssa": "Mail the notice to last known addresses of recipient, payee and representative on record. Include revision basis, effects and review rights. Where manual SSA-L8100 is required use SSA-L8100-U2; FO manual L8100/L8155 includes paragraph2750 identifying revision, subject to the current-action notice route.",
      "route": "FO → notice preparation / recipients",
      "next": "The current-benefit versus closed-period notice distinction still applies.",
      "source": "ssirevisionnotice",
      "section": "A.1-3; B.1; B.5",
      "timing": "No notice-delivery duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected notice checks verified; historical organizational label excluded"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0504070050",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected notice checks verified; historical organizational label excluded"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-n20-exclusions",
      "title": "Missing information does not always permit N20 suspension",
      "when": "SSA considers nonresponse action.",
      "you": "Contact SSA about difficulty responding or obtaining evidence.",
      "ssa": "Do not use N20 for an unlocated person after an undeliverable initial request, possible payee need/change, third-party noncompliance, or sufficient current eligibility/payment information.",
      "route": "Field office → applicable exception procedure",
      "next": "Other action depends on the applicable procedure.",
      "source": "ssin20exclusions",
      "section": "B",
      "timing": "No completion period stated.",
      "review_status": "Selected exclusions verified; full suspension procedure remains separate"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502301235",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected exclusions verified; full suspension procedure remains separate"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-response-assistance",
      "title": "You need help understanding or answering an SSI request",
      "when": "Communication, health or contact difficulties affect responding.",
      "you": "Tell SSA what help you need to understand the request and obtain information.",
      "ssa": "Offer assistance to all SSI recipients and tailor it to known needs. Provide help and sufficient response time, special notices and interpreters as needed. Consider payee need or reassess an unavailable or unsuitable payee when indicated.",
      "route": "Field office → response assistance and any indicated capability review",
      "next": "SSA helps address the response difficulty; this is not a finding that you need a payee.",
      "source": "ssiresponseassistance",
      "section": "B.1-4",
      "timing": "Sufficient response time is required; no universal duration in this subsection.",
      "review_status": "Selected assistance duties verified 2026-10-17; specific notice formats separately scoped"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502301200",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected assistance duties verified 2026-10-17; specific notice formats separately scoped"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-initial-written-evidence-request",
      "title": "SSA requests new information after your SSI interview",
      "when": "SSA needs information, evidence or action not previously requested.",
      "you": "Use the written due date and contact SSA if you need help or more time.",
      "ssa": "Issue an approved written request, addressed only to the payee if one exists. Date it when mailed or handed over, specify the response date and retain a copy. Email requests do not replace the required mailed notice.",
      "route": "Field office → recipient or representative payee → evidence development",
      "next": "A new request allows time to provide the newly requested information. Follow-up and any suspension require separate procedures.",
      "source": "ssin20exclusions",
      "section": "D.1-2",
      "timing": "Allow 30 calendar days after the request date; this is a response period, not an automatic suspension date.",
      "review_status": "D.1-2 checked 2026-10-17; extension example conflict separately recorded"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502301235",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "D.1-2 checked 2026-10-17; extension example conflict separately recorded"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-unanswered-request-followup",
      "title": "SSA follows up on an unanswered SSI request",
      "when": "No response within 15 calendar days, or a scheduled appointment was missed.",
      "you": "Contact SSA about the request and any response difficulties.",
      "ssa": "Check records for a current phone number, try telephone contact, then mail if unsuccessful. Document attempts and protect benefit information in messages.",
      "route": "Field office → phone follow-up → mail if unsuccessful",
      "next": "Follow-up does not itself change the initial response deadline or authorize suspension.",
      "source": "ssin20exclusions",
      "section": "F.1-2",
      "timing": "15 calendar days after the written-request date is a follow-up trigger.",
      "review_status": "F.1-2 checked; mail and suspension procedures separately scoped"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502301235",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "F.1-2 checked; mail and suspension procedures separately scoped"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-request-more-time",
      "title": "You have a good reason to need more time",
      "when": "You need an extension to provide requested information.",
      "you": "Explain the reason and discuss the time needed.",
      "ssa": "Grant agreed time for good reason; allow another 30 days if willing or trying to comply but unsure how long. Grant further extensions when cooperation continues.",
      "route": "Field office → extension discussion",
      "next": "Confirm the new due date with SSA.",
      "source": "ssin20exclusions",
      "section": "H.1",
      "timing": "Agreed period or conditional additional 30 days.",
      "review_status": "H.1 checked; conflicting H.2 example not adopted"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502301235",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "H.1 checked; conflicting H.2 example not adopted"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-mailed-second-request",
      "title": "SSA mails a second request",
      "when": "Telephone follow-up was unsuccessful.",
      "you": "Check the due date and tell SSA about an address problem.",
      "ssa": "Send a second request, preserve its copy, and retain the prior due date only if at least 10 calendar days remain; otherwise extend it. A forwarding address requires another follow-up.",
      "route": "Field office → mailed follow-up",
      "next": "Use the stated response date; suspension is separately reviewed.",
      "section": "F.3",
      "timing": "At least 10 calendar days after the follow-up request date.",
      "source": "ssin20exclusions",
      "review_status": "Selected procedure independently checked; H2 example conflict and effective-date details remain separate"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502301235",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected procedure independently checked; H2 example conflict and effective-date details remain separate"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-n20-management-review",
      "title": "SSA reviews a proposed nonresponse suspension",
      "when": "Required information remains missing.",
      "you": "Contact SSA about missing information or response difficulties.",
      "ssa": "Exhaust contact and evidence efforts; consider indicated payee issues. Document requests, extensions and follow-up results. Obtain management support specialist or higher approval; management disapproval returns the case for further action.",
      "route": "Technician → management review",
      "next": "Approval alone does not replace other suspension requirements.",
      "section": "I; J.1-3",
      "timing": "No review completion period stated.",
      "source": "ssin20exclusions",
      "review_status": "Selected procedure independently checked; H2 example conflict and effective-date details remain separate"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502301235",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected procedure independently checked; H2 example conflict and effective-date details remain separate"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-adverse-alert-nonpay",
      "title": "An adverse alert arrives while SSI is not being paid",
      "when": "The current status is nonpay, suspense or terminated.",
      "you": "Tell SSA about relevant facts when discussing reinstatement.",
      "ssa": "Defer adverse interface-data development in these statuses, including E01. Develop the issue when initiating work to reinstate benefits.",
      "route": "Field office → reinstatement development when initiated",
      "next": "Deferral does not establish reinstatement eligibility.",
      "section": "C.3",
      "source": "ssiinterfacepolicy",
      "timing": "No development completion period specified.",
      "review_status": "Selected current status/deemor gates checked; related eligibility rules separately scoped"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502310005",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected current status/deemor gates checked; related eligibility rules separately scoped"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-pim-deemor-alert",
      "title": "A matched income alert concerns a deemor receiving public income maintenance",
      "when": "SSA screens income information for a deemor receiving these payments.",
      "you": "Report relevant payment changes and provide requested agency evidence.",
      "ssa": "Do not develop this income alert unless it indicates that deeming should begin or end. Review that exception before treating the alert as unnecessary.",
      "route": "Field office → deeming start/end review if indicated",
      "next": "This gate does not waive household reporting duties.",
      "section": "C.4",
      "source": "ssiinterfacepolicy",
      "timing": "No development completion period specified.",
      "review_status": "Selected current status/deemor gates checked; related eligibility rules separately scoped"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502310005",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected current status/deemor gates checked; related eligibility rules separately scoped"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "1619-no-medicaid-fo-assistance",
      "title": "You participate in section 1619 but have no Medicaid coverage",
      "when": "The field office discovers a section 1619 participant lacks Medicaid coverage and finds no Medicaid bar on the SSI record.",
      "you": "Tell SSA and the State Medicaid agency about the missing coverage. If SSA provides a referral note, take it to the agency with the requested information.",
      "ssa": "SI 01715.015 B.1 directs the field office to telephone the Medicaid agency or prepare a note for the beneficiary. The note explains the work-incentive/Medicaid connection, current participation and start of the most recent participation period. The record-bar check includes applicable trust, rights-assignment and third-party-information issues. In section 209(b) States, the cited continuation rule also requires Medicaid coverage in the month before the most recent section 1619 period.",
      "route": "Field-office SSI record check → Medicaid agency telephone contact or beneficiary referral note",
      "next": "The referral assists coverage review; it does not itself restore coverage. Current status rules and State requirements still apply, and the State owns Medicaid ineligibility notices.",
      "source": "formerSSImedicaid",
      "section": "A; B.1",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "ssimedicaidrouting",
          "section": "A.3; B"
        },
        {
          "source": "ssimedicaidgeneral",
          "section": "C.2"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "The prior-coverage month is an eligibility condition; no coverage-restoration deadline is specified.",
      "review_status": "Selected missing-coverage staff assistance and record-bar gate checked; full1619 eligibility and State coverage decision remain separate."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0501715015",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected missing-coverage staff assistance and record-bar gate checked; full1619 eligibility and State coverage decision remain separate."
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "pickle-cola-ssi-loss-medicaid-review",
      "title": "A Social Security COLA ends SSI and Medicaid needs another review",
      "when": "A Title II beneficiary loses SSI/SSP after cost-of-living increases and may otherwise meet SSI/SSP or section 1619(b) conditions without the qualifying COLAs.",
      "you": "Ask the State Medicaid agency about the Pickle continuation provision and provide the income and prior-benefit information it requests. Do not assume that an earlier SSI loss settles present Medicaid eligibility.",
      "ssa": "SI 01715.015 B.2 describes the State’s comparison using current SSI/SSP levels, other countable income and the applicable frozen Title II amount with qualifying COLAs excluded. Higher SSI levels or lower other income can create potential eligibility later. SSA sends States two annual files at COLA time to identify potential members, including specified COLA-related SSI payment-status cases. These files identify candidates rather than decide individual coverage.",
      "route": "SSA annual potential-member files → State Medicaid eligibility review",
      "next": "The State applies the continuation and other coverage rules. Current citizenship/immigration qualifications remain relevant; a potential-member listing is not an award or an automatic restoration.",
      "source": "formerSSImedicaid",
      "section": "A; B.2",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "ssimedicaidrouting",
          "section": "A.3; B"
        },
        {
          "source": "ssimedicaidgeneral",
          "section": "C.2"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "Annual COLA-time files are an information-sharing cadence, not an individual Medicaid-decision deadline.",
      "review_status": "Selected potential-eligibility and State-review process checked; no individual financial calculation, eligibility result or State-specific contact supplied."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0501715015",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected potential-eligibility and State-review process checked; no individual financial calculation, eligibility result or State-specific contact supplied."
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "iar-pe-life-extension-reinstatement",
      "title": "An IAR authorization accompanies SSI reinstatement",
      "when": "SSA reviews a posteligibility IAR authorization associated with SSI reinstatement.",
      "you": "Keep your reinstatement request and authorization dates and respond to SSA’s evidence requests. Ask which authorization period applies.",
      "ssa": "Under SI 02003.006 B.1, life begins when SSA receives the signed paper authorization from a manual State or receives automated State notification. B.3 extends life beyond twelve months if reinstatement was requested on or before authorization receipt or within twelve months of receipt. The extension ends with the first retroactive SSI payment on the posteligibility review, a final determination without timely review requested, or agreed termination by the individual and State.",
      "route": "SSI field office posteligibility authorization-period review → reinstatement/payment processing",
      "next": "This determines the authorization period; it does not itself reinstate SSI or establish a reimbursement amount.",
      "source": "iarauthorizationlife",
      "section": "B.1; B.3",
      "timing": "The twelve-month extension gate runs from authorization receipt, not from suspension or termination. No processing-duration promise.",
      "review_status": "Selected posteligibility extension checked; B.2 no-application/earlier-ending conditions remain separately scoped."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502003006",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected posteligibility extension checked; B.2 no-application/earlier-ending conditions remain separately scoped."
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "iar-pe-authorization-ending",
      "title": "A posteligibility IAR authorization reaches an ending event",
      "when": "SSA reviews whether a posteligibility IAR authorization ended under SI 02003.006 B.2.",
      "you": "Keep authorization, reinstatement-request and payment records. Ask SSA which event and date control the reimbursement authorization.",
      "ssa": "B.2 ends life twelve months from SSA receipt if no SSI application occurs in that period. Earlier endings are the first retroactive posteligibility SSI payment after suspension or termination, a final reinstatement determination without a timely review request, or agreed termination by the individual and State. The field office distinguishes this payment event from recurring monthly payments used in the initial-claim rule, and checks B.3 extension conditions separately.",
      "route": "SSI field office posteligibility authorization review → applicable reimbursement/payment handling",
      "next": "The authorization ending does not itself determine whether SSI can be reinstated or what amount is due.",
      "source": "iarauthorizationlife",
      "section": "B.2; compare B.3",
      "timing": "The twelve-month no-application clock starts with SSA receipt of authorization. Earlier endings follow the listed event; no processing estimate is specified.",
      "review_status": "Selected PE ending events verified. Source B.2 says apply for SSI while B.3 specifies reinstatement; no broader new-application requirement inferred."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502003006",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected PE ending events verified. Source B.2 says apply for SSI while B.3 specifies reinstatement; no broader new-application requirement inferred."
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-extra-help",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "apply-extra-help-1",
      "title": "Choose the right application route",
      "you": "Check whether an application is needed or eligibility is deemed.",
      "ssa": "POMS distinguishes people who should apply from those contacted separately by CMS.",
      "source": "extra",
      "section": "B",
      "owner": "SSA / CMS",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "SSA application-route review or CMS deemed-subsidy contact",
      "next": "Some Medicare claimants in the cited deemed categories should not complete the subsidy application and receive separate CMS contact. Check the applicable route rather than assuming everyone must apply."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0603010035",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-extra-help",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "apply-extra-help-2",
      "title": "Provide application information",
      "you": "Use the appropriate online, interview or scannable-paper method.",
      "ssa": "Field-office/WSU interviews use MAPS; completed scannable forms route to WBDOC.",
      "source": "extra",
      "section": "B.1–B.3",
      "owner": "Field office / WSU / WBDOC",
      "systems": [
        "MAPS",
        "i1020"
      ],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "Scannable form → WBDOC; FO/WSU interview → MAPS; online → i1020",
      "next": "Use the appropriate application method. A language facsimile is not a completed scannable form for WBDOC processing. An application does not itself establish subsidy eligibility."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0603010035",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-extra-help",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "apply-extra-help-3",
      "title": "Keep the routes distinct",
      "you": "Follow up through the applicable official channel.",
      "ssa": "i1020 feeds the determination process without using MAPS input screens; MAPS can later query accepted application data.",
      "source": "extra",
      "section": "B.3",
      "owner": "SSA subsidy processing",
      "systems": [
        "i1020",
        "MAPS"
      ],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "i1020 data → determination process; accepted data available to SSA through MAPS",
      "next": "The online route does not use MAPS input screens. SSA can later query or change accepted application data through MAPS; this does not give the customer access to those staff screens."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0603010035",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "enroll-part-b",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "enroll-part-b-1",
      "title": "Identify the enrollment situation",
      "you": "Check the applicable enrollment period and coverage history.",
      "ssa": "SSA distinguishes employer-plan special enrollment from other situations.",
      "source": "partb",
      "section": "When ending an employer group health plan",
      "owner": "SSA; exact internal assignment not established",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "Enrollment-period selection; employer-plan, exceptional-situation and General Enrollment routes differ. Exact staff assignment remains unverified.",
      "next": "Use the route matching your coverage history; ask SSA for General Enrollment help when applicable."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up/part-b-only",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "enroll-part-b",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "enroll-part-b-2",
      "title": "Submit the appropriate application",
      "you": "Use the applicable online route or required forms.",
      "ssa": "The page lists online employer-plan SEP filing; fax/mail generally use CMS-40B and relevant additional forms.",
      "source": "partb",
      "section": "Submit an application; Other ways",
      "owner": "SSA; exact internal assignment not established",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "Online employer-plan application, or completed paper forms to the local Social Security office.",
      "next": "For fax/mail, use CMS-40B and the applicable CMS-L564 or CMS-10797 instructions; do not assume every case can use the online route."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up/part-b-only",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "enroll-part-b",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "enroll-part-b-3",
      "title": "Check the coverage start",
      "you": "Use SSA’s case-specific enrollment confirmation.",
      "ssa": "The public page describes coverage generally starting the following month, with enrollment conditions.",
      "source": "partb",
      "section": "Sign up for Part B only",
      "owner": "SSA; exact internal assignment not established",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "Enrollment and effective-date determination; detailed staff notice workflow remains unverified.",
      "next": "The page gives a general first-of-next-month coverage rule, not a processing deadline. Confirm the applicable start date with SSA before relying on coverage."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up/part-b-only",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "enroll-part-b",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "delayed-partb-sixmonths-premiums",
      "title": "Delayed Part B enrollment leaves six or more months of premiums due",
      "when": "Government error or delay in processing Part B enrollment creates at least six months of retroactive premiums when SSA notifies the enrollee.",
      "you": "Read the relief notice. If choosing earlier coverage, tell SSA in writing within 60 days of the notice date and address the required premiums; ask about payment arrangements if needed.",
      "ssa": "Count past-due months excluding the current operating month and future months. Without a definite prior choice, apply the specified prospective current-month award and notice of the earliest-date option. A definite prior choice follows B.1. The ordinary choice is current month or earliest permissible entitlement, not an intermediate date. Check the separate State buy-in and closed-period exceptions.",
      "route": "SSA delayed-enrollment/premium review → relief award and coverage-choice notice",
      "next": "Earlier coverage carries retroactive premium responsibility. Relief depends on the applicable conditions; it is not automatic for every enrollment delay.",
      "source": "partbdelayrelief",
      "section": "A.1–2; B.1–2",
      "timing": "60 days from the notice date is the written earlier-coverage election period, not an SSA completion deadline.",
      "review_status": "Selected premium threshold/default/election rules checked; detailed installment, buy-in and closed-period cases require their own procedures."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0600805195",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected premium threshold/default/election rules checked; detailed installment, buy-in and closed-period cases require their own procedures."
  },
  {
    "journey": "enroll-part-b",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "delayed-partb-award-refusal-protest",
      "title": "A delayed prospective Part B award arrives after you no longer want enrollment",
      "when": "SSA awards prospective Part B many months after enrollment or deemed enrollment and the enrollee protests the unwanted coverage.",
      "you": "Tell SSA promptly and submit the required written refusal by the applicable deadline. Ask staff to verify notice and first-bill dates if notice arrived late.",
      "ssa": "HI 00805.195 D.1 directs reversal, refund of paid premiums and treatment as not enrolled or as refusing deemed enrollment when the specified timely protest is filed. The cited period is two months after the notification month. For late automatic-enrollment notice, HI 00805.055 B.1.c uses two full calendar months after the earlier of the reported notice-receipt month or first premium-bill month. SSA must receive the written refusal; a call alone does not protect its date. Current State buy-in bars refusal/termination under the linked policy.",
      "route": "SSA refusal-date and enrollment/buy-in review → applicable reversal/refund action",
      "next": "SSA must establish that the special refusal conditions apply. This is distinct from electing earlier coverage with retroactive premiums.",
      "source": "partbdelayrelief",
      "section": "D.1",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "partbdeemedrefusal",
          "section": "B opening; B.1.c–d"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "Two-calendar-month refusal rules differ from the 60-day earlier-coverage election; verify the applicable notice/bill event with SSA. No processing deadline is specified.",
      "review_status": "Selected delayed-award/late-notice refusal conditions checked; no individual cancellation or premium refund performed."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0600805195",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected delayed-award/late-notice refusal conditions checked; no individual cancellation or premium refund performed."
  },
  {
    "journey": "enroll-part-b",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "delayed-partb-closedperiod-survivor-options",
      "title": "Part B eligibility ends before SSA processes the delayed award",
      "when": "Delayed Part B processing reaches a point when the person is no longer eligible because of death or, for a beneficiary under 65, loss of Part A.",
      "you": "The enrollee or survivors should review SSA’s notice and ask about the offered coverage choice and premium responsibility before responding.",
      "ssa": "Under HI 00805.195 D.2.a, do not award prospective Part B. Notify the enrollee or survivors of the choice to refuse Part B entirely or elect coverage from the proper original entitlement date and pay the premiums. For an amended earlier award where termination occurs before the choice can be made, D.2.b requires notice of the choice to refuse entirely or elect the newly earlier date with additional premiums.",
      "route": "SSA delayed/amended enrollment review → enrollee or survivor choice notice → applicable closed-period action",
      "next": "This process concerns coverage for a past period, not prospective coverage after eligibility ended. The notice must distinguish the available dates and premiums; no individual award is determined here.",
      "source": "partbdelayrelief",
      "section": "D.2.a–b",
      "timing": "The source directs notification as soon as possible but specifies no fixed delivery or processing duration in this subsection.",
      "review_status": "Selected closed-period and amended-award notice options checked; linked termination and closed-period adjudication rules remain separate."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0600805195",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected closed-period and amended-award notice options checked; linked termination and closed-period adjudication rules remain separate."
  },
  {
    "journey": "lower-irmaa",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "lower-irmaa-1",
      "title": "Identify why income changed",
      "you": "Explain the life-changing event or amended return.",
      "ssa": "SSA separates the life-changing-event request from amended-tax-return contact.",
      "source": "irmaa",
      "section": "Request to lower IRMAA; Amended returns",
      "owner": "SSA; exact internal assignment not established",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "Life-changing-event request or separate amended-return telephone route. Exact staff assignment remains unverified.",
      "next": "Identify which reason applies; the request does not itself establish a lower premium."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/lower-irmaa",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "lower-irmaa",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "lower-irmaa-2",
      "title": "Submit the request and evidence",
      "you": "Use SSA-44 through the listed online or fax/mail route when applicable.",
      "ssa": "SSA lists the form and evidence submission options.",
      "source": "irmaa",
      "section": "Other ways to complete this task",
      "owner": "SSA; exact internal assignment not established",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "SSA-44 online submission or completed form and evidence faxed/mailed to a Social Security office.",
      "next": "Follow the listed form instructions. Appointment help is available; residents outside the U.S., including territories or commonwealths, are directed to a Federal Benefits Unit for an appointment."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/lower-irmaa",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "lower-irmaa",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "lower-irmaa-3",
      "title": "Follow the appropriate support route",
      "you": "Call about an amended return or ask for help.",
      "ssa": "SSA directs amended-return cases to telephone contact.",
      "source": "irmaa",
      "section": "Amended income tax returns",
      "owner": "SSA; exact internal assignment not established",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "SSA telephone assistance for an amended return or help completing the request.",
      "next": "Explain that you seek an IRMAA reduction and the reason. The page gives no decision deadline or guaranteed premium change."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/lower-irmaa",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "understand-overpayment",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "understand-overpayment-1",
      "title": "Ask for an explanation",
      "you": "Contact the field office in person or by phone.",
      "ssa": "Explain the overpayment immediately if possible using payment and debt records.",
      "source": "explain",
      "section": "A",
      "owner": "Field office",
      "systems": [
        "MBR",
        "ROAR",
        "PHUS"
      ],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "FO record review",
      "next": "An explanation or referral if more detail is needed."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202201017",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "understand-overpayment",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "understand-overpayment-2",
      "title": "Get detail if needed",
      "you": "Ask for a written explanation when needed.",
      "ssa": "If the office cannot explain fully, route the explanation request to the servicing PSC and handle recovery under the instructions.",
      "source": "explain",
      "section": "B–D",
      "owner": "Field office → PSC",
      "systems": [
        "DMS",
        "WMS"
      ],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "FO written response or PSC referral",
      "next": "Written explanation if required."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202201017",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "understand-overpayment",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "understand-overpayment-3",
      "title": "Choose the next response",
      "you": "Distinguish explanation, reconsideration and waiver requests.",
      "ssa": "Document the explanation and the person’s response, then apply the appropriate protest/recovery action.",
      "source": "explain",
      "section": "A.1–A.2",
      "owner": "SSA debt technician",
      "systems": [
        "DMS"
      ],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "Requested response route",
      "next": "Reconsideration, waiver or other response as applicable."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202201017",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "understand-overpayment",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "psc-explanation",
      "title": "The local office cannot explain the debt",
      "when": "FO/TSC cannot explain and OPTEL is unresponsive.",
      "you": "Await a fuller explanation.",
      "ssa": "Stop recovery in DMS and transfer WMS jurisdiction.",
      "route": "FO/TSC → servicing PSC",
      "next": "PSC supplies the written explanation.",
      "source": "explain",
      "section": "C–D",
      "timing": "No branch completion time established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202201017",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "understand-overpayment",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "written-explanation",
      "title": "You need a written explanation",
      "when": "Verbal response is unavailable or writing requested.",
      "you": "Request the written explanation.",
      "ssa": "Send it; document DMS and apply recovery instructions.",
      "route": "FO or PSC, as applicable",
      "next": "Use the original debt notice for appeal rights.",
      "source": "explain",
      "section": "B; D",
      "timing": "No branch completion time established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202201017",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "understand-overpayment",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "redirected-payment-alert",
      "title": "The alert follows an unauthorized payment redirection",
      "when": "SSA issued a replacement payment.",
      "you": "Explain the unauthorized change and replacement-payment history.",
      "ssa": "Determine whether CPS/IP or A-OTP caused the alert; follow the program-specific unauthorized-redirection procedure and fraud referral. Treat the beneficiary as the victim, not the referral’s alleged perpetrator.",
      "route": "FO → program review / fraud referral as required",
      "next": "This specialized rule does not classify every overpayment or allegation as unauthorized redirection.",
      "source": "redirectoverpay",
      "section": "A",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0202402017",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "understand-overpayment",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "wrong-titleii-debt-field",
      "title": "A Title II redirection debt appears on the beneficiary’s payment field",
      "when": "SSA identifies potentially incorrect processing of this specialized debt.",
      "you": "Ask SSA to review the redirection-related entry.",
      "ssa": "FO sends an MDW requesting PC correction of the debt placement and related O/U PAY entry. PC verifies the corrected record and informs the FO by telephone and MDW.",
      "route": "FO → PC correction → FO confirmation",
      "next": "Staff must distinguish this amount from unrelated overpayments.",
      "source": "redirectoverpay",
      "section": "D",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0202402017",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "understand-overpayment",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-redirection-replacement-recovery",
      "title": "SSI automatically recovers the emergency replacement",
      "when": "An immediate payment replaced an unauthorized redirected payment and Treasury has not credited the nonreceipt.",
      "you": "Identify the reduced next payment when asking SSA to review the case.",
      "ssa": "Issue an A-OTP to replace the payment automatically reduced to recover the IP under this specialized instruction.",
      "route": "FO → SSI replacement-payment correction",
      "next": "This branch applies to the specified unauthorized-redirection scenario.",
      "source": "redirectoverpay",
      "section": "B opening paragraphs",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0202402017",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "understand-overpayment",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-redirection-erroneous-overpayment",
      "title": "The SSI one-time replacement creates an overpayment",
      "when": "Treasury has not issued the nonreceipt credit.",
      "you": "Ask SSA to identify the replacement-related amount.",
      "ssa": "Do not send the overpayment notice; stop collection and document an erroneous-overpayment write-off under the specified procedure. Correct a qualifying older MO TAC entry to NT TAC.",
      "route": "FO → documented SSI erroneous-overpayment correction",
      "next": "Other debts are not automatically covered by this correction.",
      "source": "redirectoverpay",
      "section": "B numbered steps 1–2 and note",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0202402017",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "understand-overpayment",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-later-treasury-credit",
      "title": "Treasury later credits the redirected SSI payment",
      "when": "SSA previously wrote off the replacement-related erroneous overpayment.",
      "you": "Ask whether the later credit has been reconciled.",
      "ssa": "Review the credit on SSR; it does not automatically reduce the prior NT TAC decision. Resolve the resulting excess decision/B4 alert and adjust the decision to account for the remittance.",
      "route": "FO → SSI credit and decision reconciliation",
      "next": "A posted Treasury credit may still require a technician’s correction.",
      "source": "redirectoverpay",
      "section": "B subsequent-credit steps 1–2",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0202402017",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "understand-overpayment",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "concurrent-redirection-handoff",
      "title": "Both SSI and Title II are affected by redirected payments",
      "when": "The field office has a concurrent case.",
      "you": "Identify both affected benefit programs.",
      "ssa": "Resolve the Title XVI actions, then request PC action for Title II via MDW or RQFA. Keep the program-specific corrections distinct.",
      "route": "FO SSI resolution → PC Title II action",
      "next": "Completion on one record does not establish completion on the other.",
      "source": "redirectoverpay",
      "section": "E final note",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0202402017",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "dispute-overpayment",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "dispute-overpayment-1",
      "title": "State the disagreement in writing",
      "you": "Explain whether the fact or amount is disputed.",
      "ssa": "Obtain a sufficiently clear written reconsideration request; a request for explanation is different.",
      "source": "recon",
      "section": "A; B.1",
      "owner": "Field office",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "Field office → written Title II reconsideration intake",
      "next": "SSA clarifies whether you dispute the fact or amount. A request only for an explanation is different. A late reconsideration request requires a good-cause determination under the referenced rules."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202201025",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "dispute-overpayment",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "dispute-overpayment-2",
      "title": "Record and route the appeal",
      "you": "Provide supporting material.",
      "ssa": "Apply recovery-stop instructions, retain evidence and route the ordinary reconsideration to the servicing PC. Misuse cases differ.",
      "source": "recon",
      "section": "B.2",
      "owner": "Field office → PC",
      "systems": [
        "DMS",
        "EP / eView"
      ],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "Field office → servicing processing center for ordinary reconsideration",
      "next": "The office records the appeal, applies the recovery-stop instructions and retains the request and evidence. Misuse reconsideration stays with the field office under its separate instructions."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202201025",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "dispute-overpayment",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "dispute-overpayment-3",
      "title": "Receive the determination",
      "you": "Review the reconsideration result and subsequent rights.",
      "ssa": "Document the outcome and send the applicable determination notice.",
      "source": "recon",
      "section": "C.3",
      "owner": "Processing center",
      "systems": [
        "DMS"
      ],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "Processing center → reconsideration determination and applicable notice",
      "next": "Read the result and hearing rights in the notice. Any remaining recovery and waiver handling depends on the outcome and requests made; reconsideration does not guarantee cancellation of the debt."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202201025",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "dispute-overpayment",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-revision-versus-recovery",
      "title": "An SSI revision has already created an overpayment",
      "when": "Past months validly reopened and revised.",
      "you": "Keep notices and provide requested evidence.",
      "ssa": "Distinguish revision from collection of the resulting debt. Reopening rules do not govern collection; use separate SSI recovery procedures.",
      "route": "FO → applicable evidence / recovery process",
      "next": "No individual revision, waiver or recovery result is determined here.",
      "source": "ssirevisionpursuit",
      "section": "B.6",
      "timing": "No processing duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected official distinction checked; full linked policy remains"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0504070040",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected official distinction checked; full linked policy remains"
  },
  {
    "journey": "request-waiver",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "request-waiver-1",
      "title": "Make the waiver request",
      "you": "Clearly request waiver of recovery.",
      "ssa": "Stop recovery on receiving the request under the cited policy.",
      "source": "waiver",
      "section": "B",
      "owner": "SSA debt technician",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "SSA debt technician → waiver intake and recovery-stop action",
      "next": "SSA must stop recovery upon receiving the waiver request under this policy. That action does not decide whether the debt will be waived."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202250002",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "request-waiver",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "request-waiver-2",
      "title": "Use the applicable development route",
      "you": "Complete requested information, including SSA-632 when required.",
      "ssa": "Apply the administrative-tolerance or written/telephone form route as applicable.",
      "source": "waiver",
      "section": "C; C.1",
      "owner": "SSA reviewing employee",
      "systems": [
        "WorkTrack 2.0"
      ],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "SSA reviewing employee → applicable tolerance or SSA-632 development",
      "next": "SSA selects the applicable development route. When telephone SSA-632 completion is used, the procedure includes attestation and a mailed completed-form copy; written completion is also available under the cited instructions."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202250002",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "request-waiver",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "request-waiver-3",
      "title": "Handle proposed denial safeguards",
      "you": "Participate in the offered review/conference if needed.",
      "ssa": "A proposed denial or partial approval requires independent file review and a personal-conference opportunity.",
      "source": "waiver",
      "section": "B.3; C.2",
      "owner": "Independent decision maker",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "Initial decision maker → independent file review and personal-conference opportunity",
      "next": "Before a partial approval or denial determination, SSA must offer the file review and conference opportunity described here. The review safeguard does not establish the eventual waiver result."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202250002",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "request-waiver",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "combined-request",
      "title": "You requested both reconsideration and waiver",
      "when": "Both requests are pending.",
      "you": "Keep the requests distinct.",
      "ssa": "Decide or dismiss reconsideration first; then consider any remaining waiver.",
      "route": "Reconsideration → waiver review",
      "next": "Waiver follows if a debt remains.",
      "source": "waiver",
      "section": "B.1",
      "timing": "No branch completion time established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202250002",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "request-waiver",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "phone-form",
      "title": "Complete SSA-632 by telephone",
      "when": "The specified telephone form route applies.",
      "you": "Answer the interview questions.",
      "ssa": "Attest the form, upload to WorkTrack 2.0 and mail a copy.",
      "route": "Phone interview → assigned technician",
      "next": "Expect your form copy and further review.",
      "source": "waiver",
      "section": "C.1",
      "timing": "No branch completion time established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202250002",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "request-waiver",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "independent-conference",
      "title": "Full waiver approval is not proposed",
      "when": "SSA proposes denial or partial approval.",
      "you": "Use the offered file review and conference.",
      "ssa": "Refer to an independent decision maker.",
      "route": "Initial technician → independent reviewer",
      "next": "An opportunity for review/conference precedes final denial or partial approval.",
      "source": "waiver",
      "section": "B.3; C.2",
      "timing": "No branch completion time established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202250002",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "become-payee",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "become-payee-1",
      "title": "File the payee application",
      "you": "Complete the SSA-11 information.",
      "ssa": "Normally process the application through eRPS; rare manual exceptions apply.",
      "source": "payee",
      "section": "A.1",
      "owner": "SSA payee interviewer",
      "systems": [
        "eRPS"
      ],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "SSA payee interviewer → eRPS application; manual exception when applicable",
      "next": "SSA processes the payee application through the applicable route. Filing the application does not itself appoint you to receive the beneficiary’s payments."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200502107",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "become-payee",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "become-payee-2",
      "title": "Review suitability",
      "you": "Answer questions and provide requested clarification.",
      "ssa": "Evaluate qualifications and investigate concerns; additional reliable information may be required.",
      "source": "payee",
      "section": "A.3; B.1",
      "owner": "SSA reviewing employee",
      "systems": [
        "eRPS"
      ],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "SSA reviewing employee → suitability development and documentation",
      "next": "SSA may seek additional information, including from a reliable third party, when an answer is doubtful. The application supports a suitability decision; it does not guarantee selection."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200502107",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "become-payee",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "become-payee-3",
      "title": "Keep appointment separate from application",
      "you": "Do not assume filing appoints you.",
      "ssa": "Apply the relevant notice and appointment instructions.",
      "source": "payee",
      "section": "A.1",
      "owner": "SSA reviewing employee",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "SSA reviewing employee → applicable advance-notice and appointment procedures",
      "next": "Application, notice and appointment are separate actions. Follow the notice relevant to the case; this subsection does not establish a universal appointment deadline."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200502107",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "become-payee",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "adult-child-turns18",
      "title": "A child with a payee turns 18",
      "when": "SSA proposes continuing representative payment.",
      "you": "Read the proposed payee notice and appeal information.",
      "ssa": "Prepare manual advance notice; no new payee application is needed solely for this continuation. Treat the beneficiary as an adult for notice routing.",
      "route": "FO → adult beneficiary notice",
      "next": "Adult status applies even when the benefit remains a child benefit.",
      "source": "payeeadvance",
      "section": "A.1.b; A.2 note; E.1",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200503100",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "become-payee",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "foster-care-parent-notice",
      "title": "A child is in foster care",
      "when": "SSA is deciding who receives advance notice.",
      "you": "Identify relevant custody orders if asked.",
      "ssa": "Review whether parental rights ended permanently; do not infer this from foster placement. Clarify unclear orders with the court, then regional office if needed. Apply parental notice exceptions and prepare manual notice when required.",
      "route": "FO → court clarification / regional assistance → notice",
      "next": "Temporary loss of custody does not itself establish permanent termination of parental rights.",
      "source": "payeeadvance",
      "section": "E.2.b–d",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200503100",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "become-payee",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "protest-before-appointment",
      "title": "You disagree before the payee appointment takes effect",
      "when": "The dispute concerns needing a payee or the selected person.",
      "you": "Explain the disagreement to SSA.",
      "ssa": "Resolve the response before processing appointment. Arrange review by an uninvolved authorized decision-maker; record the protest in eRPS to prevent selection processing and document reasons. Consider interim direct payment where permitted.",
      "route": "FO → independent review → documented resolution",
      "next": "Interim payment remains subject to applicable exceptions.",
      "source": "payeeprotest",
      "section": "B; C",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200503120",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "become-payee",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "formal-payee-appeal",
      "title": "You want a formal appeal",
      "when": "An informal explanation has not resolved the disagreement.",
      "you": "Tell SSA you want reconsideration.",
      "ssa": "Obtain SSA-561-U2, including when the request begins verbally. Check written request, authorized requester and initial-determination requirements; process reconsideration rather than treating it only as an inquiry.",
      "route": "FO → formal reconsideration",
      "next": "An informal protest and a formal appeal have different procedural treatment.",
      "source": "payeeprotest",
      "section": "A; C.2",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200503120",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "become-payee",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "parent-appeal-standing",
      "title": "A parent wants to appeal for a child",
      "when": "Custody or parental rights may have changed.",
      "you": "Tell SSA your relationship and identify relevant orders.",
      "ssa": "Check authority under A.2. Custodial and noncustodial parents can generally appeal; when the court both removes custody and permanently terminates parental rights, the court-appointed guardian or custodian acts instead.",
      "route": "FO → requester authority review",
      "next": "Custody loss alone is not the combined permanent-rights exception.",
      "source": "payeeappealrights",
      "section": "A.2",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200503110",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "become-payee",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "rejected-applicant",
      "title": "Your application to be payee was not selected",
      "when": "You want to challenge non-selection.",
      "you": "Explain whether you act for the beneficiary or only as an applicant.",
      "ssa": "Distinguish applicant non-selection, which is not itself appealable by that applicant, from appealable payee selection for the beneficiary. Check the special minor-child parent provision.",
      "route": "FO → issue and standing classification",
      "next": "Applicant status alone does not establish formal appeal rights.",
      "source": "payeeappealrights",
      "section": "A.1–2; B",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200503110",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "become-payee",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "foster-guardian-order-selection",
      "title": "A foster care agency claims to be the child’s legal guardian",
      "when": "SSA develops a foster-care payee application.",
      "you": "Provide court documents and explain custody, guardianship and concerned family members.",
      "ssa": "Review whether the court specifically named the agency guardian; foster placement alone does not establish that role. Obtain a certified guardianship order for this payee-selection procedure, document pertinent relationships, and retain the order. Investigate alternatives and select individually in the child’s interests; agency guardianship does not require selecting the agency.",
      "route": "Field office → court-document and relationship review → individual payee selection",
      "next": "SSA evaluates the legal relationship and suitable candidates before selection.",
      "source": "fosterpayeeselection",
      "section": "B.3; C opening; C.1,4",
      "timing": "No selection completion period specified.",
      "review_status": "Foster payee-selection certified-order requirement checked; capability-only photocopy rule is separately scoped"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200502159",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Foster payee-selection certified-order requirement checked; capability-only photocopy rule is separately scoped"
  },
  {
    "journey": "become-payee",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "foster-actual-residence-ssi-record",
      "title": "The foster agency has custody but the child lives elsewhere",
      "when": "SSA develops custody and residence information for payee selection.",
      "you": "Give SSA the child’s actual residence and report each move.",
      "ssa": "Distinguish legal custody from physical custody. Record the actual residence in eRPS and, for SSI, update SSR residence and living arrangement. Remind the applicant to report moves. Evaluate suitability if the applicant cannot or will not provide the current residential address.",
      "route": "Field office → custody/residence development → eRPS and applicable SSI record update",
      "next": "The agency’s mailing address does not replace the child’s residence.",
      "source": "fosterpayeeselection",
      "section": "C.3",
      "timing": "Report each new residence when the child moves; no record-update completion period stated.",
      "review_status": "Selected custody/residence/suitability gates checked; successor-payee crossref separately scoped"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200502159",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected custody/residence/suitability gates checked; successor-payee crossref separately scoped"
  },
  {
    "journey": "become-payee",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "foster-family-leads-protected-contact",
      "title": "SSA looks for a suitable family payee before selecting the agency",
      "when": "A foster agency applies and family candidates may exist.",
      "you": "Tell SSA about concerned relatives and relevant court orders.",
      "ssa": "Check court records before outreach. Contact a higher-preference candidate and document interest before agency selection, but do not contact a parent barred by court from child contact or whose parental rights ended. If the agency reports no or unknown family, review court papers, MBR/SSR, case file and available eRPS records for leads. Document reasons for a lower-preference selection.",
      "route": "Field office → protected family-lead search → individual payee determination",
      "next": "An agency’s statement that no relatives are known does not complete the search by itself.",
      "source": "fosterpayeeselection",
      "section": "C.2; C.5",
      "timing": "No payee-search duration specified.",
      "review_status": "Selected search and no-contact gates checked; due-process notices remain separately scoped"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200502159",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected search and no-contact gates checked; due-process notices remain separately scoped"
  },
  {
    "journey": "become-payee",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "foster-adoption-parent-contact",
      "title": "The child is adopted after foster care",
      "when": "SSA needs to reach the adoptive parent about a payee application.",
      "you": "Contact SSA when the agency explains that benefits may be available for the child.",
      "ssa": "Ask the foster agency to report adoption and provide the adoptive parent’s name and address so SSA can secure a payee application. If privacy concerns prevent the agency from providing that information, ask it to tell the adoptive parent about benefits and request contact with SSA.",
      "route": "Field office → foster agency → adoptive parent → payee application development",
      "next": "Outreach begins a separate payee review; it does not automatically change the payee or end benefits.",
      "source": "fosterpayeeselection",
      "section": "C.8",
      "timing": "No adoption-outreach completion period specified.",
      "review_status": "Selected contact/privacy fallback checked; payment continuity and other adoption actions separately scoped"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200502159",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected contact/privacy fallback checked; payment continuity and other adoption actions separately scoped"
  },
  {
    "journey": "become-payee",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "adoption-payee-ssi-name-review",
      "title": "Adoption requires a payee and benefit-record review",
      "when": "SSA develops the child’s post-adoption payment arrangement.",
      "you": "Provide requested facts about the child and any surname change.",
      "ssa": "Use SSA-11 or establish direct payment when appropriate. Obtain facts about possible deduction or termination events, such as marriage, school attendance, noncitizen restrictions and earnings. Conduct an SSI redetermination if applicable and correct records for a changed surname.",
      "route": "Field office → payee/direct-payment development → SSI review and name-record action as applicable",
      "next": "A surname correction does not establish entitlement to a new SSN.",
      "source": "adoptionpayeeactions",
      "section": "A.2",
      "timing": "No post-adoption review completion period specified.",
      "review_status": "Selected record/RZ handoffs checked; new-SSN and payment-continuity rules separately scoped"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200504220",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected record/RZ handoffs checked; new-SSN and payment-continuity rules separately scoped"
  },
  {
    "journey": "become-payee",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "foster-parent-payee-monitoring",
      "title": "A parent remains payee while a social agency has temporary custody",
      "when": "This arrangement requires follow-up on benefit use.",
      "you": "Answer SSA’s questions about the child’s needs and how benefits are used.",
      "ssa": "Control follow-up in eRPS or another reliable diary. Contact the beneficiary about needs and payee performance; seek the payee’s explanation of questionable facts and appropriate third-party information if needed. Record findings and develop a successor when appropriate.",
      "route": "Field office → monitored contact and evidence → continued arrangement or successor development",
      "next": "Follow-up assesses performance; it is not itself a misuse determination.",
      "source": "payeefollowup",
      "section": "A.1.c; B.1-3",
      "timing": "A.1.c specifies follow-up after three months; A.3 says within three months generally. Exact boundary remains unresolved.",
      "review_status": "Monitoring actions checked; timing wording difference preserved rather than converted into a guarantee"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200504185",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Monitoring actions checked; timing wording difference preserved rather than converted into a guarantee"
  },
  {
    "journey": "become-payee",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "adoption-payment-continuity-review",
      "title": "SSA reviews payments while changing the payee after adoption",
      "when": "The adoptive parent is not the current payee.",
      "you": "Respond to SSA’s request for a payee application or information about the child.",
      "ssa": "Generally continue payment to the current payee until change is processed. Review exceptions for possible misuse, an adoption agency whose relationship ended, or an adoptive parent who cannot be located or does not file timely. Document findings and consider permitted direct payment before suspension pending a new payee.",
      "route": "Field office → adoption payee development → continuity/direct-payment/suspension review",
      "next": "Adoption does not cause automatic payment stoppage; the facts and payment safeguards matter.",
      "source": "adoptionpayeeactions",
      "section": "A opening",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "payeesuspension",
          "section": "A"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "No fixed adoption-application response period specified in this subsection.",
      "review_status": "Selected continuity exceptions checked with general suspension safeguards; exact codes separately scoped"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200504220",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected continuity exceptions checked with general suspension safeguards; exact codes separately scoped"
  },
  {
    "journey": "become-payee",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "conserved-funds-approved-direct-transfer",
      "title": "Request SSA approval for a direct transfer of conserved funds",
      "when": "A former payee wants to send conserved funds directly to a successor payee or capable beneficiary.",
      "you": "Ask SSA to review the proposed transfer. Explain the beneficiary’s needs; a new payee can decide whether to consent to disclosure of their address.",
      "ssa": "Approve only case by case if the transfer serves the beneficiary’s best interest, the former payee was not replaced for misuse or other unsuitability, and agrees to transfer within 30 days. Document the decision in eRPS Make Note and notify the beneficiary or new payee about the funds and transfer period. If the former payee lacks the new payee’s address, obtain written SSA-3288 consent before disclosing it.",
      "route": "SSA field office: conserved-funds transfer approval and address-consent review",
      "next": "Follow SSA’s approved transfer instructions. If disclosure is declined, explain that preference; the source example favors transfer through SSA. Dedicated-account funds require their separate rules.",
      "source": "conservedfundstransfer",
      "section": "B.2; C.4-C.5",
      "timing": "Approved direct transfer requires the former payee’s agreement to transfer within 30 days; this is not an approval turnaround.",
      "review_status": "Official gates/consent/notification checked; dedicated-account directtransfer exception not inferred"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200603055",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official gates/consent/notification checked; dedicated-account directtransfer exception not inferred"
  },
  {
    "journey": "become-payee",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "foster-care-ageout-conserved-transfer-evidence",
      "title": "Provide State-law documentation for conserved funds at foster-care age-out",
      "when": "A foster-care agency payee requests direct transfer of conserved funds as a young person reaches 18 and leaves foster care.",
      "you": "Ask the agency and SSA about the conserved balance, proposed transfer and any applicable State-law documentation.",
      "ssa": "GN00603.055C4 describes an agency supplying documentation that State law requires direct disbursement to support transition to adult life. SSA may use this as support for the beneficiary’s best interest, while applying B2’s case-specific approval gates: no replacement for misuse or other unsuitability and agreement to transfer within 30 days. Record and communicate the determination under B2.",
      "route": "SSA field office: foster-care agency conserved-funds transfer review",
      "next": "Follow SSA’s approved arrangement. The example does not establish a nationwide State-law requirement, automatic capacity to manage benefits or an exception to separate dedicated-account restrictions.",
      "source": "conservedfundstransfer",
      "section": "B.2; C.4",
      "timing": "The 30-day condition is the former payee’s transfer agreement, not an SSA approval guarantee.",
      "review_status": "Official foster-care evidence example checked; individual State law and capacity/eligibility conclusions not made"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200603055",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official foster-care evidence example checked; individual State law and capacity/eligibility conclusions not made"
  },
  {
    "journey": "become-payee",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "conserved-transfer-already-completed-confirmation",
      "title": "Confirm conserved funds transferred without consulting SSA first",
      "when": "A former payee reports having already sent conserved funds to the new payee or beneficiary without consulting SSA.",
      "you": "Provide the transfer records and confirm the amount received if SSA contacts you.",
      "ssa": "The field office contacts the new payee or beneficiary to confirm the amount transferred and records it in eRPS Make Note. Query whether the former payee serves other beneficiaries; if so, advise that SSA approval is needed before direct conserved-fund transfers for those beneficiaries. Confirmation of a completed transfer is distinct from investigating funds that were not returned or transferred as directed.",
      "route": "SSA field office: receipt confirmation and representative-payee record",
      "next": "Ask SSA to reconcile any difference between the amount sent and received. Obtain approval before future direct transfers; this confirmation path is not blanket retrospective approval or a misuse finding.",
      "source": "conservedfundstransfer",
      "section": "B.3",
      "timing": "No confirmation turnaround specified.",
      "review_status": "Official confirmation/record/other-beneficiary check verified; detailed eRPS manual and misuse investigation remain separate"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200603055",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official confirmation/record/other-beneficiary check verified; detailed eRPS manual and misuse investigation remain separate"
  },
  {
    "journey": "become-payee",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "conserved-funds-unreturned-investigation",
      "title": "Report conserved funds that the former payee has not returned",
      "when": "The former payee still holds conserved funds despite SSA’s reasonable collection efforts and directions to return or transfer them.",
      "you": "Tell the field office which funds are missing and provide available statements, transfer records and correspondence.",
      "ssa": "When all reasonable efforts fail, document the efforts in eRPS Make Note. Failure to return funds or transfer them at SSA’s direction warrants a misuse investigation because the beneficiary is deprived of their funds. This is an investigation route, not an automatic final misuse finding. If return failed because the payee died, use the separate GN00603.110 conserved-funds procedure.",
      "route": "SSA field office: documented efforts and misuse investigation; deceased-payee funds follow separate procedure",
      "next": "Ask SSA to review the unreturned balance. Report a former payee’s death or unknown whereabouts so staff can use the appropriate fund-recovery path.",
      "source": "conservedfundstransfer",
      "section": "B.4",
      "timing": "The subsection gives no fixed duration for all reasonable efforts or the investigation.",
      "review_status": "Official failure-to-return trigger and deceased-payee crossref checked; detailed misuse procedure and bank-return route pending"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200603055",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official failure-to-return trigger and deceased-payee crossref checked; detailed misuse procedure and bank-return route pending"
  },
  {
    "journey": "become-payee",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "missing-deceased-payee-bank-conserved-funds",
      "title": "Recover bank savings when the former payee is missing or deceased",
      "when": "Conserved savings may be held for a beneficiary whose payee cannot be located or has died.",
      "you": "Tell the field office about the missing or deceased payee and provide available bank or conserved-fund information.",
      "ssa": "Select a new payee, document the date and circumstances in eRPS Make Note, check for conserved benefits and arrange return to SSA for reissue. Contact the bank to confirm funds exist and discuss return. Notify the new payee of the amount using the referenced conserved-benefits notice and explain accounting responsibilities where appropriate. If the bank refuses release, record its reasons and refer through regional programs staff to the Office of General Counsel.",
      "route": "SSA field office → bank contact; documented refusal → regional programs staff → Office of General Counsel",
      "next": "Ask SSA about the bank response, notice and referral status. Bank release or immediate reissue is not guaranteed by this subsection.",
      "source": "conservedmissingpayee",
      "section": "A; B.1",
      "timing": "No bank-release, legal-referral or reissue completion time specified.",
      "review_status": "Official component sequence and NL00703.354 reference verified; notice template content and detailed legal resolution remain separate"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200603110",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official component sequence and NL00703.354 reference verified; notice template content and detailed legal resolution remain separate"
  },
  {
    "journey": "become-payee",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "missing-deceased-payee-nonbank-assets",
      "title": "Make nonbank conserved assets available to a successor payee",
      "when": "A missing or deceased payee conserved benefits in a policy, mortgage, stock or another nonbank form.",
      "you": "Give SSA available policy, asset and responsible-party information and explain the beneficiary’s needs.",
      "ssa": "Contact the responsible party to determine how title can be changed so the asset is available to the new payee when needed by the beneficiary. Depending on the asset, this may be the deceased payee’s estate representative, policy issuer or mortgage holder. Give the new payee notice and assistance similar to the bank-savings path.",
      "route": "SSA field office → responsible asset holder, issuer or estate representative → successor-payee assistance",
      "next": "Ask which party must handle the title change and what information is still needed. The subsection does not establish immediate liquidation or unilateral SSA authority to change title.",
      "source": "conservedmissingpayee",
      "section": "B.2",
      "timing": "No title-change or access completion time specified.",
      "review_status": "Official nonbank-asset contact and assistance rule checked; asset-specific legal/issuer requirements remain case-specific"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200603110",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official nonbank-asset contact and assistance rule checked; asset-specific legal/issuer requirements remain case-specific"
  },
  {
    "journey": "become-payee",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "beneficiary-death-returned-conserved-estate",
      "title": "A beneficiary dies after conserved funds were returned to SSA",
      "when": "The beneficiary dies after a payee has returned conserved funds to SSA.",
      "you": "Tell SSA about the death and provide requested information about an estate representative and their authority.",
      "ssa": "Returned conserved funds become estate property governed by State law; do not return them to the former payee. Contact the former payee to identify a legal representative. If none exists, contact the State probate court for disposition instructions. Although these are not underpayments, use GN02301.035 legal-representative documentation: evidence depends on the claimed authority, and a will naming an executor alone is not proof of court appointment.",
      "route": "SSA field office: legal-representative evidence; no representative → State probate court instructions",
      "next": "Ask SSA what authority documents are needed. Conserved funds already returned are distinct from unpaid SSI benefits, for which different survivor and estate restrictions apply.",
      "source": "conservedfundstransfer",
      "section": "B.5",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "estatelegalrepresentative",
          "section": "A; D.1-D.4"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "No probate, evidence-review or disposition completion time specified.",
      "review_status": "Official conservedfund estate route and referenced authority evidence checked; no individual probate entitlement conclusion"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200603055",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official conservedfund estate route and referenced authority evidence checked; no individual probate entitlement conclusion"
  },
  {
    "journey": "become-payee",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "able-conserved-transfer-successor-authority",
      "title": "Request a successor’s authority change while conserved funds remain in an ABLE account",
      "when": "A successor payee is approved and conserved benefits remain in an ABLE account.",
      "you": "Ask SSA to review a proposal to keep the funds in the account while changing bank signature authority; explain the preferences of both payees.",
      "ssa": "GN00603.055C6 gives an approved example in which the former payee asks permission, SSA confirms the successor’s agreement and considers the beneficiary’s best interest. After approval, the proposed bank action removes the former payee and adds the successor’s signature authority while leaving the funds in the ABLE account. This avoids a withdrawal and redeposit that the example says would count against the annual contribution limit. Apply B2’s case-specific transfer gates.",
      "route": "SSA field office: transfer approval; approved account-authority arrangement coordinated with the bank",
      "next": "Follow the approved arrangement and confirm the bank’s requirements. This example does not establish an individual’s ABLE eligibility, contribution limit or entitlement to a particular bank action.",
      "source": "conservedfundstransfer",
      "section": "B.2; C.6",
      "timing": "B2 requires agreement to transfer within 30 days; no approval or bank-authority-change turnaround specified.",
      "review_status": "Official transfer example checked; separate ABLE titling/control policy retrieved for further verification"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200603055",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official transfer example checked; separate ABLE titling/control policy retrieved for further verification"
  },
  {
    "journey": "become-payee",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "able-payee-account-title-ownership",
      "title": "Check that an ABLE account title shows beneficiary ownership and payee control",
      "when": "A representative payee proposes using an ABLE account for SSA benefits.",
      "you": "Provide the account title and program information for SSA’s review and ask whether the arrangement meets payee requirements.",
      "ssa": "Evaluate the State program’s account options. The title must show the payee’s fiduciary interest, that the beneficiary owns the funds and that the beneficiary does not have access. A title establishing that fiduciary interest is acceptable; the preferred form names the beneficiary by the representative payee. Document the title in a Note on the eRPS Relationship Details tab. ABLE accounts do not create exceptions to general payee rules.",
      "route": "SSA field office: ABLE payee-account title review",
      "next": "Confirm the title and control arrangement before using the account for benefits. SSA payee status and an ABLE program’s account options must be considered together; the payee does not personally own the beneficiary’s funds.",
      "source": "ablepayeebenefits",
      "section": "A; B introduction; B.1",
      "timing": "No account-review completion time specified.",
      "review_status": "Official title/control and eRPS documentation checked; signature-authority loss and account-use rules remain separate"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200603041",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official title/control and eRPS documentation checked; signature-authority loss and account-use rules remain separate"
  },
  {
    "journey": "become-payee",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "able-payee-signature-authority-removed",
      "title": "Report when ABLE signature authority is removed from the payee",
      "when": "The beneficiary removes the representative payee’s signature authority over the ABLE account used for benefits.",
      "you": "As payee, immediately alert SSA, arrange a change of direct deposit and stop using that ABLE account for SSA benefits you no longer control.",
      "ssa": "Ask the payee why authority was removed and consider continuing suitability. If a payee change is appropriate after evaluation, use successor-payee procedures. Record the conversation as a Report of Contact on the eRPS Beneficiary Details tab and consider whether changed circumstances require a capability determination. An SSA-appointed payee who lacks ABLE signature authority cannot deposit SSA benefits there, even if another person such as a guardian has authority.",
      "route": "SSA field office: account-control, payment and payee-suitability review",
      "next": "Coordinate the payment change with SSA and explain the circumstances. Loss of signature authority alone does not establish misuse, require automatic replacement or decide the beneficiary’s capability.",
      "source": "ablepayeebenefits",
      "section": "B.2 and note",
      "timing": "The payee must alert SSA immediately after removal; no payment-change or review completion duration is specified.",
      "review_status": "Official reporting/account-control and staff evaluation sequence checked; successor/capability detailed crossrefs remain separately scoped"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200603041",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official reporting/account-control and staff evaluation sequence checked; successor/capability detailed crossrefs remain separately scoped"
  },
  {
    "journey": "become-payee",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "able-conserved-return-bank-barrier",
      "title": "Resolve a bank barrier when conserved ABLE benefits must be returned",
      "when": "A payee change or direct-payment transition requires conserved SSA funds to be returned, but the account is frozen or the former payee lacks signature authority.",
      "you": "Explain the bank restriction and provide available account information to SSA. Ask whether a direct transfer was approved and whether the successor intends to keep the funds in ABLE.",
      "ssa": "If direct transfer is not approved or the successor will not keep the funds in ABLE, the former payee must return the conserved SSA funds. If inability to return arises from a freeze or lost authority, work with the bank and former payee as needed. When the bank will not release funds, document its reasons and refer through regional programs staff to the Office of General Counsel. Failure to return despite reasonable efforts has a separate misuse-investigation route.",
      "route": "SSA field office → bank/former payee; bank refusal → regional programs staff → Office of General Counsel",
      "next": "Ask SSA about the bank response and referral status. Approved control transfers use the State ABLE program’s instructions; bank release is not guaranteed.",
      "source": "ablepayeebenefits",
      "section": "B.6.a-b",
      "timing": "No bank-resolution, referral or reissue duration specified.",
      "review_status": "Official return conditions and barrier/refusal route checked; tax/resource consequences not inferred without separate source review"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200603041",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official return conditions and barrier/refusal route checked; tax/resource consequences not inferred without separate source review"
  },
  {
    "journey": "become-payee",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "able-mixed-beneficiary-funds-recordkeeping",
      "title": "Track SSA benefits separately from other beneficiary funds in an ABLE account",
      "when": "An ABLE account used by a payee contains SSA benefits and other funds belonging to the beneficiary.",
      "you": "Keep detailed, accurate records distinguishing SSA benefits from the beneficiary’s other funds. SSA advises retaining benefit-use records for at least two full calendar years.",
      "ssa": "Explain that mixing these funds is generally not recommended and requires a recordkeeping system that identifies SSA benefits. Non-exempt payees submit annual representative-payee reports; exempt payees still must report benefit use when SSA requests it. Determine any annual exemption under GN00605.015 rather than treating ABLE use itself as an exemption.",
      "route": "SSA field office or applicable payee-accounting review",
      "next": "Respond to SSA’s reporting requests and keep the differentiated records even if annual reporting is exempt. This rule about other beneficiary-owned funds is not permission to mix the payee’s personal funds.",
      "source": "ablepayeebenefits",
      "section": "B.4",
      "timing": "Records: SSA advises at least two full calendar years. Non-exempt accounting is annual; all payees report on request. No review turnaround specified.",
      "review_status": "Official recordkeeping and annual-versus-onrequest duties checked; detailed annual-exemption categories and site review rules remain separate"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200603041",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official recordkeeping and annual-versus-onrequest duties checked; detailed annual-exemption categories and site review rules remain separate"
  },
  {
    "journey": "become-payee",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "conserved-return-notice-current-payee-reissue",
      "title": "Return conserved funds for reissue to the current payee or beneficiary",
      "when": "A new payee is selected, the beneficiary enters direct payment or entitlement ends and conserved benefits remain.",
      "you": "As former payee, follow SSA’s notice about returning saved benefits and interest unless SSA approved another arrangement. Keep proof of return.",
      "ssa": "Notify the former payee to return conserved funds; the referenced final notice provides a return envelope to the Mid-Atlantic PSC. Reissue returned funds to the individual or organization serving as payee at the time of payment, or directly to the beneficiary if no payee is needed. Review whether the amount requires a lump sum or installments under the applicable large-fund provisions.",
      "route": "SSA return notice → Mid-Atlantic PSC; reissue to current payee or beneficiary as appropriate",
      "next": "Ask SSA to reconcile a missing returned balance or an outdated payee designation. Do not assume every conserved balance is paid in one lump sum; direct transfer requires its separate approval route.",
      "source": "conservedfundstransfer",
      "section": "A; B introduction; B.1",
      "timing": "No return/reissue turnaround specified. Large-amount installment provisions require separate program-specific review.",
      "review_status": "Official return notice/destination/current-payee reissue checked; NL00703.821 template and largeamount crossrefs remain pending"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200603055",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official return notice/destination/current-payee reissue checked; NL00703.821 template and largeamount crossrefs remain pending"
  },
  {
    "journey": "become-payee",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "annual-accounting-exemption-household-review",
      "title": "Check the relationship and household rules for an accounting exemption",
      "when": "A family payee asks whether annual accounting reports are required, including when the beneficiary lives elsewhere.",
      "you": "Describe the relationship, any legal guardianship, and where the beneficiary actually lives.",
      "ssa": "Staff review relationship and custody information and enter accurate application answers. For Title II or XVI, the natural/adoptive parent of a minor child, legal guardian of a minor child, or natural/adoptive parent of a disabled individual must primarily share the household. Stepparent or grandparent status alone does not qualify; a minor-child legal guardian may qualify under that category. A qualifying disabled beneficiary converting to retirement at full retirement age remains within the exemption provision.",
      "route": "Field office payee application/accounting review; relationship and custody information in the electronic Representative Payee System.",
      "next": "Ask SSA to review the applicable category. A spouse payee for a Title II, VIII or XVI beneficiary does not need to share the household, including a beneficiary living in a nursing facility. Continue keeping accurate records and provide reports when SSA requests them.",
      "source": "payeeaccountingexempt",
      "section": "B including notes; C.2.b",
      "timing": "Staff explain continuing responsibilities at the payee application. No exemption-decision processing deadline is stated here.",
      "review_status": "Verified against live official subsection; no individual exemption determination."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200605015",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Verified against live official subsection; no individual exemption determination."
  },
  {
    "journey": "become-payee",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "annual-exempt-report-not-received",
      "title": "Ask about an annual accounting report that did not arrive",
      "when": "An exempt payee contacts SSA because no annual accounting report arrived.",
      "you": "Explain which report is missing and ask SSA to confirm the reporting instructions that apply.",
      "ssa": "TSC staff explain that certain payees no longer complete annual accounting reports, while accurate benefit-use records and reporting on request remain required.",
      "route": "TSC handles the explanation. Program and technical questions go to RO support staff or PC OA staff, which may refer them to Central Office.",
      "next": "Keep detailed records and respond when SSA requests a report. Dedicated-account reporting remains a separate requirement; ask for clarification if the missing document concerns that account.",
      "source": "payeeaccountingexempt",
      "section": "C.3; C.2.a-b",
      "timing": "The guidance applies when the payee reports nonreceipt. It sets no replacement-form mailing or response-time guarantee.",
      "review_status": "Verified against live official subsection; support labels retained without invented expansions."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200605015",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Verified against live official subsection; support labels retained without invented expansions."
  },
  {
    "journey": "request-direct-payment",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "request-direct-payment-1",
      "title": "Ask for direct payment",
      "you": "Explain the request to manage benefits.",
      "ssa": "Interview the beneficiary to reevaluate capability.",
      "source": "payee",
      "section": "A.2",
      "owner": "SSA reviewing employee",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "SSA reviewing employee → capability reevaluation interview",
      "next": "Expect an interview about managing or directing management of benefits. Requesting direct payment does not itself establish the result of the capability review."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200502107",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "request-direct-payment",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "request-direct-payment-2",
      "title": "Gather relevant evidence",
      "you": "Participate in the capability review.",
      "ssa": "Contact the current payee and assess the evidence about managing or directing management of benefits.",
      "source": "payee",
      "section": "A.2",
      "owner": "SSA reviewing employee",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "SSA reviewing employee → current payee input and all-evidence capability review",
      "next": "SSA contacts the current payee and considers the evidence gathered or provided. The payee’s opinion is an input, not the sole basis for the determination."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200502107",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "request-direct-payment",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "request-direct-payment-3",
      "title": "Use the resulting application route",
      "you": "Complete the required application if SSA determines capability.",
      "ssa": "Use the SSA-11/eRPS route when required; age-18 exceptions differ.",
      "source": "payee",
      "section": "A.2",
      "owner": "SSA reviewing employee",
      "systems": [
        "eRPS"
      ],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "SSA reviewing employee → conditional SSA-11/eRPS application or applicable exception",
      "next": "If SSA finds capability, follow the applicable application instructions. Student-child and SSI age-18 conversions have SSA-11 exceptions; a capable childhood-disability beneficiary at 18 still requires it. Required capability evidence remains necessary."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200502107",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "request-direct-payment",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "emancipated-child-capability-evidence",
      "title": "A child asks for direct payment based on emancipation",
      "when": "Emancipation under state law is alleged.",
      "you": "Provide the court order or requested proof of applicable state requirements.",
      "ssa": "Check state-law evidence, store it in eView or NDRED through EP, and document the determination. Presume an emancipated child capable unless contrary indicators require an adult-style capability investigation.",
      "route": "Field office → state-law evidence → capability and payment review",
      "next": "Age alone does not establish emancipation or guarantee direct payment.",
      "source": "childcapability",
      "section": "B.3",
      "timing": "No evidence-review duration specified.",
      "review_status": "National procedure checked; state survey is a lead, not verified current state-law guidance"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200502070",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "National procedure checked; state survey is a lead, not verified current state-law guidance"
  },
  {
    "journey": "request-direct-payment",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "youth-own-claim-control-review",
      "title": "A teenager files their own claim and asks for direct payment",
      "when": "The child is at least 15 and files their own application.",
      "you": "Explain living arrangements, parental or guardian control and experience managing finances.",
      "ssa": "Check whether the child is outside parental/guardian control and meets an applicable capability presumption. Otherwise determine why the parent did not file and whether control continues. When parental interest is uncertain and financial ability is demonstrated, follow the direct-payment rule. If control continues, develop the appropriate payee; investigate contrary capability evidence as required.",
      "route": "Field office → control/ability evidence → direct-payment or payee development",
      "next": "Filing independently does not itself prove capability.",
      "source": "childcapability",
      "section": "A.2; B.4",
      "timing": "No youth capability-review duration specified.",
      "review_status": "Conditional control/ability checks verified; individual presumption evidence remains case-specific"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200502070",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Conditional control/ability checks verified; individual presumption evidence remains case-specific"
  },
  {
    "journey": "request-direct-payment",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "initial-child-near18-capability-presumption",
      "title": "A child initially applies within seven months of turning 18",
      "when": "SSA assesses payment capability for this initial application.",
      "you": "Provide requested age and application facts and explain financial-management needs.",
      "ssa": "Check that the child meets the listed age and initial-filing conditions and develop evidence relevant to that presumption. If contrary indicators suggest incapability, conduct the adult-style capability determination instead of relying on the presumption alone.",
      "route": "Field office → age/initial-filing evidence → capability and payment decision",
      "next": "This is a specific presumption, not an automatic direct-payment rule for every older teenager.",
      "source": "childcapability",
      "section": "A.2",
      "timing": "The seven-month age window describes the presumption; it is not a processing target.",
      "review_status": "Selected initial-filing presumption checked with contrary-evidence safeguard"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200502070",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected initial-filing presumption checked with contrary-evidence safeguard"
  },
  {
    "journey": "update-contact",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "update-contact-1",
      "title": "Choose the information to update",
      "you": "Identify whether address, phone or email changed.",
      "ssa": "The public page describes account updates and benefit-dependent limitations.",
      "source": "contact",
      "section": "Update contact information",
      "owner": "SSA; exact internal assignment not established",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "Account contact-information options, with benefit-dependent address and phone availability.",
      "next": "Identify the changed item. The public page permits email updates anytime; address and phone updates require that you already receive benefits."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/life-events/update-contact-information",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "update-contact",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "update-contact-2",
      "title": "Use the supported route",
      "you": "Update through the account or contact SSA when directed.",
      "ssa": "Some benefit types require telephone completion.",
      "source": "contact",
      "section": "Update contact information",
      "owner": "SSA; exact internal assignment not established",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "Account update or SSA telephone assistance when required by benefit type.",
      "next": "For email, use My Profile, Security, Update Email. For other changes, follow the available account route or call SSA; exact staff assignment remains unverified."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/life-events/update-contact-information",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "update-contact",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "update-contact-3",
      "title": "Handle paper-check identity requirements",
      "you": "Ask about identity verification if paid by paper check.",
      "ssa": "Separate SSA identity guidance describes an office identity check before changing a paper-check mailing address.",
      "source": "identityproof",
      "section": "SSA identity-proofing guidance",
      "owner": "SSA; exact internal assignment not established",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "Office identity step for the paper-check mailing-address case described in the identity guidance.",
      "next": "If receiving paper checks and unable to use online services or generate the code, contact SSA about the required office visit before changing the mailing address. Confirm arrangements; no walk-in or completion-time promise is established."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/news/en/identity-proofing.html",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "change-direct-deposit",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "change-direct-deposit-1",
      "title": "Choose the supported route",
      "you": "Use the official account or ask whether the bank supports ENR.",
      "ssa": "SSA lists online updates and participating-bank automated enrollment.",
      "source": "deposit",
      "section": "Update direct deposit",
      "owner": "SSA; exact internal assignment not established",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "Official account update or participating-bank Automated Enrollment (ENR).",
      "next": "Ask your bank whether it offers ENR; participating banks can send the update without an SSA call or visit. Online availability depends on benefit type."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/manage-benefits/update-direct-deposit",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "change-direct-deposit",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "change-direct-deposit-2",
      "title": "Meet the phone identity requirement",
      "you": "If using the listed phone route, obtain the official one-time code when required.",
      "ssa": "SSA identity guidance describes code-based phone changes and office/bank alternatives.",
      "source": "identityproof",
      "section": "How can I change direct deposit over the phone?",
      "owner": "SSA; exact internal assignment not established",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "Code-based SSA telephone change or office/bank alternative described in identity guidance.",
      "next": "Before the phone change, use the official SSA PIN page through your personal account for the one-time code. If unable to create an account, ask about office or bank alternatives."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/news/en/identity-proofing.html",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "change-direct-deposit",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "change-direct-deposit-3",
      "title": "Use the fallback if online completion fails",
      "you": "Follow the official next-step instructions.",
      "ssa": "Benefit type and identity requirements can change the available route.",
      "source": "deposit",
      "section": "Update direct deposit",
      "owner": "SSA; exact internal assignment not established",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "SSA next-step instructions when the online update cannot finish.",
      "next": "Follow the displayed instructions or contact SSA for help. Exact staff component, notice and effective payment cycle are not established by this public page; do not assume the next payment has changed."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/manage-benefits/update-direct-deposit",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "get-benefit-letter",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "get-benefit-letter-1",
      "title": "Identify the document",
      "you": "Request a benefit verification letter.",
      "ssa": "The letter reflects benefit, application or non-receipt status as applicable.",
      "source": "letter",
      "section": "Get benefit verification letter",
      "owner": "SSA; exact internal assignment not established",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "Benefit-verification document service for the status reflected in the letter.",
      "next": "Confirm this is the document requested. It can describe benefits, a submitted application or nonreceipt; it does not decide a new claim."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/manage-benefits/get-benefit-letter",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "get-benefit-letter",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "get-benefit-letter-2",
      "title": "Get the online PDF",
      "you": "Use the official online route to download the letter.",
      "ssa": "SSA lists a PDF available right away.",
      "source": "letter",
      "section": "Get benefit verification letter",
      "owner": "SSA; exact internal assignment not established",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "Official online letter download route. Exact internal component and verification workflow are not established here.",
      "next": "Follow the official service to download the PDF. SSA describes availability right away; this is document availability, not claim-processing time."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/manage-benefits/get-benefit-letter",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "get-benefit-letter",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "get-benefit-letter-3",
      "title": "Use phone assistance if needed",
      "you": "Ask the automated service for proof of income.",
      "ssa": "SSA lists automated phone assistance for this task.",
      "source": "letter",
      "section": "Other ways",
      "owner": "SSA; exact internal assignment not established",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "SSA automated telephone assistance.",
      "next": "Call 800-772-1213 and say proof of income at the prompt. The page lists 24-hour English/Spanish automation; it gives no postal-delivery deadline."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/manage-benefits/get-benefit-letter",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "replace-tax-form",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "replace-tax-form-1",
      "title": "Check which statement applies",
      "you": "Distinguish a Social Security tax statement from SSI-only records.",
      "ssa": "POMS identifies which benefit statements are available through my Social Security.",
      "source": "taxpoms",
      "section": "A.1",
      "owner": "SSA; exact internal assignment not established",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "my Social Security → available benefit-statement check",
      "next": "Check which statement and paid tax years are available. SSI-only and Medicare-only records do not have the replacement statements described in this account route."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0205002220",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "replace-tax-form",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "replace-tax-form-2",
      "title": "Choose the tax year",
      "you": "Use the replacement-tax-form link and download the needed year.",
      "ssa": "The account route supports the available current and historical statements.",
      "source": "taxpoms",
      "section": "A.1.d",
      "owner": "SSA; exact internal assignment not established",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "Selected tax year → online statement download or current paper-copy request",
      "next": "Choose an available year and download the statement. The current statement becomes available after January 31; historical statements follow the cited availability rules. A paper request uses the address on file."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0205002220",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "replace-tax-form",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "replace-tax-form-3",
      "title": "Use an alternative when needed",
      "you": "Contact SSA if unable to use the online route.",
      "ssa": "Phone and field-office instructions include identity/address checks and replacement options.",
      "source": "taxpoms",
      "section": "A.2–A.3",
      "owner": "National 800 Number / field office",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Cited public text checked 2026-10-16; not an independent operational review",
      "route": "National 800 Number / field office → identity/address check and replacement option",
      "next": "The field-office procedure verifies identity and the complete mailing address before selecting a replacement option. Outside the United States, the cited instructions direct contact to the Federal Benefits Unit."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0205002220",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "replace-tax-form",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "deceased-statement-state-proof",
      "title": "A deceased beneficiary statement needs disclosure review",
      "when": "Requesting a deceased beneficiary replacement statement.",
      "you": "Contact SSA about the request.",
      "ssa": "Treat the statement as non-tax return information; apply deceased-record disclosure rules. Restricted State death data alone cannot establish release; consider acceptable independent death proof.",
      "route": "SSA disclosure review",
      "next": "Provide requested death evidence; release is conditional.",
      "source": "deceaseddisclosure",
      "section": "B.2.a; C.1",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected subsection checked; remaining disclosure exceptions require review",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "taxpoms",
          "section": "B.2"
        }
      ]
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0203315010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; remaining disclosure exceptions require review"
  },
  {
    "journey": "replace-tax-form",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "deceased-statement-living-privacy",
      "title": "The requested information affects a living person",
      "when": "Deceased-record information reveals living-person information.",
      "you": "Explain whose information you seek.",
      "ssa": "Apply living-person privacy requirements; assess the requester’s entitlement and source restriction.",
      "route": "SSA disclosure review",
      "next": "Death does not make every record public.",
      "source": "deceaseddisclosure",
      "section": "B.2.b; C.3",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected subsection checked; remaining disclosure exceptions require review"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0203315010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; remaining disclosure exceptions require review"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-spouse",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "apply-spouse-1",
      "title": "Choose the application route",
      "you": "Check the listed filing options.",
      "ssa": "SSA-2 lists conditional online filing and phone or office assistance.",
      "owner": "SSA application intake; internal assignment not established",
      "route": "Application intake",
      "next": "Prepare relationship information.",
      "source": "spouse",
      "section": "How to apply",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Selected public claim checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ssa-2.html",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-spouse",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "apply-spouse-2",
      "title": "Explain the relationship",
      "you": "Provide marriage history and requested work information.",
      "ssa": "Ask the application questions and request relevant marriage or divorce evidence.",
      "owner": "SSA application interviewer",
      "route": "Evidence development; internal handoff not established",
      "next": "SSA may request additional documents.",
      "source": "spouse",
      "section": "Documents; What we will ask you",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Selected public claim checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ssa-2.html",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-spouse",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "apply-spouse-3",
      "title": "Follow up on documents",
      "you": "Do not postpone applying solely because documents are missing.",
      "ssa": "Assist in obtaining missing evidence under the published guidance.",
      "owner": "SSA; precise component not established",
      "route": "Claim review; detailed route remains open",
      "next": "Follow the individual evidence request.",
      "source": "spouse",
      "section": "Documents you may need to provide",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Selected public claim checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ssa-2.html",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-spouse",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "divorced",
      "title": "Applying through a former spouse",
      "when": "The request is for divorced-spouse benefits.",
      "you": "Prepare the final divorce decree and marriage information.",
      "ssa": "Request the applicable relationship evidence.",
      "route": "SSA evidence development; exact internal handoff not established",
      "next": "Further questions may be needed; filing does not establish eligibility.",
      "source": "spouse",
      "section": "Documents; What we will ask you",
      "timing": "No branch completion time established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ssa-2.html",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-child",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "apply-child-1",
      "title": "Contact SSA about the claim",
      "you": "Use the listed phone or office route.",
      "ssa": "Collect application information about the worker and child.",
      "owner": "SSA application intake; precise component not established",
      "route": "Application interview",
      "next": "Be ready to explain the relationship.",
      "source": "child",
      "section": "How to apply; What we will ask you",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Selected public claim checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ssa-4.html",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-child",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "apply-child-2",
      "title": "Develop the evidence",
      "you": "Provide the applicable birth, adoption, relationship or death evidence.",
      "ssa": "Request evidence relevant to the child’s circumstances.",
      "owner": "SSA application interviewer",
      "route": "Evidence development; internal route not established",
      "next": "Follow any request for additional documents.",
      "source": "child",
      "section": "Documents you may need to provide",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Selected public claim checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ssa-4.html",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-child",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "apply-child-3",
      "title": "Identify an adult-child disability claim",
      "you": "If applicable, complete SSA-3368 and SSA-827.",
      "ssa": "The page requests these forms for an adult child disabled before age 22.",
      "owner": "SSA; medical routing requires further POMS review",
      "route": "Disability development; detailed handoff unverified",
      "next": "Medical development may be needed; this page does not specify its route.",
      "source": "child",
      "section": "Documents you may need to provide",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Selected public claim checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ssa-4.html",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-child",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "adult-disability",
      "title": "Adult child with disability",
      "when": "The application concerns disability beginning before age 22.",
      "you": "Complete SSA-3368 and SSA-827.",
      "ssa": "Obtain the disability report and authorization described on the page.",
      "route": "Detailed DDS routing requires a separate POMS check",
      "next": "Expect additional medical development; no duration is stated.",
      "source": "child",
      "section": "Documents you may need to provide",
      "timing": "No branch completion time established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ssa-4.html",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-child",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "child-application-signing-authority",
      "title": "SSA checks who may sign a child’s application",
      "when": "A parent, caregiver or teenager seeks to file.",
      "you": "Explain the relationship, care arrangement and any court-appointed representative.",
      "ssa": "A parent may be proper applicant even in another household; an adult responsible for care, including an institution’s manager/principal officer, may also qualify. A 15-to-17-year-old may qualify under the special no-care/no-court-representative rule; check related capability policy. Develop a payee separately after taking the application.",
      "route": "Field office → proper-applicant check → application and separate payee development",
      "next": "Signing authority does not automatically select the payee or establish benefit eligibility.",
      "source": "properapplicantgeneral",
      "section": "B.2",
      "timing": "No applicant-review completion period specified.",
      "review_status": "Child applicant categories checked; youth direct-payment rules require their own evidence"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200204003",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Child applicant categories checked; youth direct-payment rules require their own evidence"
  },
  {
    "journey": "expedited-reinstatement",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "expedited-reinstatement-1",
      "title": "Screen prior termination",
      "you": "Explain why benefits stopped.",
      "ssa": "Check MBR and work records for SGA termination.",
      "owner": "Field-office technician",
      "route": "Technical screening",
      "next": "SSA assesses EXR versus a new claim.",
      "source": "exr",
      "section": "A.1–A.3; B.1",
      "systems": [
        "MBR",
        "Work CDR",
        "DCF"
      ],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Selected public claim checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413050045",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "expedited-reinstatement",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "expedited-reinstatement-2",
      "title": "Establish the request",
      "you": "Confirm the filing choice.",
      "ssa": "Establish EXR in DCF and EDCS; link the comparison-point decision.",
      "owner": "Field-office technician",
      "route": "EDCS case",
      "next": "Prior medical records are needed.",
      "source": "exr",
      "section": "B.2–B.3",
      "systems": [
        "DCF",
        "EDCS"
      ],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Selected public claim checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413050045",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "expedited-reinstatement",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "expedited-reinstatement-3",
      "title": "Complete development",
      "you": "Complete requested forms.",
      "ssa": "Obtain required forms and store them in eView or EP.",
      "owner": "Field-office technician",
      "route": "Electronic folder",
      "next": "SSA considers provisional benefits if eligible.",
      "source": "exr",
      "section": "B.4–B.5",
      "systems": [
        "eView",
        "Evidence Portal"
      ],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Selected public claim checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413050045",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "expedited-reinstatement",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "expedited-reinstatement-4",
      "title": "Transfer for medical review",
      "you": "Respond to medical requests.",
      "ssa": "Send to servicing DDS; wait for a paper CPD folder if applicable.",
      "owner": "Field office → DDS",
      "route": "Servicing DDS",
      "next": "Medical review follows; no decision date is promised.",
      "source": "exr",
      "section": "B.6",
      "systems": [
        "EDCS"
      ],
      "timing": "No duration specified for this step",
      "verification": "Selected public claim checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413050045",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "expedited-reinstatement",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "reopening",
      "title": "Prior termination may be erroneous",
      "when": "Work history raises reopening concerns under A.2.",
      "you": "Explain when work stopped.",
      "ssa": "Consider reopening instead of EXR.",
      "route": "Prior-decision review",
      "next": "Ask which route SSA is developing.",
      "source": "exr",
      "section": "A.2",
      "timing": "No branch completion time established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413050045",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "expedited-reinstatement",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "technical-denial",
      "title": "Technical requirements not met",
      "when": "SSA finds technical EXR requirements unmet.",
      "you": "If insisting on EXR, understand denial and new-claim alternatives.",
      "ssa": "Deny under the cited cross-reference; consider protective filing.",
      "route": "FO determination / new-claim route",
      "next": "Read the resulting notice; downstream rights require review.",
      "source": "exr",
      "section": "B.1",
      "timing": "No branch completion time established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413050045",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "expedited-reinstatement",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "paper-cpd",
      "title": "Comparison decision is on paper",
      "when": "The prior CPD folder is paper.",
      "you": "Await folder development.",
      "ssa": "Obtain it before DDS transfer.",
      "route": "FO folder retrieval → DDS",
      "next": "Medical transfer depends on receipt.",
      "source": "exr",
      "section": "B.6",
      "timing": "No branch completion time established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413050045",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "expedited-reinstatement",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "late-exr",
      "title": "The request is outside 60 months",
      "when": "The normal EXR request period has passed.",
      "you": "Give written reasons for late filing.",
      "ssa": "Evaluate good cause and document the determination.",
      "route": "FO → eView / EP record",
      "next": "Extension is conditional; it does not enlarge maximum retroactivity.",
      "source": "exrlate",
      "section": "A–C",
      "timing": "No branch completion time established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; remaining cross-references open"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413050010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; remaining cross-references open"
  },
  {
    "journey": "expedited-reinstatement",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "protective-contact",
      "title": "The interview cannot be completed immediately",
      "when": "You express intent to request EXR.",
      "you": "Keep the appointment and closeout notice.",
      "ssa": "Record protective filing, schedule the FO PE calendar and send DPS closeout.",
      "route": "Contact → servicing FO appointment",
      "next": "Complete the request within the closeout requirements.",
      "source": "exrprotect",
      "section": "A–B",
      "timing": "The source describes a 60-day closeout, including a receipt assumption; provisional benefits use a different start rule.",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; remaining cross-references open"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413050015",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; remaining cross-references open"
  },
  {
    "journey": "expedited-reinstatement",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "provisional-start",
      "title": "Temporary payments are being considered",
      "when": "The completed request meets non-medical requirements.",
      "you": "Return the completed forms.",
      "ssa": "Determine the provisional start month and use POS if applicable.",
      "route": "FO POS or manual PC route",
      "next": "At most six provisional months; this is not a six-month decision guarantee.",
      "source": "exrprov",
      "section": "A.1; C; D; I",
      "timing": "No branch completion time established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; remaining cross-references open"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413050025",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; remaining cross-references open"
  },
  {
    "journey": "expedited-reinstatement",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "provisional-exception",
      "title": "Direct provisional-payment input excepts",
      "when": "The POS action generates an exception.",
      "you": "Ask which office owns follow-up.",
      "ssa": "Check PCACS; do not repeat the POS input.",
      "route": "FO → PC jurisdiction",
      "next": "Internal follow-up tickles do not promise a customer payment date.",
      "source": "exrprov",
      "section": "I.2",
      "timing": "No branch completion time established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; remaining cross-references open"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413050025",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; remaining cross-references open"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-disability-work",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "report-disability-work-1",
      "title": "Report the change",
      "you": "Explain the change and date.",
      "ssa": "Record the work report and check for a pending review.",
      "owner": "SSA intake technician",
      "route": "eWork / review owner",
      "next": "A receipt documents the report date.",
      "source": "workreceipt",
      "section": "A–D",
      "systems": [
        "eWork"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration established",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413010020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-disability-work",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "report-disability-work-2",
      "title": "Receive acknowledgement",
      "you": "Keep the receipt.",
      "ssa": "Give or mail the required receipt using the applicable channel rule.",
      "owner": "SSA intake technician",
      "route": "Reporter / eligible recipient",
      "next": "Receipt does not decide the earnings effect.",
      "source": "workreceipt",
      "section": "C.1",
      "systems": [
        "eWork",
        "DPS"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration established",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413010020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-disability-work",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "report-disability-work-3",
      "title": "Follow the existing review",
      "you": "Respond to further requests.",
      "ssa": "A pending review’s jurisdiction receives the report automatically.",
      "owner": "Office with review jurisdiction",
      "route": "Pending work review",
      "next": "The responsible technician evaluates the information.",
      "source": "workreceipt",
      "section": "F",
      "systems": [
        "eWork",
        "DCF"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration established",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413010020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-disability-work",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "workreview-owner",
      "title": "A review is already pending",
      "when": "eWork shows a pending review.",
      "you": "Tell SSA about a move or a request to change office.",
      "ssa": "Contact the existing owner for transfer if needed.",
      "route": "Existing owner → agreed receiving office",
      "next": "Jurisdiction transfer in eWork also transfers the DCF review.",
      "source": "workreceipt",
      "section": "F",
      "timing": "No branch completion time established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; remaining cross-references open"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413010020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; remaining cross-references open"
  },
  {
    "journey": "report-disability-work",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "receipt-exception",
      "title": "A routine review form was requested",
      "when": "The form responds to a CDREO-triggered eWork review.",
      "you": "Retain your submission record.",
      "ssa": "Apply the receipt exception in C.2.",
      "route": "Existing review",
      "next": "A new receipt is not mandatory for this specified situation.",
      "source": "workreceipt",
      "section": "C.2",
      "timing": "No branch completion time established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; remaining cross-references open"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413010020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; remaining cross-references open"
  },
  {
    "journey": "work-during-pending-claim",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "work-during-pending-claim-1",
      "title": "Identify the case stage",
      "you": "Tell SSA about the pending case and work.",
      "ssa": "At initial/reconsideration, develop work and make the SGA determination.",
      "owner": "Field office",
      "route": "FO work development",
      "next": "SSA may request SSA-821 and related evidence.",
      "source": "pendingwork",
      "section": "A",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration established",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0411010150",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "work-during-pending-claim",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "work-during-pending-claim-2",
      "title": "Route a hearing-stage issue",
      "you": "Explain the pending hearing.",
      "ssa": "The FO does not own the work issue at this stage.",
      "owner": "Office of Hearings Operations",
      "route": "OHO work development",
      "next": "The hearing component develops the work issue.",
      "source": "pendingwork",
      "section": "A",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration established",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0411010150",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "work-during-pending-claim",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "work-during-pending-claim-3",
      "title": "Route evidence with a missing paper folder",
      "you": "Provide requested work information.",
      "ssa": "Prepare the work forms and send to the office holding the folder.",
      "owner": "FO → folder-holding office",
      "route": "FO / ODO / PSC as applicable",
      "next": "Evidence follows the responsible folder holder.",
      "source": "pendingwork",
      "section": "C",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration established",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0411010150",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "work-during-pending-claim",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "early-sga",
      "title": "Work before the first award",
      "when": "Return to SGA occurs within 12 months after onset, before award.",
      "you": "Explain why work ended or failed, if relevant.",
      "ssa": "Consider the unsuccessful-work-attempt exception before the cited denial action.",
      "route": "FO work determination",
      "next": "This walkthrough does not decide whether work qualifies as an unsuccessful attempt.",
      "source": "pendingwork",
      "section": "B",
      "timing": "No branch completion time established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; remaining cross-references open"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0411010150",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; remaining cross-references open"
  },
  {
    "journey": "processing-center-work-review",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "processing-center-work-review-1",
      "title": "Develop the work evidence",
      "you": "Provide requested information.",
      "ssa": "Verify earnings, work incentives and contact attempts.",
      "owner": "Processing-center technician",
      "route": "PC work review",
      "next": "Further development may be needed.",
      "source": "pcwork",
      "section": "A; B",
      "systems": [
        "eWork",
        "DCF"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration established",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413010023",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "processing-center-work-review",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "processing-center-work-review-2",
      "title": "Decide the work issue",
      "you": "Review the notice when received.",
      "ssa": "Prepare the determination, due process and appeal notices.",
      "owner": "Processing-center technician",
      "route": "Payment action / notice",
      "next": "The notice explains the determination and rights.",
      "source": "pcwork",
      "section": "A; D",
      "systems": [
        "eWork",
        "PCACS"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration established",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413010023",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "processing-center-work-review",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "processing-center-work-review-3",
      "title": "Request local assistance when applicable",
      "you": "Explain why local assistance is needed.",
      "ssa": "Document the request and transfer using Case Movement.",
      "owner": "PC → servicing FO",
      "route": "Servicing field office",
      "next": "The request must specify the needed action.",
      "source": "pcwork",
      "section": "C.1–C.2",
      "systems": [
        "eWork",
        "eView",
        "Evidence Portal"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration established",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413010023",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "expedited-reinstatement-ssi",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "expedited-reinstatement-ssi-1",
      "title": "Check prior eligibility",
      "you": "Explain the prior termination.",
      "ssa": "Review SSR, notices and corroborating records.",
      "owner": "Field-office technician",
      "route": "Technical EXR screening",
      "next": "SSA discusses EXR versus a new application.",
      "source": "exrssi",
      "section": "A; B.1",
      "systems": [
        "SSR",
        "ORS"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration established",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413050050",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "expedited-reinstatement-ssi",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "expedited-reinstatement-ssi-2",
      "title": "Build the request",
      "you": "Complete requested forms.",
      "ssa": "Establish DCF/EDCS; obtain SSA-372 and supporting forms.",
      "owner": "Field-office technician",
      "route": "EXR development",
      "next": "Financial and medical development are needed.",
      "source": "exrssi",
      "section": "B.2–B.4",
      "systems": [
        "DCF",
        "EDCS",
        "eView",
        "Evidence Portal"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration established",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413050050",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "expedited-reinstatement-ssi",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "expedited-reinstatement-ssi-3",
      "title": "Check non-medical factors",
      "you": "Provide financial and household information.",
      "ssa": "Develop all eligibility factors using SSA-8000 as a supplement.",
      "owner": "Field-office technician",
      "route": "Non-medical eligibility review",
      "next": "Provisional benefits require their separate conditions.",
      "source": "exrssi",
      "section": "B.4; B.6",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration established",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413050050",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "expedited-reinstatement-ssi",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "expedited-reinstatement-ssi-4",
      "title": "Transfer for medical review",
      "you": "Respond to DDS development.",
      "ssa": "Link or retrieve the CPD folder and transfer to DDS.",
      "owner": "FO → DDS",
      "route": "Servicing DDS",
      "next": "A paper CPD must arrive before transfer.",
      "source": "exrssi",
      "section": "B.7",
      "systems": [
        "EDCS",
        "DCF"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration established",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413050050",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "expedited-reinstatement-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-aged-spouse",
      "title": "An aged or previously eligible spouse is involved",
      "when": "SSA identifies an aged or previously eligible spouse.",
      "you": "Discuss the spouse’s own application or reinstatement.",
      "ssa": "Use the aged-application or applicable separate EXR development.",
      "route": "FO spouse eligibility development",
      "next": "The partner’s request is not automatic reinstatement.",
      "source": "exrssi",
      "section": "B.5",
      "timing": "No branch completion time established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; remaining cross-references open"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413050050",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; remaining cross-references open"
  },
  {
    "journey": "expedited-reinstatement-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "late-exr",
      "title": "The request is outside 60 months",
      "when": "The normal EXR request period has passed.",
      "you": "Give written reasons for late filing.",
      "ssa": "Evaluate good cause and document the determination.",
      "route": "FO → eView / EP record",
      "next": "Extension is conditional; it does not enlarge maximum retroactivity.",
      "source": "exrlate",
      "section": "A–C",
      "timing": "No branch completion time established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; remaining cross-references open"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413050010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; remaining cross-references open"
  },
  {
    "journey": "expedited-reinstatement-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "protective-contact",
      "title": "The interview cannot be completed immediately",
      "when": "You express intent to request EXR.",
      "you": "Keep the appointment and closeout notice.",
      "ssa": "Record protective filing, schedule the FO PE calendar and send DPS closeout.",
      "route": "Contact → servicing FO appointment",
      "next": "Complete the request within the closeout requirements.",
      "source": "exrprotect",
      "section": "A–B",
      "timing": "The source describes a 60-day closeout, including a receipt assumption; provisional benefits use a different start rule.",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; remaining cross-references open"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413050015",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; remaining cross-references open"
  },
  {
    "journey": "exr-denial-next",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "exr-denial-next-1",
      "title": "Identify a medical denial",
      "you": "Read the medical explanation.",
      "ssa": "DDS prepares and sends the personalized denial notice.",
      "owner": "DDS",
      "route": "Claimant / appropriate third party",
      "next": "The notice describes reconsideration or application options.",
      "source": "exrdeny",
      "section": "A; B.1–B.2",
      "systems": [
        "EDCS"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration established",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413050065",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "exr-denial-next",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "exr-denial-next-2",
      "title": "Identify a technical denial",
      "you": "Review the technical reason.",
      "ssa": "FO documents the denial and sends the applicable notice.",
      "owner": "Field office",
      "route": "FO notice / case record",
      "next": "A new claim may use the EXR protective filing subject to the rules.",
      "source": "exrdeny",
      "section": "C–E",
      "systems": [
        "DCF",
        "EDCS"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration established",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413050065",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "exr-denial-next",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "exr-denial-next-3",
      "title": "Separate temporary-payment actions",
      "you": "Ask which action you are challenging.",
      "ssa": "EXR denial has review rights; provisional-payment termination is different.",
      "owner": "SSA / DDS as applicable",
      "route": "Notice-specific review route",
      "next": "Do not treat the two actions as having identical appeal rights.",
      "source": "exrdeny",
      "section": "A",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration established",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413050065",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "exr-denial-next",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "unrelated-impairment",
      "title": "Title II denial: impairment not same or related",
      "when": "This specific DDS denial code applies.",
      "you": "Review the notice and Medicare information.",
      "ssa": "Request PC payment termination rather than using POS medical cessation.",
      "route": "FO → PC",
      "next": "This instruction avoids treating unrelated impairment as medical improvement.",
      "source": "exrdeny",
      "section": "B.3.a",
      "timing": "No branch completion time established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; remaining cross-references open"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413050065",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; remaining cross-references open"
  },
  {
    "journey": "exr-denial-next",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "medical-improvement",
      "title": "Title II denial: medical improvement",
      "when": "The denial is a MIRS medical-improvement finding.",
      "you": "Read the medical explanation and review options.",
      "ssa": "Use POS cessation and clear the DCF EXR event.",
      "route": "FO payment action / DDS notice",
      "next": "Medicare effects require the separate coverage instructions.",
      "source": "exrdeny",
      "section": "B.3.a; B.4",
      "timing": "No branch completion time established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; remaining cross-references open"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413050065",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; remaining cross-references open"
  },
  {
    "journey": "exr-award-titleii",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "exr-award-titleii-1",
      "title": "Return the medical decision",
      "you": "Respond if additional information is requested.",
      "ssa": "DDS records the medical determination and returns the case to FO.",
      "owner": "DDS → FO",
      "route": "EDCS Action Items",
      "next": "FO reviews the allowance.",
      "source": "awardii",
      "section": "A",
      "systems": [
        "EDCS"
      ],
      "timing": "No customer completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413050060",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "exr-award-titleii",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "exr-award-titleii-2",
      "title": "Prepare the award",
      "you": "Clarify outstanding non-medical facts.",
      "ssa": "Review SSA-833, prepare EF-101 and transfer to PC.",
      "owner": "Field-office technician",
      "route": "Program center",
      "next": "PC performs award review.",
      "source": "awardii",
      "section": "B",
      "systems": [
        "EF-101",
        "DCF"
      ],
      "timing": "No customer completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413050060",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "exr-award-titleii",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "exr-award-titleii-3",
      "title": "Process payment and notice",
      "you": "Read the reinstatement notice.",
      "ssa": "Review discrepancies, process reinstatement and reconcile provisional payments.",
      "owner": "Program center",
      "route": "Payment record / beneficiary",
      "next": "PC sends the reinstatement notice.",
      "source": "awardpc",
      "section": "B.2",
      "systems": [
        "Paperless",
        "MBR",
        "DPS"
      ],
      "timing": "No customer completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413050095",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "exr-award-titleii",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "exr-award-titleii-4",
      "title": "Follow an unprocessed award",
      "you": "Tell SSA if payment remains unresolved.",
      "ssa": "Check MBR/PCACS and contact the PC as required.",
      "owner": "Field office → PC",
      "route": "Award follow-up",
      "next": "Further escalation is conditional.",
      "source": "awardii",
      "section": "C",
      "systems": [
        "MBR",
        "PCACS",
        "DOORS"
      ],
      "timing": "No customer completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413050060",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "exr-award-titleii",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "moe-mismatch",
      "title": "The entitlement month cannot be used",
      "when": "FO finds the DDS entitlement month unusable.",
      "you": "Clarify relevant work history.",
      "ssa": "Return to DDS for a different MOE; FO cannot simply change it.",
      "route": "FO → DDS",
      "next": "The medical entitlement month needs correction.",
      "source": "awardii",
      "section": "B.3",
      "timing": "No branch completion time established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413050060",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "exr-award-titleii",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "auxiliary-development",
      "title": "A family member’s application is incomplete",
      "when": "Auxiliary development remains outstanding.",
      "you": "Respond to the family-member evidence request.",
      "ssa": "Do not hold the number holder’s award for that development.",
      "route": "Separate auxiliary development",
      "next": "Related benefits still need their own checks.",
      "source": "awardii",
      "section": "A.2",
      "timing": "No branch completion time established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413050060",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "exr-award-titleii",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "award-dire-need",
      "title": "Payment remains unresolved and there is dire need",
      "when": "The specified follow-up and award prerequisites apply.",
      "you": "Tell SSA about the dire need.",
      "ssa": "Consider escalation and conditional critical payment instructions.",
      "route": "FO → PC / manager contact",
      "next": "A critical payment is conditional, not automatic.",
      "source": "awardii",
      "section": "C",
      "timing": "No branch completion time established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413050060",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "exr-award-ssi",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "exr-award-ssi-1",
      "title": "Receive the allowance",
      "you": "Await the next award action.",
      "ssa": "DDS documents SSA-832 and returns the allowance through EDCS.",
      "owner": "DDS → FO",
      "route": "EDCS Action Items",
      "next": "FO must process the award.",
      "source": "awardssi",
      "section": "A",
      "systems": [
        "EDCS"
      ],
      "timing": "No customer completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413050061",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "exr-award-ssi",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "exr-award-ssi-2",
      "title": "Replace the provisional record",
      "you": "Clarify requested record information.",
      "ssa": "Stop provisional payments, terminate the current record and start-date the EXR record.",
      "owner": "Field-office technician",
      "route": "SSI award processing",
      "next": "Temporary and reinstated payments are distinct.",
      "source": "awardssi",
      "section": "B.1–B.3",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No customer completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413050061",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "exr-award-ssi",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "exr-award-ssi-3",
      "title": "Issue the award notice",
      "you": "Read the notice and follow any instructions.",
      "ssa": "Send the EXR award notice and clear DCF as a continuance.",
      "owner": "Field-office technician",
      "route": "Beneficiary / DCF",
      "next": "The notice communicates the award action.",
      "source": "awardssi",
      "section": "B.4–B.5",
      "systems": [
        "DCF"
      ],
      "timing": "No customer completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413050061",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeal-exr-determination",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "appeal-exr-determination-1",
      "title": "Identify the issue",
      "you": "Explain what you dispute.",
      "ssa": "Distinguish EXR determinations from provisional-payment actions.",
      "owner": "SSA appeal intake",
      "route": "Medical / non-medical / informal protest route",
      "next": "Different review routes apply.",
      "source": "exrappeals",
      "section": "A–B",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No customer completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413050085",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeal-exr-determination",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "appeal-exr-determination-2",
      "title": "Develop a medical reconsideration",
      "you": "Complete the requested appeal information.",
      "ssa": "Obtain SSA-561, SSA-3441 and SSA-827; transfer the EDCS case to DDS.",
      "owner": "FO → DDS",
      "route": "DDS reconsideration",
      "next": "Ordinary initial-claim appeal procedures apply, not the CDR DHU process.",
      "source": "exrappeals",
      "section": "C; D.2",
      "systems": [
        "EDCS",
        "DCF"
      ],
      "timing": "No customer completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413050085",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeal-exr-determination",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "appeal-exr-determination-3",
      "title": "Request further review after reconsideration",
      "you": "Use the hearing instructions if still disagreeing.",
      "ssa": "Establish the hearing request and transfer to OHO.",
      "owner": "FO → OHO",
      "route": "ALJ hearing",
      "next": "Later AC review is a distinct step.",
      "source": "exrappeals",
      "section": "D.3",
      "systems": [
        "EDCS"
      ],
      "timing": "No customer completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413050085",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeal-exr-determination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "exr-technical-recon",
      "title": "The disputed issue is non-medical",
      "when": "The disagreement concerns technical EXR eligibility.",
      "you": "State the disagreement for reconsideration.",
      "ssa": "Use SSA-561 and applicable jurisdiction procedures.",
      "route": "SSA non-medical reconsideration",
      "next": "DDS medical reconsideration is not the assumed route.",
      "source": "exrappeals",
      "section": "D.1",
      "timing": "No branch completion time established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413050085",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeal-exr-determination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "exr-provisional-protest",
      "title": "The dispute is about provisional payments",
      "when": "The disputed action concerns temporary payments.",
      "you": "Provide an informal protest and evidence.",
      "ssa": "Check for error, correct or explain, and document SSA-5002.",
      "route": "SSA informal review",
      "next": "This is not an administrative appeal of the provisional-payment action.",
      "source": "exrappeals",
      "section": "B",
      "timing": "No branch completion time established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413050085",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeal-exr-determination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "exr-paper-appeal",
      "title": "The initial EXR case is paper",
      "when": "The case is an EDCS exclusion.",
      "you": "Follow the supplied appeal instructions.",
      "ssa": "Use current folder procedures; do not establish that reconsideration in EDCS.",
      "route": "Paper-folder reconsideration",
      "next": "The electronic core path does not apply.",
      "source": "exrappeals",
      "section": "D.2 note",
      "timing": "No branch completion time established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413050085",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeal-exr-determination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "exr-ac",
      "title": "Disagreement continues after the ALJ decision",
      "when": "The person seeks Appeals Council review.",
      "you": "Request review using the applicable instructions.",
      "ssa": "Establish AC review, obtain HA-520 if applicable and transfer.",
      "route": "FO → Appeals Council",
      "next": "AC supplies final action and further rights.",
      "source": "exrappeals",
      "section": "D.4",
      "timing": "No branch completion time established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413050085",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeal-medical-cessation",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "appeal-medical-cessation-1",
      "title": "Discuss reconsideration",
      "you": "Explain why you disagree.",
      "ssa": "Explain hearing rights, responsibilities and evidence assistance.",
      "owner": "Field-office interviewer",
      "route": "Medical CDR appeal intake",
      "next": "SSA supplies the required forms.",
      "source": "cdrreconsider",
      "section": "A.1–A.4",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No customer completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0412026020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeal-medical-cessation",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "appeal-medical-cessation-2",
      "title": "Record the request",
      "you": "Provide the requested appeal information.",
      "ssa": "Date-stamp SSA-789 and obtain the disability report and authorization.",
      "owner": "Field-office technician",
      "route": "Appeal development",
      "next": "Missing information needs follow-up.",
      "source": "cdrreconsider",
      "section": "A.4",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No customer completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0412026020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeal-medical-cessation",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "appeal-medical-cessation-3",
      "title": "Resolve missing forms",
      "you": "Respond to follow-up or explain the difficulty.",
      "ssa": "Contact the person; if unsuccessful, send a letter, diary and forward to DDS if no response.",
      "owner": "FO → DDS",
      "route": "DDS resolution",
      "next": "The diary is an evidence-follow-up control.",
      "source": "cdrreconsider",
      "section": "B",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No customer completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0412026020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeal-medical-cessation",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "wrong-appeal-form",
      "title": "SSA-561 was submitted for a CDR appeal",
      "when": "The person used the wrong reconsideration form.",
      "you": "Confirm what you intended and provide missing information.",
      "ssa": "Confirm intent, transfer information to SSA-789 as appropriate and document contact.",
      "route": "FO medical CDR appeal intake",
      "next": "The wrong form is not simply ignored.",
      "source": "cdrreconsider",
      "section": "A.4.a",
      "timing": "No branch completion time established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0412026020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeal-medical-cessation",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "dho-combined-versus-concurrent",
      "title": "A DHO decision involves more than one determination",
      "when": "Cessation reconsideration/new claim together, or concurrent TitleII/XVI.",
      "you": "Keep every notice received.",
      "ssa": "For cessation reconsideration and new claim decided together, one appropriately completed notice covers both DHO determinations. For concurrent TitleII/XVI, prepare a separate determination notice for each title.",
      "route": "DHO notice preparation → beneficiary/recipient",
      "next": "Combined issues do not eliminate separate notices for two titles.",
      "source": "dhodeterminationnotice",
      "section": "C.4-5",
      "timing": "No notice-delivery duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected canonical official subsection checked; no actual notice or personal record generated"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0433015025",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected canonical official subsection checked; no actual notice or personal record generated"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeal-medical-cessation",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "dho-competent-adult-payee",
      "title": "A competent adult has a representative payee",
      "when": "DHO cessation notice concerns a legally competent adult with payee.",
      "you": "Keep your detailed decision notice.",
      "ssa": "DDS sends the adult the cessation notice and the payee a modified copy without personal information, including the decision paragraph and indication the adult received fuller explanation. Prepare TitleII auxiliary notices where NH is not the auxiliary payee.",
      "route": "DDS → adult / modified payee copy; applicable auxiliary notices",
      "next": "Payee and beneficiary copies can contain different detail.",
      "source": "dhodeterminationnotice",
      "section": "A",
      "timing": "No notice-delivery duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected canonical official subsection checked; no actual notice or personal record generated"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0433015025",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected canonical official subsection checked; no actual notice or personal record generated"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeal-medical-cessation",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "dho-quality-notice-release",
      "title": "The DHO case is selected for quality review",
      "when": "A DHO determination is ready for notice release.",
      "you": "Keep the notice and determination copy; tell SSA if visual assistance is needed.",
      "ssa": "Without quality selection, release notices with the determination and appointed-representative copy. With selection, the reviewing component dates and releases the notice with determination copy. Apply special-notice policy for blindness or reported visual-assistance need.",
      "route": "DHO notice preparation → reviewing component when selected → recipient",
      "next": "Quality selection changes release ownership; special-notice options are addressed under NL01000.000.",
      "source": "dhodeterminationnotice",
      "section": "D.1-2; B",
      "timing": "No quality-review or delivery duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected release ownership checked; full special-notice procedures separately pending"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0433015025",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected release ownership checked; full special-notice procedures separately pending"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeal-medical-cessation",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "dhu-free-interpreter",
      "title": "Language assistance is needed at the disability hearing",
      "when": "Beneficiary/recipient requests assistance or the need is evident.",
      "you": "Tell the DHU which language assistance you need.",
      "ssa": "DDS provides an interpreter free of charge; do not require the person to supply their own. DHU follows the DDS interpreter procedures in DI23040.001.",
      "route": "DHU → DDS interpreter arrangements",
      "next": "Written Spanish notices have a separate policy; this branch concerns interpretation.",
      "source": "dhulanguage",
      "section": "Opening instructions",
      "timing": "No interpreter-arrangement duration specified",
      "review_status": "Official subsection checked; no interpreter qualification or availability guarantee invented"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0433010030",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Official subsection checked; no interpreter qualification or availability guarantee invented"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeal-medical-cessation",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "dhu-spanish-discovered",
      "title": "The hearing unit learns Spanish notices are needed",
      "when": "Spanish notices requested or otherwise required under the source.",
      "you": "Tell the hearing unit you need Spanish notices.",
      "ssa": "Annotate DHU folder, update scheduling information, and notify FO/DDS. Send scheduling and determination notices in English and Spanish to the person and representative if any; retain both in the folder.",
      "route": "DHU → FO/DDS notice coordination",
      "next": "Written notice coordination is distinct from an interpreter request.",
      "source": "dhuspanishnotice",
      "section": "A request condition; B; E",
      "timing": "No notice-delivery duration specified",
      "review_status": "Direct official subsection checked; no personal language need inferred"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0433010025",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Direct official subsection checked; no personal language need inferred"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeal-medical-cessation",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "dhu-spanish-waiver",
      "title": "A waiver of Spanish notices is considered",
      "when": "Person otherwise meets the Spanish-notice criteria.",
      "you": "Discuss whether translated notices are needed before signing.",
      "ssa": "Omit Spanish notice only with signed SSA-381-SP and folder documentation showing translated notices are not needed.",
      "route": "DHU → signed waiver / supporting documentation",
      "next": "A signed waiver and supporting documentation are both specified. Foreign claims have a separate source exception.",
      "source": "dhuspanishnotice",
      "section": "C; E note",
      "timing": "No notice-delivery duration specified",
      "review_status": "Direct official subsection checked; no personal language need inferred"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0433010025",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Direct official subsection checked; no personal language need inferred"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeal-medical-cessation",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "incomplete-ssa789-resolution",
      "title": "Incomplete SSA-789 and missing signature",
      "when": "FO receives an incomplete medical-cessation reconsideration form.",
      "you": "Clarify hearing attendance and interpreter or language needs when SSA contacts you.",
      "ssa": "Check appearance and language fields and date receipt; an individual or payee signature is not required on SSA-789. Call for missing information. If no phone or contact fails, send a call-in/come-in letter, set a 15-day diary and document attempts on SSA-5002 in the folder. If hearing/interpreter questions remain unanswered after 15 days, forward to DDS for resolution.",
      "route": "FO missing-information development → DDS resolution",
      "next": "The diary controls staff follow-up; it is not an automatic denial or a new appeal deadline.",
      "source": "focdrappealdeath",
      "section": "A.1.a-b",
      "timing": "15-day staff diary in the stated incomplete-form circumstances.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0412026025",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeal-medical-cessation",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "incomplete-adult-child-appeal-report",
      "title": "Incomplete adult or childhood appeal report",
      "when": "SSA-3441-BK is incomplete or appears incorrect, or a childhood SSA-3881-BK is incomplete.",
      "you": "Answer SSA requests to correct or complete the report.",
      "ssa": "FO contacts the individual, notes relevant auditory observations from the call, and records additional information in EDCS, SSA-3367 or SSA-5002 as applicable. Use the Title XVI Report of Contact page, or a paper SSA-5002 associated with the folder for non-MSSICS cases. Apply the same correction actions to incomplete childhood SSA-3881-BK.",
      "route": "FO correction contact → electronic / paper appeal folder",
      "next": "The completed evidence becomes part of the appeal record.",
      "source": "focdrappealdeath",
      "section": "A.4-5",
      "timing": "No 15-day diary or processing duration specified in A.4-5.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0412026025",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeal-medical-cessation",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "concurrent-appeal-record-controls",
      "title": "Concurrent appeal segments and record follow-up",
      "when": "The medical CDR appeal covers Title II and Title XVI.",
      "you": "Keep correspondence for both programs and report record or payment concerns to SSA.",
      "ssa": "FO records the appeal in MSSICS before opening EDCS, verifies both appeal segments and transfers both to DDS or DHU. After determination, review SSR and MBR posting and benefit-continuation termination for both programs. Set a five-day CDRW control in DCF. If SSR has not updated, take manual action; if MBR has not updated, verify DIBCESS on PCACS and follow up with PSC under GN 01070.440.",
      "route": "FO → DDS / DHU → FO record review / PSC follow-up",
      "next": "Five days is a record-update control, not a payment or appeal-decision guarantee.",
      "source": "focdrappealdeath",
      "section": "B.3.a-f",
      "timing": "Records should update within five days; FO establishes a five-day control and follows exceptions.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0412026025",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeal-medical-cessation",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "cdr-appeal-special-destinations",
      "title": "Railroad and foreign appeal folder destinations",
      "when": "FO determines the type of medical CDR appeal.",
      "you": "Tell SSA about railroad service or foreign case circumstances and ask which component holds the appeal.",
      "ssa": "Send ordinary cases to the servicing FO’s DDS. For career railroad cases, send the folder with the DHU copy of SSA-789 to Great Lakes Program Service Center, Disability Processing, following DI 29005.020. For foreign cases, send all folder materials to the Office of Earnings and International Operations; do not send the materials or an SSA-789 copy to the servicing DDS.",
      "route": "FO → DDS / Great Lakes Program Service Center / Office of Earnings and International Operations",
      "next": "The destination follows the case type.",
      "source": "focdrappealdeath",
      "section": "D.1-3",
      "timing": "No routing duration specified.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0412026025",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeal-medical-cessation",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "appeal-posttransfer-evidence",
      "title": "New evidence after the appeal folder moved",
      "when": "FO receives additional evidence after transfer.",
      "you": "Give SSA the new evidence and identify your pending appeal.",
      "ssa": "Document verbal information, upload material where possible and check folder location. Send paper material by SSA-408 to DDS or DHU. After reconsideration leaves DHU, send or alert DDS for relevance review; if the folder is at ALJ or Appeals Council, send to the OHO or AC office holding it.",
      "route": "FO → component holding folder / DDS relevance review",
      "next": "Evidence routing depends on the current appeal stage.",
      "source": "focdrappealdeath",
      "section": "E.3 opening; E.3.a",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0412026025",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeal-medical-cessation",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "appeal-posttransfer-contact",
      "title": "Address or phone changes after transfer",
      "when": "Contact information changes after the folder leaves FO.",
      "you": "Report the new address or phone number to SSA.",
      "ssa": "Update Title II and XVI records and send an update after transfer to DDS or DHU. For paper, use SSA-408 with servicing FO code. If a scheduled hearing and address change involve a new DDS/DHU site, telephone DHU and email confirmation for folder association.",
      "route": "FO record update → DDS / DHU",
      "next": "Staff coordination does not itself confirm a new hearing date.",
      "source": "focdrappealdeath",
      "section": "E.3.b",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0412026025",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeal-medical-cessation",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "appeal-unprovided-information-dds",
      "title": "Requested appeal information is not provided",
      "when": "Required forms or additional evidence remain unprovided.",
      "you": "Tell SSA if you need help completing the requested information.",
      "ssa": "FO forwards or transmits the folder to DDS, identifies the missing information on SSA-5002 and associates it with the appeal folder. If DDS lacks enough evidence for a medical determination, follow the separate whereabouts-unknown or failure-to-cooperate policies cited by E.4.",
      "route": "FO missing-information documentation → DDS",
      "next": "This FO handoff does not itself decide the appeal.",
      "source": "focdrappealdeath",
      "section": "E.4",
      "timing": "No additional deadline or processing duration specified in E.4.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0412026025",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeal-medical-cessation",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "hearing-change-less-ten-days",
      "title": "Time or place change close to the hearing",
      "when": "The individual asks FO to change the disability hearing.",
      "you": "Explain the requested change promptly; an in-person request uses SSA-769, while FO can collect the information by phone.",
      "ssa": "Document the request and alert DDS; associate forms with the folder, using SSA-408 for paper already at DDS. If fewer than ten days remain before the hearing, notify DDS by telephone or email and forward materials as DDS directs.",
      "route": "FO → DDS urgent alert / hearing-change materials",
      "next": "DDS forwarding instructions are for staff; the request does not guarantee approval.",
      "source": "focdrappealdeath",
      "section": "E.1.a-c",
      "timing": "Fewer than ten days triggers the stated staff alert; it is not a minimum customer filing period.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0412026025",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeal-medical-cessation",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "prehearing-wu-hearing-protection",
      "title": "Prehearing review cannot locate the beneficiary",
      "when": "Whereabouts become unknown during medical-cessation prehearing review.",
      "you": "Contact SSA with your current details if you learn the appeal is awaiting contact.",
      "ssa": "If evidence supports a fully favorable determination, process continuation without sending to DHU. Otherwise complete development not requiring cooperation, attempt telephone contact with the individual and all authorized persons, locate or request FO assistance, and document efforts. Resume normal processing if located. Send adverse prehearing determinations to DHU for hearing; do not return as no determination to FO.",
      "route": "DDS prehearing reviewer → continuation / DHU hearing",
      "next": "A timely reconsideration request preserves appearance rights unless waived.",
      "source": "prehearingwhereabouts",
      "section": "B; C.1-2",
      "timing": "No fixed duration specified.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0429005027",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeal-medical-cessation",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "dhu-wu-missed-hearing-wait",
      "title": "DHU cannot locate the person before determination",
      "when": "Whereabouts are unknown at the disability hearing unit.",
      "you": "Contact SSA promptly with current details if you reconnect; ask about the hearing.",
      "ssa": "Attempt locating promptly after returned mail. If evidence cannot support a fully favorable determination, complete required development, contact the individual and authorized people, document locating efforts and consider special handling. After a missed scheduled hearing, wait ten days from that hearing date before determination unless appearance was waived. If located, follow rescheduling procedures. Decide from all evidence and mail the notice to the last known address; do not return as no determination to FO.",
      "route": "DHO development → determination / last-known-address notice",
      "next": "The ten-day wait is a staff safeguard, not advice to delay contacting SSA.",
      "source": "dhuwhereabouts",
      "section": "B; C.1; C.2.a,c",
      "timing": "Ten days from the scheduled missed hearing before determination, unless appearance was waived.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0433015033",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeal-medical-cessation",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "dhu-limited-prehearing-reuse",
      "title": "DHU reuses documented prehearing locating work",
      "when": "Whereabouts were unknown at prehearing review and remain unknown on DHU receipt.",
      "you": "Provide current contact information if you reconnect with SSA.",
      "ssa": "DHO need not repeat only two documented prehearing actions: development not requiring cooperation and the FO locating-assistance request. Follow every other DI 33015.033 instruction even if prehearing staff already performed it.",
      "route": "Prehearing documentation → DHO development review",
      "next": "This limited reuse does not remove the other hearing safeguards.",
      "source": "prehearingwhereabouts",
      "section": "D.2",
      "timing": "No new duration specified; applicable DHU waiting rules still apply.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0429005027",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "elect-benefit-continuation",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "elect-benefit-continuation-1",
      "title": "Check whether SBC applies",
      "you": "Ask about your specific cessation and review stage.",
      "ssa": "Explain applicable continuation rights and the SSA-792 election.",
      "owner": "Field-office technician",
      "route": "Eligibility / appeal-stage check",
      "next": "Continuation is not available for every adverse decision.",
      "source": "sbcpolicy",
      "section": "A–C",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No customer completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0412027001",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "elect-benefit-continuation",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "elect-benefit-continuation-2",
      "title": "Record the election and appeal",
      "you": "Complete and sign the applicable election and appeal.",
      "ssa": "Provide help and document the requests without delaying the appeal for SSA-792. Explain the possible overpayment if the appeal is unsuccessful.",
      "owner": "Field-office technician",
      "route": "Appeal / election processing",
      "next": "Reconsideration and hearing require separate elections.",
      "source": "sbcprocess",
      "section": "A; B.1–B.6",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No customer completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "cdrreconsider",
          "section": "A.3.a (unsuccessful appeal / overpayment warning)"
        }
      ]
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0412027010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "elect-benefit-continuation",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "elect-benefit-continuation-3",
      "title": "Process the payment request",
      "you": "Keep copies and report missing follow-up.",
      "ssa": "Use applicable EDCS/DCF/SSR routes and store the election.",
      "owner": "FO; PC assistance if needed",
      "route": "Payment record / electronic file",
      "next": "Systems limitations can require PC help.",
      "source": "sbcprocess",
      "section": "B.7–B.8",
      "systems": [
        "EDCS",
        "DCF",
        "SSR",
        "eView",
        "Evidence Portal"
      ],
      "timing": "No customer completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0412027010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "elect-benefit-continuation",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "late-sbc-recon",
      "title": "The SBC election is late at reconsideration",
      "when": "The normal election period passed.",
      "you": "Explain the delay.",
      "ssa": "FO evaluates and documents good cause; issue the specified notice if denied.",
      "route": "FO good-cause determination",
      "next": "The appeal timing and election timing are separate.",
      "source": "sbctime",
      "section": "B.1",
      "timing": "No branch completion time established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0412027008",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "elect-benefit-continuation",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "late-sbc-hearing",
      "title": "Both hearing and SBC requests are late",
      "when": "Both requests are filed more than 60 days after receipt of the reconsideration notice.",
      "you": "Provide the reasons for delay.",
      "ssa": "Document and transfer for the ALJ’s good-cause decision.",
      "route": "FO → hearing office",
      "next": "If granted, hearing office advises FO about reinstatement.",
      "source": "sbctime",
      "section": "B.2.b–B.2.c",
      "timing": "No branch completion time established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0412027008",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "elect-benefit-continuation",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "sbc-ac-remand",
      "title": "The case reaches Appeals Council review",
      "when": "Review stage or remand status changes.",
      "you": "Ask whether the case is pending review or actually remanded.",
      "ssa": "Distinguish excluded AC review from remand to ALJ eligibility.",
      "route": "AC review versus ALJ remand",
      "next": "Remand is a specific exception, not general AC-level continuation.",
      "source": "sbcpolicy",
      "section": "B.2; C",
      "timing": "No branch completion time established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0412027001",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "elect-benefit-continuation",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "sbc-auxiliary",
      "title": "Benefits are paid on another person’s DIB record",
      "when": "An auxiliary seeks continuation.",
      "you": "Discuss each beneficiary’s election.",
      "ssa": "Check the primary beneficiary’s election for the auxiliary and obtain separate SSA-792 as applicable.",
      "route": "FO auxiliary SBC development",
      "next": "An auxiliary’s election alone does not satisfy the primary-election requirement.",
      "source": "sbcwho",
      "section": "A.1; B",
      "timing": "No branch completion time established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0412027007",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "elect-benefit-continuation",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "sbc-work-cessation",
      "title": "Benefits stop for SGA rather than medical cessation",
      "when": "The adverse action is an SGA cessation.",
      "you": "Ask which due-process and review route applies.",
      "ssa": "Treat SGA cessation as excluded from SBC.",
      "route": "Applicable work-issue appeal / due process",
      "next": "Medical-cessation continuation rules do not automatically apply.",
      "source": "sbcexclude",
      "section": "Exclusions list; final note",
      "timing": "No branch completion time established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0412027015",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "elect-benefit-continuation",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "sbc-closed-period",
      "title": "The notice awards only a closed period initially",
      "when": "This is an initial closed-period determination.",
      "you": "Check whether the case is an initial award or an adverse reopening.",
      "ssa": "Apply the initial closed-period exclusion, preserving the adverse-reopening exception.",
      "route": "FO SBC applicability review",
      "next": "Similar wording can describe different continuation eligibility.",
      "source": "sbcexclude",
      "section": "First exclusion",
      "timing": "No branch completion time established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0412027015",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "elect-benefit-continuation",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "sbc-concurrent",
      "title": "The person receives both Title II and SSI",
      "when": "There is concurrent entitlement.",
      "you": "Ask which title’s continuation is being elected.",
      "ssa": "Explain the Title II or both-title election options in this section.",
      "route": "FO title-specific SBC processing",
      "next": "Do not assume one generic payment input covers both records.",
      "source": "sbcwho",
      "section": "A.3",
      "timing": "No branch completion time established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0412027007",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "understand-trial-work",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "understand-trial-work-1",
      "title": "Check entitlement to trial work",
      "you": "Explain the benefit record and prior work.",
      "ssa": "Determine whether TWP applies; Title XVI-only recipients are excluded.",
      "owner": "SSA work-review technician",
      "route": "Title II work review",
      "next": "The rules are not an SSI earnings disregard.",
      "source": "twp",
      "section": "B–D",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No customer completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413010035",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "understand-trial-work",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "understand-trial-work-2",
      "title": "Reconstruct the service months",
      "you": "Provide monthly work evidence.",
      "ssa": "Review prior eWork/DCF determinations and reliable earnings evidence.",
      "owner": "SSA work-review technician",
      "route": "Work-history development",
      "next": "Separate work periods may count together.",
      "source": "twpmonths",
      "section": "C–D",
      "systems": [
        "eWork",
        "DCF"
      ],
      "timing": "No customer completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413010060",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "understand-trial-work",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "understand-trial-work-3",
      "title": "Evaluate the next stage",
      "you": "Continue reporting work changes.",
      "ssa": "After TWP, evaluate work under SGA and applicable incentives.",
      "owner": "SSA work-review technician",
      "route": "Post-TWP evaluation / EPE",
      "next": "A different earnings evaluation applies after TWP.",
      "source": "twpmonths",
      "section": "E",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No customer completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413010060",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "understand-trial-work",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "twp-selfemployment",
      "title": "The work is self-employment",
      "when": "The person reports self-employment.",
      "you": "Provide net earnings and hours.",
      "ssa": "Apply the year-specific earnings-or-hours service test and record in eWork.",
      "route": "eWork → DCF earnings record",
      "next": "TWP service tests differ from SGA self-employment tests.",
      "source": "twpmonths",
      "section": "A; B.3",
      "timing": "No branch completion time established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413010060",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "understand-trial-work",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "twp-incentives",
      "title": "Expenses or work incentives are involved",
      "when": "The person asks about deducting work expenses.",
      "you": "Explain the expenses and ask which work stage applies.",
      "ssa": "Do not deduct SGA work incentives when counting TWP service months.",
      "route": "TWP counting versus SGA evaluation",
      "next": "Different stages use different rules; do not reuse the same income calculation.",
      "source": "twp",
      "section": "F",
      "timing": "No branch completion time established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413010035",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "resume-payment-epe",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "resume-payment-epe-1",
      "title": "Identify the work stage",
      "you": "Describe the change in work.",
      "ssa": "Check TWP completion and the applicable EPE period.",
      "owner": "SSA work-review technician",
      "route": "EPE eligibility check",
      "next": "Not every post-TWP month uses the same payment rule.",
      "source": "epe",
      "section": "A; G–I",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No customer completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413010210",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "resume-payment-epe",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "resume-payment-epe-2",
      "title": "Evaluate the changed earnings",
      "you": "Provide requested evidence.",
      "ssa": "Develop work and applicable incentives; consider resumption if all factors are met.",
      "owner": "SSA work-review technician",
      "route": "eWork / POS determination",
      "next": "A new payment action follows the evaluation.",
      "source": "epeprocess",
      "section": "A; B.1",
      "systems": [
        "eWork",
        "POS"
      ],
      "timing": "No customer completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413010215",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "resume-payment-epe",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "resume-payment-epe-3",
      "title": "Follow the payment action",
      "you": "Read the notice or explain unresolved payment.",
      "ssa": "Use the appropriate direct or PC route and monitor the record.",
      "owner": "FO / PC as applicable",
      "route": "Payment effectuation",
      "next": "System exclusions can require manual follow-up.",
      "source": "epeprocess",
      "section": "B.1.b",
      "systems": [
        "PCACS",
        "MBR"
      ],
      "timing": "No customer completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413010215",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "resume-payment-epe",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "epe-exclusion",
      "title": "The payment input cannot be processed",
      "when": "A direct-input exclusion applies.",
      "you": "Ask who owns payment follow-up.",
      "ssa": "Send SSA-833 and supporting material with DECEFFECT routing; monitor PC receipt.",
      "route": "FO → PC / benefit-authorizer staff",
      "next": "An action-control record supports follow-up; it is not proof of payment.",
      "source": "epeprocess",
      "section": "A.2; B.1.b",
      "timing": "The five-day receipt check is an internal control, not a payment guarantee.",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413010215",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "resume-payment-epe",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "epe-outside",
      "title": "The EPE reinstatement route is unavailable",
      "when": "Work remains SGA or the applicable re-entitlement period ended.",
      "you": "Discuss the next filing option.",
      "ssa": "Consider the denial route, new claim or EXR, and erroneous prior-termination issues.",
      "route": "SSA work determination / filing discussion",
      "next": "EXR is a separate request with its own requirements.",
      "source": "epeprocess",
      "section": "B.2",
      "timing": "No branch completion time established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0413010215",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "continue-medicare-only",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "continue-medicare-only-1",
      "title": "Identify the coverage choice",
      "you": "Explain which coverage you want continued.",
      "ssa": "Explain that eligible SBC can cover Medicare with or without cash benefits.",
      "owner": "Field-office technician",
      "route": "Medicare SBC eligibility check",
      "next": "This is conditional on applicable SBC eligibility.",
      "source": "sbcwho",
      "section": "A.4",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No customer completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0412027007",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "continue-medicare-only",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "continue-medicare-only-2",
      "title": "Complete the applicable election",
      "you": "Follow the notice and election instructions.",
      "ssa": "Obtain the applicable election and process the appeal separately.",
      "owner": "Field-office technician",
      "route": "SBC processing",
      "next": "The election window differs from the appeal period.",
      "source": "sbcprocess",
      "section": "B.1–B.4",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No customer completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0412027010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "continue-medicare-only",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "continue-medicare-only-3",
      "title": "Understand continued coverage",
      "you": "Check coverage and premium notices.",
      "ssa": "Only coverage already in effect continues under Medicare-only SBC.",
      "owner": "SSA coverage processing",
      "route": "Existing Medicare coverage",
      "next": "Part B premiums are billed directly; nonpayment can end Part B.",
      "source": "sbcwho",
      "section": "A.4",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No customer completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0412027007",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "continue-medicare-only",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "mqge-excluded",
      "title": "The case is Medicare-qualified-government-employee only",
      "when": "The person has an MQGE-only case.",
      "you": "Ask which review and coverage rules apply.",
      "ssa": "Do not apply SBC to the MQGE-only exclusion.",
      "route": "Applicable non-SBC review route",
      "next": "This walkthrough does not establish a replacement continuation entitlement.",
      "source": "sbcwho",
      "section": "A.4 note",
      "timing": "No branch completion time established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0412027007",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "missing-paper-check",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "missing-paper-check-1",
      "title": "Verify the reporter and payment",
      "you": "Identify the missing payment to SSA.",
      "ssa": "Verify identity and review payment records.",
      "owner": "FO / TSC technician",
      "route": "MBR / PHUS / SSR / TCIS screening",
      "next": "SSA checks whether the payment was issued and due.",
      "source": "checkscreen",
      "section": "A–B",
      "systems": [
        "MBR",
        "PHUS",
        "SSR",
        "TCIS"
      ],
      "timing": "No customer completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202406130",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "missing-paper-check",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "missing-paper-check-2",
      "title": "Clarify the missing-payment history",
      "you": "Explain whether this was already reported or received then lost.",
      "ssa": "Check prior nonreceipt actions and recent payment changes.",
      "owner": "FO / TSC technician",
      "route": "Applicable nonreceipt procedure",
      "next": "A prior report or negotiated check changes the route.",
      "source": "checkscreen",
      "section": "B–C",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No customer completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202406130",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "missing-paper-check",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "missing-paper-check-3",
      "title": "Explain the selected next action",
      "you": "Follow the route SSA identifies.",
      "ssa": "Explain the applicable replacement or Treasury-status process.",
      "owner": "SSA / Treasury as applicable",
      "route": "Stop-type-specific follow-up",
      "next": "Replacement versus negotiated-check evidence depends on the action.",
      "source": "checkscreen",
      "section": "D",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No customer completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202406130",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "missing-paper-check",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "check-before-due",
      "title": "The check has not reached the reporting point",
      "when": "Screening shows no special route applies yet.",
      "you": "Check the due date and follow SSA’s instructions.",
      "ssa": "Apply the recurring/nonrecurring mail-delivery-day rule after screening.",
      "route": "FO / TSC screening",
      "next": "The section distinguishes third and seventh mail-delivery days.",
      "source": "checkscreen",
      "section": "A",
      "timing": "No branch completion time established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202406130",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "missing-paper-check",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "check-prior-report",
      "title": "This payment was already reported missing",
      "when": "A prior nonreceipt claim exists.",
      "you": "Tell SSA about it.",
      "ssa": "Check PHUS or Treasury status instead of assuming a new missing payment.",
      "route": "SSA payment / Treasury status review",
      "next": "Existing actions determine the appropriate follow-up.",
      "source": "checkscreen",
      "section": "C",
      "timing": "No branch completion time established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202406130",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; cross-references remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "missing-paper-check",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "actually-eft",
      "title": "The missing payment was direct deposit",
      "when": "The payment was electronic rather than a paper check.",
      "you": "Ask which electronic-payment investigation applies.",
      "ssa": "The glossary defines an EFT B-stop as a trace request, not a replacement payment.",
      "route": "Separate SSA / Treasury TeleTrace route",
      "next": "A trace does not itself generate another payment; detailed EFT follow-up remains unreviewed.",
      "source": "eftterms",
      "section": "B-Stop (Direct Deposit); TeleTrace",
      "timing": "No branch completion time established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; complete exceptional workflow not claimed"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202406001",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; complete exceptional workflow not claimed"
  },
  {
    "journey": "first-social-security-number",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "first-social-security-number-1",
      "title": "Choose the starting route",
      "you": "Check the official online starting service.",
      "ssa": "oSSNAP permits eligible applicants to start the request online.",
      "owner": "Online intake / FO",
      "route": "FO or SSCC evidence review",
      "next": "Online submission is not completed enumeration.",
      "source": "ssnstart",
      "section": "A; C–D",
      "systems": [
        "oSSNAP"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110205635",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "first-social-security-number",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "first-social-security-number-2",
      "title": "Supply the evidence",
      "you": "Provide the required documents.",
      "ssa": "Review evidence for age, identity and citizenship/lawful status.",
      "owner": "FO / SSCC technician",
      "route": "Enumeration evidence review",
      "next": "Document-number exceptions may apply.",
      "source": "ssnoriginal",
      "section": "A–C",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110210010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "first-social-security-number",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "first-social-security-number-3",
      "title": "Attend the required interview",
      "you": "If the original-number applicant is 12 or older, attend in person.",
      "ssa": "Require the in-person interview before assignment for that age group.",
      "owner": "FO / SSCC technician",
      "route": "Original-number interview",
      "next": "Detailed interview questions remain unexpanded.",
      "source": "ssnstart",
      "section": "C important note",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110205635",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "first-social-security-number",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "first-social-security-number-4",
      "title": "Receive the outcome",
      "you": "Follow requests for more evidence or await the card after approval.",
      "ssa": "The customer guidance describes card mailing after approval.",
      "owner": "SSA enumeration / card delivery",
      "route": "Mailed card after approval",
      "next": "Mailing time does not include all evidence development.",
      "source": "firstssnpublic",
      "section": "Apply for a Social Security number",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/number-card/request-number-first-time",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "first-social-security-number",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "online-evidence-window",
      "title": "Evidence is not supplied after an online start",
      "when": "The request was submitted through oSSNAP.",
      "you": "Provide required evidence to FO/SSCC within the stated window.",
      "ssa": "Complete evidence review; the section says a new application is needed after the window lapses.",
      "route": "oSSNAP → FO / SSCC",
      "next": "Starting online does not preserve the request indefinitely.",
      "source": "ssnstart",
      "section": "A",
      "timing": "The section specifies 45 calendar days from online submission; this is an evidence/intake window, not an approval SLA.",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; complete exceptional workflow not claimed"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110205635",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; complete exceptional workflow not claimed"
  },
  {
    "journey": "first-social-security-number",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "original-document-exception",
      "title": "Only an immigration document is available",
      "when": "The named refugee/parolee/asylee/trafficking-victim exception may apply.",
      "you": "Explain the documents actually available.",
      "ssa": "Evaluate the narrow single-document exception instead of applying an absolute two-document rule.",
      "route": "FO evidence-factor review",
      "next": "The exception requires its specified conditions; status-specific policy still needs review.",
      "source": "ssncount",
      "section": "B; D",
      "timing": "No branch completion time established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; complete exceptional workflow not claimed"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110210020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; complete exceptional workflow not claimed"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-card-for-someone",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "apply-card-for-someone-1",
      "title": "Check who should apply",
      "you": "Explain the proposed applicant’s role.",
      "ssa": "Assess ability to self-file and the proper-applicant priority.",
      "owner": "FO technician",
      "route": "Applicant-priority review",
      "next": "Representative-payee status alone does not settle this question.",
      "source": "ssnproper",
      "section": "A; B",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110205025",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-card-for-someone",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "apply-card-for-someone-2",
      "title": "Establish authority to apply",
      "you": "Provide relationship, custody or responsibility evidence.",
      "ssa": "Establish the required relationship and authority before accepting the signer.",
      "owner": "FO technician",
      "route": "Proper-applicant evidence review",
      "next": "Additional evidence may be needed.",
      "source": "ssnproper",
      "section": "C",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110205025",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-card-for-someone",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "apply-card-for-someone-3",
      "title": "Handle an unqualified applicant",
      "you": "Read the written explanation and respond as appropriate.",
      "ssa": "Return the application/evidence with written notice if applicant requirements are unmet.",
      "owner": "FO technician",
      "route": "Written-notice route",
      "next": "Card-applicant authority differs from benefits or disclosure authority.",
      "source": "ssnproper",
      "section": "Introduction; C",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110205025",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "apply-card-for-someone",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "payee-not-automatic",
      "title": "You already serve as representative payee",
      "when": "The helper relies on payee appointment as authority.",
      "you": "Explain the relationship and responsibility as well.",
      "ssa": "Apply card-applicant rules rather than assuming payee appointment is sufficient.",
      "route": "FO proper-applicant check",
      "next": "Different SSA functions use different authority tests.",
      "source": "ssnproper",
      "section": "A note",
      "timing": "No branch completion time established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; complete exceptional workflow not claimed"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110205025",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; complete exceptional workflow not claimed"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssn-additional-documents",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssn-additional-documents-1",
      "title": "Understand the hold",
      "you": "Identify what the notice requests.",
      "ssa": "Explain why SS-5 could not be processed and what is needed.",
      "owner": "FO technician",
      "route": "Written evidence/interview notice",
      "next": "Birth location affects the notice form.",
      "source": "ssnmissing",
      "section": "Opening instructions",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110205090",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssn-additional-documents",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssn-additional-documents-2",
      "title": "Use the applicable notice",
      "you": "Follow the notice for your circumstances.",
      "ssa": "Use SSA-L669 for U.S.-born or SSA-L670 for foreign-born applicants.",
      "owner": "FO technician",
      "route": "Applicant evidence response",
      "next": "Foreign-born applicants are directed to bring DHS documents, not mail them.",
      "source": "ssnmissing",
      "section": "Notice selection; table",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110205090",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssn-additional-documents",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssn-additional-documents-3",
      "title": "Resubmit a complete package",
      "you": "Return SS-5 and required evidence together.",
      "ssa": "Review the resubmission for the missing requirements.",
      "owner": "FO / SSCC",
      "route": "Evidence or interview review",
      "next": "An incomplete package is not automatically an approval.",
      "source": "ssnmissing",
      "section": "Resubmission paragraph; table",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110205090",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssn-additional-documents",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "foreign-dhs-documents",
      "title": "The notice concerns DHS evidence",
      "when": "The foreign-born applicant must present DHS documents.",
      "you": "Bring the documents to FO, SSCC or contact station as instructed.",
      "ssa": "Specify the in-person document-presentation route on SSA-L670.",
      "route": "Applicant → FO / SSCC / contact station",
      "next": "Do not assume the notice asks you to mail immigration documents.",
      "source": "ssnmissing",
      "section": "Foreign-born row",
      "timing": "No branch completion time established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; complete exceptional workflow not claimed"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110205090",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; complete exceptional workflow not claimed"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssn-additional-documents",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "original-age12",
      "title": "An original-number applicant is 12 or older",
      "when": "The mandatory original-number interview applies.",
      "you": "Attend the required in-person interview.",
      "ssa": "State the interview requirement in the notice.",
      "route": "Applicant → FO / SSCC / contact station",
      "next": "Document submission alone does not replace the interview.",
      "source": "ssnmissing",
      "section": "Age 12 or older row",
      "timing": "No branch completion time established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; complete exceptional workflow not claimed"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110205090",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; complete exceptional workflow not claimed"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssn-additional-documents",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "representative-evidence",
      "title": "You apply for someone else",
      "when": "The representative’s evidence is missing.",
      "you": "Provide your identity and relationship/authority evidence.",
      "ssa": "Include those requirements in the notice.",
      "route": "Applicant → FO evidence review",
      "next": "The other person’s documents alone may be insufficient.",
      "source": "ssnmissing",
      "section": "Applying on behalf of another row",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110205090",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssn-additional-documents",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "l676-notice-boundaries",
      "title": "SSA still cannot process after the evidence request",
      "when": "SSA remains unable to process after SSA-L669 or SSA-L670.",
      "you": "Read the stated reason and keep the notice; it is not proof of citizenship, work status or never having an SSN.",
      "ssa": "Use SSA-L676 in the stated circumstances. Complete office address, hours and phone; employee name or unit; applicant address; and applicable blocks. Use the available Spanish version when applicable. Do not use the notice to establish citizenship/work status or that no SSN was ever assigned.",
      "route": "FO review → SSA-L676 / applicable Spanish notice",
      "next": "The notice communicates the processing refusal, with its stated limits.",
      "source": "ssnl676",
      "section": "A second paragraph; A IMPORTANT; B",
      "timing": "No processing duration specified.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0100299020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssn-evidence-verification",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssn-evidence-verification-1",
      "title": "Review the submitted evidence",
      "you": "Provide acceptable evidence for the requested factor.",
      "ssa": "Visually review acceptable evidence before processing the request.",
      "owner": "FO technician",
      "route": "Evidence review",
      "next": "A complete-looking package can still need verification.",
      "source": "ssnverify",
      "section": "Opening policy; 1",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110210205",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssn-evidence-verification",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssn-evidence-verification-2",
      "title": "Resolve discrepancies",
      "you": "Explain or supply evidence to resolve a mismatch.",
      "ssa": "Compare documents and application details; reconcile discrepancies.",
      "owner": "FO technician",
      "route": "SSNAP evidence/remarks",
      "next": "Questions about identity can require more evidence.",
      "source": "ssnreview",
      "section": "Steps 4–6",
      "systems": [
        "SSNAP"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110210210",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssn-evidence-verification",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssn-evidence-verification-3",
      "title": "Verify when required",
      "you": "Respond to a further request if needed.",
      "ssa": "Confirm DHS document information with DHS and apply other issuing-agency verification rules.",
      "owner": "FO / issuing agency",
      "route": "Required verification",
      "next": "No verification turnaround is promised by these sections.",
      "source": "ssnverify",
      "section": "2.a; 2.c",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110210205",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssn-evidence-verification",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "document-translation",
      "title": "Evidence needs an authorized translation",
      "when": "The document is not in English and lacks an acceptable translation.",
      "you": "Follow the translation/evidence request.",
      "ssa": "Request translation and enter the application pending its receipt.",
      "route": "FO → authorized translation route",
      "next": "Translation is a dependency, not an automatic rejection.",
      "source": "ssnreview",
      "section": "Step 2; Step 9 note",
      "timing": "No branch completion time established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; complete exceptional workflow not claimed"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110210210",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; complete exceptional workflow not claimed"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssn-evidence-verification",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "identity-questions",
      "title": "Identity remains questionable",
      "when": "The review raises an identity question.",
      "you": "Provide the additional identity evidence requested.",
      "ssa": "Resolve the discrepancy under the identity-evidence rules.",
      "route": "FO identity development",
      "next": "This walkthrough does not determine document validity for an individual.",
      "source": "ssnreview",
      "section": "Step 6",
      "timing": "No branch completion time established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; complete exceptional workflow not claimed"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110210210",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; complete exceptional workflow not claimed"
  },
  {
    "journey": "hearing-after-medical-reconsideration",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "hearing-after-medical-reconsideration-1",
      "title": "Submit the request",
      "you": "Use HA-501, i501 or an accepted written request.",
      "ssa": "Help complete and record the appeal.",
      "owner": "FO technician",
      "route": "Appeal intake",
      "next": "A telephone request alone is insufficient.",
      "source": "hearingintake",
      "section": "A.4; A.7; B.1.a–b",
      "systems": [
        "iAppeals"
      ],
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0203103010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "hearing-after-medical-reconsideration",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "hearing-after-medical-reconsideration-2",
      "title": "Document the disability appeal",
      "you": "Provide the requested disability update.",
      "ssa": "Complete SSA-3441-BK and use EDCS when possible.",
      "owner": "FO disability technician",
      "route": "Disability appeal development",
      "next": "Folder routing follows the medical path.",
      "source": "hearingintake",
      "section": "B.4",
      "systems": [
        "EDCS"
      ],
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0203103010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "hearing-after-medical-reconsideration",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "hearing-after-medical-reconsideration-3",
      "title": "Transmit the folder",
      "you": "Respond to requests for missing material.",
      "ssa": "Assemble required forms/evidence and transmit to HO on a priority basis; paper cases use SSA-636-U3.",
      "owner": "FO → hearing office",
      "route": "HO / ALJ",
      "next": "Electronic transfer detail is cross-referenced, not reproduced.",
      "source": "medicalhearingroute",
      "section": "A–C",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0412010010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "hearing-after-medical-reconsideration",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "late-filing",
      "title": "The hearing request is late",
      "when": "The filing time may have passed.",
      "you": "Explain the delay in writing.",
      "ssa": "Obtain the explanation; the ALJ decides whether to extend time.",
      "route": "FO → ALJ",
      "next": "Good cause is not decided by this atlas.",
      "source": "hearingintake",
      "section": "B.1.c",
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; cross-references remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0203103010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; cross-references remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "hearing-after-medical-reconsideration",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "different-office",
      "title": "You request another hearing office",
      "when": "You want a different HO.",
      "you": "Give signed reasons.",
      "ssa": "Attach the statement to HA-501 and forward to the servicing HO.",
      "route": "FO → servicing HO",
      "next": "SSA considers the transfer and notifies you.",
      "source": "hearingoffice",
      "section": "A",
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; cross-references remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0203103040",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; cross-references remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "hearing-after-medical-reconsideration",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-missed-hearing",
      "title": "You missed an SSI hearing",
      "when": "You contact FO after not appearing.",
      "you": "Explain why you missed it and did not notify the ALJ.",
      "ssa": "Help prepare the explanation and send it to the ALJ.",
      "route": "FO → ALJ",
      "next": "The ALJ evaluates the explanation.",
      "source": "ssihearingexceptions",
      "section": "B.12",
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; cross-references remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0504030020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; cross-references remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "hearing-after-medical-reconsideration",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-withdrawal",
      "title": "You want to withdraw an SSI hearing request",
      "when": "A hearing is still pending.",
      "you": "Discuss the consequences and submit the request.",
      "ssa": "Forward the withdrawal to HO; an ALJ may refuse if interests would be harmed.",
      "route": "FO → HO / ALJ",
      "next": "A withdrawal request does not itself terminate the case.",
      "source": "ssihearingexceptions",
      "section": "A.4; B.10",
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; cross-references remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0504030020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; cross-references remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "hearing-after-medical-reconsideration",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "late-hearing-ac-request-statement-channel",
      "title": "A late hearing or Appeals Council request reaches the field office",
      "when": "The field office receives a late hearing request or request for Appeals Council review.",
      "you": "Explain why the request is late and respond to requests for a written good-cause statement. Keep the submission record.",
      "ssa": "For an in-office claimant, field-office staff obtain the good-cause statement and forward it with the appeal request. For a late request received by mail, fax or email, staff forward the request and obtain a statement only if the hearing office or Appeals Council asks. The Office of Hearings Operations decides hearing-request good cause; the Appeals Council decides good cause for its review requests.",
      "route": "Field office → Office of Hearings Operations for a hearing request, or Appeals Council for its review request.",
      "next": "Ask which reviewing office received the request and whether it needs a statement. Forwarding does not establish good cause or acceptance of the appeal.",
      "source": "appealgoodcauseprocedure",
      "section": "D opening; D.2",
      "timing": "No forwarding or good-cause decision completion time is specified.",
      "review_status": "Official channel-specific statement and jurisdiction rules checked; detailed hearing/Appeals Council development instructions remain separately cited requirements."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0203101020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official channel-specific statement and jurisdiction rules checked; detailed hearing/Appeals Council development instructions remain separately cited requirements."
  },
  {
    "journey": "hearing-nonmedical-titleii",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "hearing-nonmedical-titleii-1",
      "title": "Complete intake",
      "you": "Provide the notice and request.",
      "ssa": "Complete staff fields and distribute HA-501 copies, including the claimant copy.",
      "owner": "FO technician",
      "route": "Recorded hearing request",
      "next": "The notice identifies the disputed action.",
      "source": "hearingform",
      "section": "A.1–2",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0203103020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "hearing-nonmedical-titleii",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "hearing-nonmedical-titleii-2",
      "title": "Send the non-medical case",
      "you": "Ask which component owns follow-up.",
      "ssa": "For the ordinary Title II-only non-medical route, forward the request/folder to the jurisdictional PC and notify HO.",
      "owner": "FO technician",
      "route": "Jurisdictional PC",
      "next": "Exceptions bypass this PC route.",
      "source": "hearingroute",
      "section": "Introduction; B",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0203103080",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "hearing-nonmedical-titleii",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "hearing-nonmedical-titleii-3",
      "title": "Prepare the hearing package",
      "you": "Respond to further development.",
      "ssa": "PC completes eNDSS and sends it with the folder to servicing HO.",
      "owner": "PC technician",
      "route": "Hearing office",
      "next": "PC preparation is not an ALJ decision.",
      "source": "hearingroute",
      "section": "C",
      "systems": [
        "eNDSS"
      ],
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0203103080",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "hearing-nonmedical-titleii",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "special-titleii",
      "title": "The dispute is an excluded Title II issue",
      "when": "Examples include SGA, work CDR, BOND overpayments, administrative sanctions or disability res judicata.",
      "you": "Clarify the issue.",
      "ssa": "Send the appeal, evidence and folder to HO under the exception procedure.",
      "route": "FO → hearing office",
      "next": "Do not apply the ordinary PC route automatically.",
      "source": "hearingroute",
      "section": "A.2",
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; cross-references remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0203103080",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; cross-references remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "hearing-nonmedical-titleii",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-or-concurrent",
      "title": "SSI or a concurrent common issue is involved",
      "when": "The case is not Title II-only.",
      "you": "Identify both claims.",
      "ssa": "Apply the SSI/concurrent instructions cross-referenced by this section.",
      "route": "FO → title-specific hearing preparation",
      "next": "Detailed concurrent preparation remains to be expanded.",
      "source": "hearingroute",
      "section": "A.3",
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; cross-references remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0203103080",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; cross-references remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeals-council-disability",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "appeals-council-disability-1",
      "title": "Request review in writing",
      "you": "Submit HA-520 or another qualifying writing.",
      "ssa": "Explain responsibilities and assist with the request.",
      "owner": "FO technician",
      "route": "Written AC request",
      "next": "Attach another writing to the claims-folder form copy.",
      "source": "acdisability",
      "section": "B.1–2",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0412020001",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeals-council-disability",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "appeals-council-disability-2",
      "title": "Route the disability request",
      "you": "Ask whether the request was transmitted.",
      "ssa": "For CEF cases, input in EDCS and fax the request into CEF; if EDCS establishment fails, fax/email it to OAO.",
      "owner": "FO disability technician",
      "route": "OAO / Appeals Council",
      "next": "Electronic case establishment can need the fallback route.",
      "source": "acdisability",
      "section": "B.3",
      "systems": [
        "EDCS",
        "CEF"
      ],
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0412020001",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeals-council-disability",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "appeals-council-disability-3",
      "title": "Read the Council action",
      "you": "Review the notice and next instructions.",
      "ssa": "AC considers the request; review may yield a decision or return to an ALJ.",
      "owner": "Appeals Council",
      "route": "Final action or ALJ remand",
      "next": "A remand calls for further proceedings rather than an automatic award.",
      "source": "acpublic",
      "section": "What happens when you ask for review?",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/appeals/appeals_process.html",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeals-council-disability",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "late-ac",
      "title": "The Council request is late",
      "when": "The appeal may be outside the filing period.",
      "you": "Submit written reasons for delay.",
      "ssa": "Attach the explanation and relevant FO documentation; only AC can extend the time.",
      "route": "FO → Appeals Council",
      "next": "AC decides whether good cause exists.",
      "source": "acintake",
      "section": "B.5",
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; cross-references remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0203104100",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; cross-references remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeals-council-disability",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "folder-not-found",
      "title": "The paper folder is not yet obtained",
      "when": "The PC is processing a written request and awaits the folder.",
      "you": "Keep evidence of filing.",
      "ssa": "Forward the request with a note about the expected folder; do not hold it for the folder.",
      "route": "PC → OAO; folder follows",
      "next": "The request and folder can arrive separately.",
      "source": "acintake",
      "section": "C.4.b",
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; cross-references remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0203104100",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; cross-references remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeals-council-disability",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "status-inquiry",
      "title": "You need a pending-review status",
      "when": "A request is already pending.",
      "you": "Ask SSA to confirm its status.",
      "ssa": "FO/N8NN use ARPS when internal timeframes have not expired; otherwise request an OARO update.",
      "route": "FO / N8NN → ARPS or OARO",
      "next": "A status response is not a merits determination.",
      "source": "acintake",
      "section": "C.7",
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; cross-references remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0203104100",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; cross-references remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeals-council-ssi",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "appeals-council-ssi-1",
      "title": "Record the request",
      "you": "Use i520, HA-520 or another accepted writing.",
      "ssa": "Help with the request and give a copy as receipt.",
      "owner": "FO technician",
      "route": "Recorded AC request",
      "next": "A signature is not required under this section.",
      "source": "acssi",
      "section": "B.2–3; C.1",
      "systems": [
        "iAppeals"
      ],
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0504040020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeals-council-ssi",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "appeals-council-ssi-2",
      "title": "Handle evidence that follows",
      "you": "Explain what evidence remains.",
      "ssa": "Do not delay forwarding while awaiting additional evidence.",
      "owner": "FO technician",
      "route": "OAO evidence follow-up",
      "next": "Evidence admissibility requires separate review.",
      "source": "acssi",
      "section": "D.8; E",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0504040020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeals-council-ssi",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "appeals-council-ssi-3",
      "title": "Apply the disability overlay",
      "you": "Identify whether medical disability is at issue.",
      "ssa": "For SSI disability AC appeals, apply the DI 12020.001 routing overlay.",
      "owner": "FO disability technician",
      "route": "Disability electronic / OAO route",
      "next": "The SSI intake path does not replace disability processing.",
      "source": "acssi",
      "section": "C.1 note",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0504040020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeals-council-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "later-evidence",
      "title": "Evidence is not ready at filing",
      "when": "Additional documents will follow.",
      "you": "Tell SSA what is coming and follow the notice/extension instructions.",
      "ssa": "Record the evidence expected; the section directs later submission within 15 days and immediate request forwarding.",
      "route": "FO → OAO",
      "next": "This is not a universal evidence-admission cutoff or automatic extension.",
      "source": "acssi",
      "section": "D.8.a",
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; cross-references remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0504040020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; cross-references remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeals-council-ssi",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "concurrent-timeliness",
      "title": "The claims are concurrent",
      "when": "Both Title II and SSI are involved.",
      "you": "Explain receipt dates and any delay.",
      "ssa": "Assess both claims; document which is untimely and send the explanation to AC.",
      "route": "FO → Appeals Council",
      "next": "Timeliness on one claim does not settle both.",
      "source": "acssi",
      "section": "D.5",
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; cross-references remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0504040020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; cross-references remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "hearing-attendance-options",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "hearing-attendance-options-1",
      "title": "Consider an objection",
      "you": "If objecting to audio or agency video, respond in writing.",
      "ssa": "Evaluate the objection and its timeliness.",
      "owner": "OHO designated staff",
      "route": "Hearing scheduling",
      "next": "Objecting to one format does not exclude every remote format.",
      "source": "appearanceobjection",
      "section": "A–C",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/hallex/I-02/I-2-0-21.html",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "hearing-attendance-options",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "hearing-attendance-options-2",
      "title": "Consider online video",
      "you": "Agree in writing if you choose online video.",
      "ssa": "Schedule that manner only with claimant agreement; other scheduling factors can apply.",
      "owner": "OHO designated staff",
      "route": "Available hearing format",
      "next": "Agreement generally supports online video, without guaranteeing it.",
      "source": "onlinevideoagreement",
      "section": "A; C",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/hallex/I-02/I-2-0-22.html",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "hearing-attendance-options",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "hearing-attendance-options-3",
      "title": "Read the scheduled arrangements",
      "you": "Check how, when and where to attend.",
      "ssa": "Explain the notice and direct scheduling concerns to HO.",
      "owner": "FO / hearing office",
      "route": "HO scheduling question",
      "next": "Raise attendance problems before the hearing.",
      "source": "hearingintake",
      "section": "B.1.g; B.1.j",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0203103010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "hearing-attendance-options",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "late-objection",
      "title": "Your objection is late",
      "when": "The normal objection window passed.",
      "you": "Explain why the response was late.",
      "ssa": "ALJ evaluates good cause; request an explanation if missing and document the finding.",
      "route": "OHO → ALJ",
      "next": "A late objection is evaluated rather than automatically honored.",
      "source": "appearanceobjection",
      "section": "D",
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; complete exceptional workflow not claimed"
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/hallex/I-02/I-2-0-21.html",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; complete exceptional workflow not claimed"
  },
  {
    "journey": "hearing-attendance-options",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "moved-residence",
      "title": "You move while the hearing is pending",
      "when": "A previous objection is on file.",
      "you": "Report the actual residence change.",
      "ssa": "Reassess appearance/transfer under the residence-change rules.",
      "route": "OHO / HOCALJ",
      "next": "A prior objection does not guarantee the same arrangement after moving.",
      "source": "appearanceobjection",
      "section": "A; C",
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; complete exceptional workflow not claimed"
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/hallex/I-02/I-2-0-21.html",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; complete exceptional workflow not claimed"
  },
  {
    "journey": "hearing-attendance-options",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "withdraw-video",
      "title": "You withdraw online-video agreement",
      "when": "The hearing has not started.",
      "you": "Tell SSA you withdraw the agreement.",
      "ssa": "Record an oral withdrawal on SSA-5002 and schedule another available manner.",
      "route": "OHO designated staff",
      "next": "Withdrawal is allowed before the ALJ goes on record.",
      "source": "onlinevideoagreement",
      "section": "E",
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; complete exceptional workflow not claimed"
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/hallex/I-02/I-2-0-22.html",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; complete exceptional workflow not claimed"
  },
  {
    "journey": "hearing-attendance-options",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "late-video-agreement",
      "title": "Your online-video agreement is late",
      "when": "The normal agreement window passed.",
      "you": "Explain the delay.",
      "ssa": "ALJ considers good cause; OHO may also approve where efficient and supported by a good scheduling reason.",
      "route": "ALJ / OHO scheduling",
      "next": "Late agreement is not always barred.",
      "source": "onlinevideoagreement",
      "section": "D",
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; complete exceptional workflow not claimed"
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/hallex/I-02/I-2-0-22.html",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; complete exceptional workflow not claimed"
  },
  {
    "journey": "submit-hearing-evidence",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "submit-hearing-evidence-1",
      "title": "Identify evidence early",
      "you": "Inform SSA about or submit written evidence by the applicable deadline.",
      "ssa": "Apply the evidence timing rule and its exceptions.",
      "owner": "SSA / ALJ",
      "route": "Hearing evidence review",
      "next": "Do not wait silently for the source to respond.",
      "source": "evidencecfrII",
      "section": "(a)–(b)",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/404/404-0935.htm",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "submit-hearing-evidence",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "submit-hearing-evidence-2",
      "title": "Place received material in the file",
      "you": "Follow the case submission instructions.",
      "ssa": "HO staff place evidence in the file and prepare proposed exhibits; ALJ decides admission.",
      "owner": "HO staff / ALJ",
      "route": "Proposed exhibits → admitted record",
      "next": "File receipt alone does not establish admission.",
      "source": "hearingevidence",
      "section": "A; C",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/hallex/I-02/I-2-6-58.html",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "submit-hearing-evidence",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "submit-hearing-evidence-3",
      "title": "Explain a late submission",
      "you": "Describe why evidence was delayed.",
      "ssa": "Before decision, accept late evidence when regulatory exceptions apply.",
      "owner": "ALJ",
      "route": "Exception evaluation",
      "next": "The ALJ evaluates the explanation.",
      "source": "latehearingevidence",
      "section": "B.1",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "evidencecfrSSI",
          "section": "(b)–(c)"
        }
      ]
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/hallex/I-02/I-2-6-59.html",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "submit-hearing-evidence",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "late-source-records",
      "title": "Requested records arrive late",
      "when": "You actively and diligently sought evidence but it was unavailable in time.",
      "you": "Explain the request and delayed receipt.",
      "ssa": "Evaluate the exception for evidence sought diligently from a source.",
      "route": "ALJ evidence review",
      "next": "The exception has conditions; it is not automatic approval of the claim.",
      "source": "latehearingevidence",
      "section": "B.1",
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; complete exceptional workflow not claimed"
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/hallex/I-02/I-2-6-59.html",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; complete exceptional workflow not claimed"
  },
  {
    "journey": "submit-hearing-evidence",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-not-application",
      "title": "The SSI case is not based on an application",
      "when": "Examples include age-18 redetermination, CDR or termination.",
      "you": "Identify that case type.",
      "ssa": "Apply the distinct rule accepting material evidence through the hearing decision.",
      "route": "ALJ evidence review",
      "next": "Do not apply the ordinary five-business-day cutoff universally.",
      "source": "latehearingevidence",
      "section": "A note",
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; complete exceptional workflow not claimed"
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/hallex/I-02/I-2-6-59.html",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; complete exceptional workflow not claimed"
  },
  {
    "journey": "submit-hearing-evidence",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "after-alj-decision",
      "title": "The ALJ already issued a decision",
      "when": "New evidence arrives after decision.",
      "you": "Identify whether AC review was requested.",
      "ssa": "Forward to AC if review was requested; otherwise consider revision or return with written explanation of review rights.",
      "route": "ALJ → AC or applicable revision route",
      "next": "The hearing record does not automatically reopen.",
      "source": "latehearingevidence",
      "section": "B.2",
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; complete exceptional workflow not claimed"
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/hallex/I-02/I-2-6-59.html",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; complete exceptional workflow not claimed"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeals-council-additional-evidence",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "appeals-council-additional-evidence-1",
      "title": "Explain relevance and delay",
      "you": "Describe the evidence and why it was not supplied earlier.",
      "ssa": "Evaluate good cause where required, newness, materiality, period relevance and reasonable probability of changing the outcome.",
      "owner": "AC analyst / Appeals Council",
      "route": "Evidence evaluation",
      "next": "The evidence must meet the applicable review criteria.",
      "source": "acevidence",
      "section": "A; B.1",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/hallex/I-03/I-3-5-20.html",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeals-council-additional-evidence",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "appeals-council-additional-evidence-2",
      "title": "Check the kind of SSI review",
      "you": "Identify a non-application SSI action if applicable.",
      "ssa": "For those cases, first assess materiality and apply the distinct review path.",
      "owner": "AC analyst / Appeals Council",
      "route": "SSI non-application review",
      "next": "The ordinary good-cause gate is not universal.",
      "source": "acevidence",
      "section": "B.2",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/hallex/I-03/I-3-5-20.html",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeals-council-additional-evidence",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "appeals-council-additional-evidence-3",
      "title": "Read the evidence explanation",
      "you": "Read the Council action carefully.",
      "ssa": "When recommending denial, identify the evidence and reasons it does not support review in the notice.",
      "owner": "AC analyst / Appeals Council",
      "route": "Denial notice if applicable",
      "next": "Other bases for review are still assessed.",
      "source": "acevidence",
      "section": "B; C.4",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/hallex/I-03/I-3-5-20.html",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeals-council-additional-evidence",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "no-good-cause",
      "title": "Good cause is not shown where required",
      "when": "The applicable good-cause test is not met.",
      "you": "Read the stated reason.",
      "ssa": "Review the existing record for another basis to grant review.",
      "route": "Appeals Council",
      "next": "The additional-evidence issue does not replace all review grounds.",
      "source": "acevidence",
      "section": "B.1",
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; complete exceptional workflow not claimed"
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/hallex/I-03/I-3-5-20.html",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; complete exceptional workflow not claimed"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeals-council-additional-evidence",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "not-period-related",
      "title": "Evidence concerns a later period",
      "when": "The evidence does not relate to the period at issue.",
      "you": "Read any protective-filing and new-application instructions in the notice.",
      "ssa": "Explain the period issue and apply the notice-specific protective-filing provisions where required.",
      "route": "Council notice / possible new application",
      "next": "Do not treat later evidence as proof of disability in the earlier period.",
      "source": "acevidence",
      "section": "C.4–5",
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; complete exceptional workflow not claimed"
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/hallex/I-03/I-3-5-20.html",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; complete exceptional workflow not claimed"
  },
  {
    "journey": "missed-hearing-response",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "missed-hearing-response-1",
      "title": "Explain the missed contact",
      "you": "Contact HO and explain what happened.",
      "ssa": "Document late contact or failed audio calls on SSA-5002.",
      "owner": "OHO staff",
      "route": "Claim file / ALJ",
      "next": "Make the explanation part of the record.",
      "source": "missedhearing",
      "section": "A.1–2",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/hallex/I-02/I-2-4-25.html",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "missed-hearing-response",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "missed-hearing-response-2",
      "title": "Respond if asked to show cause",
      "you": "Read HA-L90 and supply the requested explanation.",
      "ssa": "Where development is required, check contact details and send HA-L90.",
      "owner": "OHO staff",
      "route": "ALJ good-cause review",
      "next": "Some specified situations permit action without HA-L90.",
      "source": "missedhearing",
      "section": "C.2–3",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/hallex/I-02/I-2-4-25.html",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "missed-hearing-response",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "missed-hearing-response-3",
      "title": "Await the case-specific action",
      "you": "Follow the hearing or disposition notice.",
      "ssa": "Evaluate the circumstances and decide the appropriate action.",
      "owner": "ALJ",
      "route": "Further hearing or disposition",
      "next": "Missing a hearing does not always require dismissal.",
      "source": "missedhearing",
      "section": "A–D",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/hallex/I-02/I-2-4-25.html",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "missed-hearing-response",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "minor-guardian-appears",
      "title": "A parent or guardian attended for a minor",
      "when": "The minor claimant did not personally appear.",
      "you": "Identify who attended.",
      "ssa": "Proceed with the hearing; do not dismiss for the minor’s absence on that basis.",
      "route": "ALJ hearing",
      "next": "Minor attendance rules differ from adult third-party attendance.",
      "source": "missedhearing",
      "section": "A.3 note",
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; complete exceptional workflow not claimed"
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/hallex/I-02/I-2-4-25.html",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; complete exceptional workflow not claimed"
  },
  {
    "journey": "missed-hearing-response",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "representative-continues",
      "title": "Your appointed representative attended and continued",
      "when": "The representative remained in the case at the hearing.",
      "you": "Clarify the circumstances.",
      "ssa": "Do not dismiss for failure to appear; assess constructive waiver or further hearing under D.2.",
      "route": "ALJ",
      "next": "An appointed representative differs from an unappointed helper.",
      "source": "missedhearing",
      "section": "D.2",
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; complete exceptional workflow not claimed"
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/hallex/I-02/I-2-4-25.html",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; complete exceptional workflow not claimed"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssn-birth-registration",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssn-birth-registration-1",
      "title": "Choose the birth-registration route",
      "you": "Elect participation during registration.",
      "ssa": "The hospital collects data; state vital records transmits it to SSA.",
      "owner": "Hospital / state vital records",
      "route": "State → SSA",
      "next": "Participation is voluntary.",
      "source": "eabprocess",
      "section": "B",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion guarantee established",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110205505",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssn-birth-registration",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssn-birth-registration-2",
      "title": "Keep the receipt",
      "you": "Retain SSA-2853.",
      "ssa": "FO managers supply the appropriate state-lag version; the hospital gives it to the parent.",
      "owner": "FO manager / hospital",
      "route": "Parent receipt",
      "next": "It proves the EAB election, not completed assignment.",
      "source": "eabreceipt",
      "section": "A–B",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion guarantee established",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110205500",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssn-birth-registration",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssn-birth-registration-3",
      "title": "Receive the card",
      "you": "Check the address and delivery.",
      "ssa": "SSA uses the state data to assign the number and issue the original card.",
      "owner": "SSA enumeration",
      "route": "Mailed original card",
      "next": "This route avoids a separate routine SS-5 visit.",
      "source": "eabprocess",
      "section": "B",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion guarantee established",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110205505",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssn-birth-registration",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "existing-number",
      "title": "A number was already assigned",
      "when": "The EAB record matches an existing SSN.",
      "you": "Explain the earlier assignment when following up.",
      "ssa": "Post the EAB record to Numident without issuing another card.",
      "route": "SSA → Numident",
      "next": "EAB does not issue replacement cards.",
      "source": "eabprocess",
      "section": "B",
      "timing": "No completion guarantee established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110205505",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssn-birth-registration",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "not-eab-correction",
      "title": "This is a correction or adoption",
      "when": "The request concerns an amended/corrected birth certificate or infant adoption.",
      "you": "Ask for the appropriate separate application route.",
      "ssa": "Do not submit these as EAB applications.",
      "route": "Separate enumeration path",
      "next": "Detailed correction/adoption processing remains unexpanded.",
      "source": "eabprocess",
      "section": "C",
      "timing": "No completion guarantee established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110205505",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssn-immigrant-entry",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssn-immigrant-entry-1",
      "title": "Identify the entry request",
      "you": "Explain the visa-linked SSN request.",
      "ssa": "DoS passes data through CBP/USCIS to SSA after admission; SSA mails the card.",
      "owner": "DoS / DHS / SSA",
      "route": "EAE interface → card",
      "next": "The ordinary EAE route avoids a separate SS-5.",
      "source": "eaeprocess",
      "section": "A–B",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion guarantee established",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110205600",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssn-immigrant-entry",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssn-immigrant-entry-2",
      "title": "Establish the follow-up record",
      "you": "Provide the requested identity evidence.",
      "ssa": "Establish identity; query known SSN or search ALPHIDENT and compare Numident matches.",
      "owner": "FO / SSCC technician",
      "route": "Prior-assignment check",
      "next": "A possible name match is not a confirmed assignment.",
      "source": "eaeprocess",
      "section": "C; E",
      "systems": [
        "ALPHIDENT",
        "Numident"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion guarantee established",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110205600",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssn-immigrant-entry",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssn-immigrant-entry-3",
      "title": "Resolve an unfinished request",
      "you": "Supply missing evidence when asked.",
      "ssa": "If no processed record applies, locate/complete the pending SSNAP record or take a new application if none belongs to the applicant.",
      "owner": "FO / SSCC technician",
      "route": "SSNAP resolution",
      "next": "Do not assume nonreceipt means no SSN exists.",
      "source": "eaeprocess",
      "section": "D–F",
      "systems": [
        "SSNAP"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion guarantee established",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110205600",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssn-immigrant-entry",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "recent-issuance",
      "title": "A card was issued recently",
      "when": "The Numident cycle date is recent.",
      "you": "Follow SSA’s delivery advice.",
      "ssa": "Apply the section’s recent-issuance rule; use a new evidenced application for the older processed-card condition.",
      "route": "FO enumeration review",
      "next": "The EAE special nonreceipt option is unavailable.",
      "source": "eaeprocess",
      "section": "D.2–3",
      "timing": "The source distinguishes less than versus more than 14 days since processing; exact boundary handling is not invented here.",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110205600",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssn-immigrant-entry",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "multiple-ssns",
      "title": "More than one SSN appears to belong to you",
      "when": "Possible assignments are not cross-referred.",
      "you": "Explain any previous SSN history.",
      "ssa": "Refer to the multiple-number procedure.",
      "route": "FO → multiple-SSN resolution",
      "next": "Do not assign another number merely because matches are confusing.",
      "source": "eaeprocess",
      "section": "E.3",
      "timing": "No completion guarantee established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110205600",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssn-uscis-application",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssn-uscis-application-1",
      "title": "Identify the USCIS route",
      "you": "Identify the I-765, I-485 or N-400 request.",
      "ssa": "The cited POMS describes receipt of enumeration data after USCIS approval and appropriate card issuance; current operation is not independently confirmed.",
      "owner": "USCIS / SSA",
      "route": "EBE interface",
      "next": "N-400 supports replacement cards only.",
      "source": "ebeprocess",
      "section": "A–B",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion guarantee established",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110205700",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssn-uscis-application",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssn-uscis-application-2",
      "title": "Check an absent card",
      "you": "Contact SSA and complete its identity check.",
      "ssa": "Review Numident or locate prior assignment through ALPHIDENT.",
      "owner": "FO / SSCC technician",
      "route": "Assignment verification",
      "next": "If telephone identity cannot be established, refer to FO/SSCC with evidence instructions.",
      "source": "ebeprocess",
      "section": "C",
      "systems": [
        "Numident",
        "ALPHIDENT"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion guarantee established",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110205700",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssn-uscis-application",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssn-uscis-application-3",
      "title": "Handle the located request",
      "you": "Confirm the address and supply requested evidence.",
      "ssa": "Resolve the pending SSNAP application, or take a new evidenced application if none belongs to the applicant.",
      "owner": "FO / SSCC technician",
      "route": "SSNAP pending / new application",
      "next": "Document changes may explain differences between records.",
      "source": "ebeprocess",
      "section": "D.4–7; E",
      "systems": [
        "SSNAP"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion guarantee established",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110205700",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssn-uscis-application",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "replacement-needed",
      "title": "The processed card is overdue or the address changed",
      "when": "The older processed-card/address-change rule applies.",
      "you": "Provide the current address and required evidence.",
      "ssa": "Take a replacement application; the special FO nonreceipt option is unavailable for EBE.",
      "route": "FO / SSCC replacement route",
      "next": "The source uses more than seven business days since processing for the older-card condition.",
      "source": "ebeprocess",
      "section": "D.2–3",
      "timing": "No completion guarantee established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110205700",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssn-uscis-application",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "pending-ead",
      "title": "The EAD request is still pending",
      "when": "I-765 included an SSN request.",
      "you": "Keep the USCIS receipt showing the SSN request.",
      "ssa": "Explain that the receipt can verify the pending SSN request for other benefit agencies; do not also require a non-work SSN request solely while awaiting approval.",
      "route": "USCIS pending approval → EBE",
      "next": "The receipt is not an SSN assignment or benefit entitlement decision.",
      "source": "ebeprocess",
      "section": "B.1 note",
      "timing": "No completion guarantee established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110205700",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssn-age-record-verification",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssn-age-record-verification-1",
      "title": "Review the evidence",
      "you": "Provide the requested age evidence.",
      "ssa": "Visually inspect the document and evaluate whether it belongs to the applicant.",
      "owner": "FO / SSCC technician",
      "route": "Evidence review",
      "next": "Possessing a document does not complete all checks.",
      "source": "ssnageverify",
      "section": "A",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion guarantee established",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110210270",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssn-age-record-verification",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssn-age-record-verification-2",
      "title": "Verify a U.S. birth record",
      "you": "Respond to any evidence request.",
      "ssa": "Independently verify the U.S.-born original-number birth record with vital records, except EAB.",
      "owner": "FO / vital records",
      "route": "BVS verification",
      "next": "The EAB data-exchange route has a separate rule.",
      "source": "ssnageverify",
      "section": "B",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion guarantee established",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110210270",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssn-age-record-verification",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssn-age-record-verification-3",
      "title": "Handle missing primary evidence",
      "you": "Explain that a birth certificate could not be obtained.",
      "ssa": "For a person age one or older whose birth was not recorded, ask the state BVS whether a record exists; evaluate alternatives under linked policy.",
      "owner": "FO / state BVS",
      "route": "Age-evidence development",
      "next": "This does not itself decide which alternative document suffices.",
      "source": "ssnageverify",
      "section": "B",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion guarantee established",
      "verification": "Selected public subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110210270",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssn-age-record-verification",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "foreign-born",
      "title": "The applicant is foreign-born",
      "when": "Foreign evidence/immigration documents are involved.",
      "you": "Provide the requested documents.",
      "ssa": "Use the DHS verification and foreign-born evidence instructions.",
      "route": "FO → DHS verification as applicable",
      "next": "Detailed public SAVE operations are unavailable and not reconstructed.",
      "source": "ssnageverify",
      "section": "C",
      "timing": "No completion guarantee established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110210270",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssn-age-record-verification",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "dob-correction",
      "title": "You are changing an existing birth date",
      "when": "This is a Numident correction rather than an original application.",
      "you": "Explain the correction and provide evidence.",
      "ssa": "Apply the separate correction and verification cross-references.",
      "route": "FO → Numident correction",
      "next": "Original-number verification is not automatically the whole correction workflow.",
      "source": "ssnageverify",
      "section": "D–E",
      "timing": "No completion guarantee established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110210270",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "student-benefits-age18",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "student-benefits-age18-1",
      "title": "Read the advance notice",
      "you": "Check the student or disability instructions.",
      "ssa": "CO sends the age-18 package; FO reviews the returned student statement and certification.",
      "owner": "Central Office / FO",
      "route": "Age-18 review",
      "next": "Disability allegations require separate development.",
      "source": "studentprocess",
      "section": "E; F.1",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300205400",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "student-benefits-age18",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "student-benefits-age18-2",
      "title": "Return the current form",
      "you": "Complete pages 2–3, obtain certification on page 4 and return pages 2–4; leave pages 5–6 with school.",
      "ssa": "The current form and school guidance specify the return package.",
      "owner": "Student / school → SSA",
      "route": "Certified form to local SSA office",
      "next": "Current page labels differ from older POMS references.",
      "source": "studentform",
      "section": "Page 1; page 4",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/online/ssa-1372.pdf",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "student-benefits-age18",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "student-benefits-age18-3",
      "title": "Process the conversion",
      "you": "Respond to discrepancies.",
      "ssa": "Check school/attendance factors and process student conversion or the applicable termination action.",
      "owner": "FO / PC as applicable",
      "route": "Student entitlement record",
      "next": "The result depends on all requirements.",
      "source": "studentprocess",
      "section": "F.6",
      "systems": [
        "STUD",
        "MBR"
      ],
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300205400",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "student-benefits-age18",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "late-certified-form",
      "title": "The certified form arrives after termination",
      "when": "The child was in FTA in the age-18 attainment month and termination was erroneous.",
      "you": "Provide the completed school evidence.",
      "ssa": "Treat it as new/material evidence; no new application unless nonattendance exceeded four consecutive months.",
      "route": "FO student review",
      "next": "This is a conditional correction route, not automatic payment.",
      "source": "studentprocess",
      "section": "F.3",
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; full eligibility not determined"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300205400",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; full eligibility not determined"
  },
  {
    "journey": "student-benefits-age18",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "pc-misroute",
      "title": "The form reached a processing center",
      "when": "SSA-1372 was misrouted to PC.",
      "you": "Identify the submitted form if following up.",
      "ssa": "PC reviews it and processes the applicable student/disability action.",
      "route": "PC student review",
      "next": "The customer need not infer that the form was simply discarded.",
      "source": "studentprocess",
      "section": "F.2",
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; full eligibility not determined"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300205400",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; full eligibility not determined"
  },
  {
    "journey": "school-attendance-certification",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "school-attendance-certification-1",
      "title": "Obtain certification",
      "you": "Complete the student statement and take it to school.",
      "ssa": "School reviews the statement, certifies and returns the designated pages; SSA receives the package.",
      "owner": "School official / FO",
      "route": "Certified SSA-1372",
      "next": "Follow current form page labels.",
      "source": "studentschoolpublic",
      "section": "Steps 2–4",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/schoolofficials/process_works.htm",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "school-attendance-certification",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "school-attendance-certification-2",
      "title": "Review incomplete information",
      "you": "Help clarify school or attendance discrepancies.",
      "ssa": "Contact student and official to resolve incomplete/negative responses and document the information.",
      "owner": "FO technician",
      "route": "Attendance development",
      "next": "A missing answer calls for development.",
      "source": "studentattendance",
      "section": "B",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300205350",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "school-attendance-certification",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "school-attendance-certification-3",
      "title": "Respond to a negative school report",
      "you": "Explain why you disagree if the school reports less than FTA.",
      "ssa": "Offer a chance to rebut; document the response and school contacts.",
      "owner": "FO technician",
      "route": "Resolved attendance finding",
      "next": "Absent a response, the school report can support denial/termination.",
      "source": "studentattendance",
      "section": "C.2",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300205350",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "school-attendance-certification",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "school-letter",
      "title": "The school uses its own statement",
      "when": "The school supplies a form or letterhead statement.",
      "you": "Provide all equivalent information.",
      "ssa": "Accept equivalent school information and document its nature/acceptability.",
      "route": "FO evidence review",
      "next": "A different format does not by itself invalidate certification.",
      "source": "studentattendance",
      "section": "B",
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; full eligibility not determined"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300205350",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; full eligibility not determined"
  },
  {
    "journey": "school-attendance-certification",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "multiple-schools",
      "title": "You attend more than one school",
      "when": "Attendance is simultaneous.",
      "you": "Identify each school.",
      "ssa": "Verify attendance at every school under the applicable rules.",
      "route": "FO / school officials",
      "next": "Do not assume one school’s certification covers all attendance.",
      "source": "studentattendance",
      "section": "C note; D.3",
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; full eligibility not determined"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300205350",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; full eligibility not determined"
  },
  {
    "journey": "home-school-student-benefits",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "home-school-student-benefits-1",
      "title": "Certify home instruction",
      "you": "Have the home instructor certify and supply required state-law evidence.",
      "ssa": "Evaluate Federal FTA and state recognition/compliance.",
      "owner": "Home instructor / FO",
      "route": "School-status development",
      "next": "Home schooling differs from a homebound program.",
      "source": "homeschool",
      "section": "A–C; F.1",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300205275",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "home-school-student-benefits",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "home-school-student-benefits-2",
      "title": "Resolve the state-law question",
      "you": "Provide the requested documentation.",
      "ssa": "Use the state precedent opinion; obtain an opinion if absent and document compliance.",
      "owner": "FO / legal-opinion route",
      "route": "State-law evaluation",
      "next": "Hours alone do not establish every requirement.",
      "source": "homeschool",
      "section": "F.2–4",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300205275",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "home-school-student-benefits",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "home-school-student-benefits-3",
      "title": "Receive the school decision",
      "you": "Read the determination notice.",
      "ssa": "Explain that payment awaits the home-school determination; send its outcome notice.",
      "owner": "FO or PC making decision",
      "route": "School decision / benefit action",
      "next": "Other entitlement requirements still apply.",
      "source": "homeschool",
      "section": "D–F",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300205275",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "home-school-student-benefits",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "turns18-before-school-decision",
      "title": "The student turns 18 before the school decision",
      "when": "The home-school determination is unfinished.",
      "you": "Read both notices and provide outstanding evidence.",
      "ssa": "Terminate under the age-18 procedure; explain that a separate home-school decision notice follows.",
      "route": "FO / PC notices",
      "next": "The first notice does not itself contain the school determination.",
      "source": "homeschool",
      "section": "D",
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; full eligibility not determined"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300205275",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; full eligibility not determined"
  },
  {
    "journey": "home-school-student-benefits",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "state-requirement-missing",
      "title": "A required state-law condition is unmet",
      "when": "The school does not satisfy the applicable state requirements.",
      "you": "Respond to the stated missing condition.",
      "ssa": "Document the finding and deny/terminate under the school-status rule.",
      "route": "FO / PC",
      "next": "The atlas does not decide state-law compliance.",
      "source": "homeschool",
      "section": "B; F.4",
      "timing": "No decision turnaround established",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; full eligibility not determined"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300205275",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; full eligibility not determined"
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-intake",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "childhood-disability-intake-1",
      "title": "Identify the application need",
      "you": "Explain age, prior child benefits and disability history.",
      "ssa": "Take the applicable CDB application and disability reports; check exceptions for existing/prior entitlement.",
      "owner": "FO claims technician",
      "route": "MCS / disability intake",
      "next": "A disability allegation does not alone establish eligibility.",
      "source": "cdbapplication",
      "section": "Opening instructions",
      "systems": [
        "MCS"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411020010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-intake",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "childhood-disability-intake-2",
      "title": "Prepare development material",
      "you": "Provide medical sources, work history and disclosure authorization.",
      "ssa": "Complete SSA-3368/3367, obtain SSA-827 and applicable work reports.",
      "owner": "FO disability technician",
      "route": "EDCS or exclusion forms",
      "next": "DDS needs complete and accurate FO development.",
      "source": "cdbforms",
      "section": "A; B.1–4",
      "systems": [
        "EDCS"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411020025",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-intake",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "childhood-disability-intake-3",
      "title": "Send the medical question",
      "you": "Respond to further requests.",
      "ssa": "Apply the CDB jurisdiction rules and transfer appropriate disability material to DDS.",
      "owner": "FO → DDS",
      "route": "Medical determination",
      "next": "The onset-based referral rule is not an eligibility finding.",
      "source": "cdbroute",
      "section": "A; F–G",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411020060",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-intake",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "already-child-beneficiary",
      "title": "Child benefits are already on this account",
      "when": "The claimant is currently entitled as a child.",
      "you": "Tell SSA about the current entitlement.",
      "ssa": "Apply the no-new-application rule while completing disability and other required forms.",
      "route": "FO disability development",
      "next": "No new application does not mean no medical development.",
      "source": "cdbnoapplication",
      "section": "Opening instructions",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411020012",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-intake",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "student-or-other-family",
      "title": "Student or other family benefits are also involved",
      "when": "Medical CDB and other awards share the record.",
      "you": "Identify all pending benefits.",
      "ssa": "Separate disability material for DDS and other award material for the applicable route; cross-annotate locations.",
      "route": "FO → DDS and appropriate award route",
      "next": "Separate components may be working related parts.",
      "source": "cdbroute",
      "section": "F–G",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411020060",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-intake",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "moved-state",
      "title": "The claimant moves out of state",
      "when": "DDS development is underway.",
      "you": "Report the move promptly.",
      "ssa": "If FO learns first, notify DDS using UAT and follow jurisdiction/transfer rules.",
      "route": "FO → DDS jurisdiction review",
      "next": "Moving can change the responsible DDS.",
      "source": "cdbroute",
      "section": "E",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411020060",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-intake",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "technical-denial",
      "title": "Non-medical requirements are unmet",
      "when": "A specified technical denial applies.",
      "you": "Read the denial reason and appeal instructions.",
      "ssa": "FO adjudicates and releases the denial notice without a medical determination where required.",
      "route": "FO technical adjudication",
      "next": "A DDS medical review is not required for every denial.",
      "source": "cdbtechnical",
      "section": "A–B",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411020050",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-intake",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "prior-child-entitlement",
      "title": "You previously received child benefits",
      "when": "The linked prior-entitlement conditions may apply.",
      "you": "Tell SSA when benefits ended and when disability began.",
      "ssa": "Review the four-year/pre-termination disability conditions for report-only development.",
      "route": "FO application-scope review",
      "next": "A prior award does not create an unconditional no-application rule.",
      "source": "cdbforms",
      "section": "B.1",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411020025",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-intake",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "cdb-own-record-insured",
      "title": "The CDB claimant worked on their own record",
      "when": "A CDB applicant has work history.",
      "you": "Identify prior work.",
      "ssa": "Consider own-record entitlement; check possible insured status with DISCO or ICERS. Noninsured status requires a certified earnings record, not DISCO alone.",
      "route": "FO own-record insured-status review",
      "next": "Staff obtains the required record; this is not a customer-created certificate or an eligibility result.",
      "source": "cdbdevelopment",
      "section": "A.3",
      "timing": "No end-to-end processing duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected conditional staff procedure checked; full linked policy remains"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0300203085",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected conditional staff procedure checked; full linked policy remains"
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-intake",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "cdb-erroneous-age18-termination",
      "title": "Benefits ended erroneously while the CDB decision is pending",
      "when": "The B.5 pending-disability correction situation applies.",
      "you": "Identify the termination and pending claim.",
      "ssa": "FO notifies PC; BA/BTE places the child in suspense effective with the month of attaining age 18, inputs the suspension reason and any needed diary. Do not increase other beneficiaries pending the determination.",
      "route": "FO → PC BA/BTE",
      "next": "This corrects pending status, not the disability outcome. Student entitlement has separate continuation rules.",
      "source": "cdbdevelopment",
      "section": "B.5",
      "timing": "No end-to-end processing duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected conditional staff procedure checked; full linked policy remains"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0300203085",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected conditional staff procedure checked; full linked policy remains"
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-intake",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "cdb-lsdp-medical-route",
      "title": "A disability finding is needed for a lump-sum death-payment claim",
      "when": "The specified disability-only determination is necessary for the survivor’s LSDP claim.",
      "you": "Identify the pending death-payment issue.",
      "ssa": "Forward the case to the DDS of the CDB claimant’s residence State unless excluded under the subchapter.",
      "route": "FO → residence-state DDS",
      "next": "This is medical-question routing, not a death-payment award or an eligibility finding.",
      "source": "cdbroute",
      "section": "C",
      "timing": "No end-to-end routing or determination duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected jurisdiction condition checked; linked exclusions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411020060",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected jurisdiction condition checked; linked exclusions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-intake",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "cdb-career-railroad-dcr",
      "title": "The disability determination has career-railroad jurisdiction",
      "when": "The specified career-railroad or surviving-dependent annuitant Title II claim applies.",
      "you": "Identify relevant railroad benefits.",
      "ssa": "Use GLPSC Disability Case Review jurisdiction, location V32, for the specified Title II disability determinations.",
      "route": "FO → GLPSC DCR, V32",
      "next": "Staff determines jurisdiction; the customer need not classify internal components. This is distinct from foreign-CDR V22 routing.",
      "source": "cdbroute",
      "section": "Opening note",
      "timing": "No end-to-end routing or determination duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected jurisdiction condition checked; linked exclusions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411020060",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected jurisdiction condition checked; linked exclusions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-intake",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "cdb-pending-partial-notice",
      "title": "An initial child award precedes the disability decision",
      "when": "Initial entitlement before18; CDB determination pending.",
      "you": "Keep the award notice.",
      "ssa": "FO may process a partial award; the award notice identifies CDB as pending. Existing student entitlement is not suspended under B.1.",
      "route": "FO award processing",
      "next": "Read the notice for the decided and pending issues. A partial award does not establish disability.",
      "source": "cdbdevelopment",
      "section": "B.1; B.2.a",
      "timing": "No decision duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected official subsection checked; linked eligibility and detailed systems instructions remain separately scoped"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0300203085",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected official subsection checked; linked eligibility and detailed systems instructions remain separately scoped"
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-intake",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "cdb-ddib-diary-fallback",
      "title": "Staff cannot use the DDIB process before age18",
      "when": "CDB determination pending as age18 approaches.",
      "you": "Ask SSA about the pending disability issue.",
      "ssa": "DDIB input can begin at17 to prevent age18 termination. If unavailable, PC sets a diary for the first day of the preceding month, noting pending determination and age18 attainment.",
      "route": "FO → PC diary fallback",
      "next": "The diary is an internal control, not your filing deadline or a payment promise.",
      "source": "cdbdevelopment",
      "section": "B.2.b",
      "timing": "First day of month before age18 attainment month; student exception separately applies",
      "review_status": "Selected official subsection checked; linked eligibility and detailed systems instructions remain separately scoped"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0300203085",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected official subsection checked; linked eligibility and detailed systems instructions remain separately scoped"
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-intake",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "student-entitlement-cdb-delay",
      "title": "Student entitlement may bridge disability-claim development",
      "when": "Possible student entitlement and anticipated disability-processing delay.",
      "you": "Provide requested school-attendance information.",
      "ssa": "Develop student entitlement while the disability claim proceeds. If disability is established, PSC prepares the CDB award for entitled months and changes coding and diaries.",
      "route": "Entitlement development → PSC after disability establishment",
      "next": "Payment depends on establishing student entitlement; it does not decide the disability claim.",
      "source": "cdbstudentdelay",
      "section": "A exception",
      "timing": "No processing duration specified; no automatic eligibility conclusion",
      "review_status": "Selected official subsection checked; linked eligibility and detailed systems instructions remain separately scoped"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0300203090",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected official subsection checked; linked eligibility and detailed systems instructions remain separately scoped"
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-intake",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "cdb-reapplication-pc-pending",
      "title": "A prior child beneficiary reapplies and disability is pending",
      "when": "Reapplication within four years of termination; disability alleged before termination.",
      "you": "Give SSA the prior termination date and alleged disability onset.",
      "ssa": "FO informs PC that the disability determination is pending, using MDW or fax to the PC paperless queue.",
      "route": "FO → PC pending-issue notification",
      "next": "Ask SSA which issue remains. This staff notification is separate from a customer decision notice.",
      "source": "cdbdevelopment",
      "section": "B.3",
      "timing": "Four years identifies this procedure; no processing duration specified",
      "review_status": "Official subsection checked; entitlement and application-scope rules remain separate"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0300203085",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Official subsection checked; entitlement and application-scope rules remain separate"
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-intake",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "cdb-within4years-report-reopening",
      "title": "A former child beneficiary reapplies within four years",
      "when": "Prior entitlement continued through the month before age 18, or 19 for a student, and disability before termination is alleged.",
      "you": "Explain when disability began and provide the requested adult disability report and evidence.",
      "ssa": "Apply the within-four-year rule: complete SSA-3368-BK without a new application form and evaluate the report as new and material evidence for possible reopening if the alleged disability is established. If development shows onset after termination, the report serves as a protective filing.",
      "route": "Field office → prior entitlement/onset and reopening review → disability development or protective filing",
      "next": "The report does not by itself prove disability or guarantee reopening.",
      "source": "cdbapplicationreport",
      "section": "B.3.b",
      "timing": "The cited report-only rule concerns reapplication within four years of termination; staff must check applicable reopening rules and dates.",
      "review_status": "Selected former-child-beneficiary exception checked; general reopening notice-date calculation separately scoped"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0300203080",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected former-child-beneficiary exception checked; general reopening notice-date calculation separately scoped"
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-intake",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "cdb-new-application-required",
      "title": "A CDB claim requires a new child-benefit application",
      "when": "An initial disability-based child claim is filed at age 17½ or older; or a former child beneficiary whose benefits ended at age 18 or later alleges disability beginning after termination; or reapplies more than four years after termination alleging onset before termination.",
      "you": "Give SSA your actual disability-onset history and prior child-benefit dates. Complete the application and adult disability report requested by SSA.",
      "ssa": "The field office takes Form SSA-4-BK or its electronic equivalent for the B.2.b situations and completes Form SSA-3368-BK for CDB development. Distinguish the B.3.b report-only exception for a qualifying former beneficiary reapplying within four years; an application requirement does not establish medical or other eligibility.",
      "route": "Field office child-benefit application and CDB development",
      "next": "SSA develops the claim. A new application is a filing step; it does not promise an award or reopening of the earlier termination.",
      "source": "cdbapplicationreport",
      "section": "B.2.a–b; B.3.a–b",
      "timing": "Initial disability-based application condition begins at age 17½. The subsequent-claim rule includes more than four years after termination with alleged earlier onset. These are filing conditions, not processing deadlines.",
      "review_status": "Selected staff application conditions independently checked against current official subsection; linked development exceptions remain."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0300203080",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected staff application conditions independently checked against current official subsection; linked development exceptions remain."
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-intake",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "cdb-early-inquiry-family-exception",
      "title": "An inquiry arrives before the child is 17½",
      "when": "The child already receives child benefits and the inquiry concerns disability before age 17½.",
      "you": "Tell SSA whether the disability question also affects a mother, father or young spouse receiving benefits because a child is in their care.",
      "ssa": "The field office ordinarily tells the inquirer or payee to contact it at age 17½. RS 00203.080 B.1 expressly excepts cases where the child’s disability is material to a young spouse, mother or father beneficiary’s entitlement. Staff must distinguish that family-benefit question from the ordinary later CDB inquiry. RS 00203.085 A.5 directs staff to the specific child-in-care disability development instructions when a determination is needed for a child age 15 or older.",
      "route": "Field office inquiry screening; child-in-care disability development when applicable",
      "next": "Follow the field office’s contact instructions and explain the affected family benefit. The exception is a reason for staff review, not an automatic award or a statement that no further action is needed.",
      "source": "cdbapplicationreport",
      "section": "B.1",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "cdbdevelopment",
          "section": "A.5"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "Age 17½ is the ordinary recontact point in this already-entitled-child inquiry rule. The material family-benefit exception must be considered; no completion time is specified.",
      "review_status": "Selected inquiry rule and cross-reference independently checked; child-in-care eligibility and development require separate review."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0300203080",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected inquiry rule and cross-reference independently checked; child-in-care eligibility and development require separate review."
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-intake",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "child-same-month-resumption-adverse-adjustment",
      "title": "Review same-month child-benefit resumption and effects on other beneficiaries",
      "when": "A child’s reinstated entitlement begins with the same month the prior entitlement ended.",
      "you": "Identify the prior termination and proposed reinstatement months and other beneficiaries on the record.",
      "ssa": "The field office treats this same-month reinstatement as resumption of former benefits rather than a subsequent claim requiring a new award. Staff assess the effects on other entitled beneficiaries and treat the reinstatement as an adverse adjustment where applicable. This classification does not establish that every child reapplication needs no new application.",
      "route": "Field office child-entitlement resumption and adverse-adjustment review; applicable payment and notice procedures remain separate.",
      "next": "Ask which period is being resumed and whether another beneficiary’s payment is affected; no automatic reinstatement or amount is inferred.",
      "source": "subsequenttitleiiclaims",
      "section": "C.4.c",
      "timing": "The same-month condition selects this route; no processing duration or individual payment date is specified.",
      "review_status": "Live resumption/adverse-effect classification checked; precise adverse-notice and application exceptions remain under linked child-benefit rules."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0201010100",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live resumption/adverse-effect classification checked; precise adverse-notice and application exceptions remain under linked child-benefit rules."
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-intake",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "cdb-reopening-development-after-four-years",
      "title": "Review evidence development that finishes after four years",
      "when": "SSA received new evidence within the applicable reopening period, but supporting development finishes later.",
      "you": "Provide the earlier notice, evidence submission dates and supporting records.",
      "ssa": "The adjudicator checks whether the evidence relates to the original decision and could change it. Favorable reopening can remain possible when new evidence arrived within four years even if material evidence is developed afterward. Unfavorable reopening requires timely written affirmative action by the appropriate SSA person; linked authority and diligent-pursuit rules still require review.",
      "route": "SSA adjudicator handling the prior Title II determination; this evidence rule does not independently assign the case to a different component.",
      "next": "Ask SSA to review when evidence was received and how it affects the earlier decision. Reopening and entitlement are not automatic.",
      "source": "newmaterialreopening",
      "section": "A–C",
      "timing": "The four-year measure runs from notice of the initial determination, not completion of development; no completion deadline is supplied.",
      "review_status": "Live subsections checked. Existing CDB intake application/report distinctions remain separate; detailed adverse-action notices and linked diligent-pursuit rules remain pending."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0204010030",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live subsections checked. Existing CDB intake application/report distinctions remain separate; detailed adverse-action notices and linked diligent-pursuit rules remain pending."
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-intake",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "cdb-prior-denial-age22-reentitlement-review",
      "title": "Check the actual CDB denial dates behind the code",
      "when": "DDS evaluates a later childhood-disability claim involving an earlier G1 or G2 vocational denial.",
      "you": "Identify the earlier decision and relevant claim or reentitlement dates; SSA must assess its own prior records.",
      "ssa": "A G1 code alone does not show whether the earlier denial occurred after age 22. DDS checks that date. If the claim was not denied after age 22, DDS processes the later filing as a standard CDB claim. For a G1 reentitlement denial, if the reentitlement period was last met on or after the prior decision date, DDS uses the standard reentitlement route. G2 indicates a denial after that period ended and raises a potential res judicata issue requiring review.",
      "route": "DDS prior-claim date review → standard CDB or reentitlement processing, or applicable res judicata screening.",
      "next": "Ask which dates support the selected route. The code alone does not decide the new claim or eligibility.",
      "source": "disabilitypreclusionpolicychanges",
      "section": "B.1 CDB paragraphs",
      "timing": "Age and period endpoints classify the claim; no determination duration is given.",
      "review_status": "Official CDB distinctions checked; general benefit eligibility, onset and reopening conditions remain separate."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0427516010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official CDB distinctions checked; general benefit eligibility, onset and reopening conditions remain separate."
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-after-dds",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "childhood-disability-after-dds-1",
      "title": "Return the decision for action",
      "you": "Ask which component has the result.",
      "ssa": "After DDS returns the case, choose the allowance/denial processing route.",
      "owner": "FO claims technician",
      "route": "Post-DDS claim action",
      "next": "A medical decision is part of adjudication.",
      "source": "cdbafterdds",
      "section": "Introduction; A–B",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411020135",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-after-dds",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "childhood-disability-after-dds-2",
      "title": "Complete a supported age-18 conversion",
      "you": "Respond to outstanding requirements.",
      "ssa": "Post the disability determination to MBR and use POS for the specified conversion cases.",
      "owner": "FO claims technician",
      "route": "CDB conversion",
      "next": "Other allowance types require PC action.",
      "source": "cdbafterdds",
      "section": "A.2",
      "systems": [
        "MBR",
        "POS"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411020135",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-after-dds",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "childhood-disability-after-dds-3",
      "title": "Distinguish adjudication from payment",
      "you": "Read the determination and payment information.",
      "ssa": "An authorized adjudicator completes the determination; effectuation updates the relevant master record.",
      "owner": "FO / PC authorized adjudicator",
      "route": "Adjudication → effectuation",
      "next": "The medical allowance is not by itself proof that payment was effectuated.",
      "source": "adjudication",
      "section": "B.1–2; B.10",
      "systems": [
        "MBR"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0201010001",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-after-dds",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "manual-pc",
      "title": "The allowance needs manual PC action",
      "when": "Examples include SSI receipt, conversion from student benefits or specified re-entitlement cases.",
      "you": "Ask whether PC received the action.",
      "ssa": "Send the claim to PC for manual processing under the listed conditions.",
      "route": "FO → PC",
      "next": "A favorable medical result can still await manual effectuation.",
      "source": "cdbafterdds",
      "section": "A.2",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411020135",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-after-dds",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "medical-denial",
      "title": "Disability was not established",
      "when": "The claimant was already on the rolls.",
      "you": "Review the written decision and appeal instructions.",
      "ssa": "Make the appropriate systems input to establish/update MBR; use MACADE if MCS/POS input is unavailable.",
      "route": "FO denial processing",
      "next": "The record must reflect the denial; the customer can challenge the determination through the applicable appeal.",
      "source": "cdbafterdds",
      "section": "B.2",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411020135",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-after-dds",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "cdb-denial-pc-related-notices",
      "title": "A CDB denial also affects other beneficiaries",
      "when": "PC receives a disability denial; current entitlement status matters.",
      "you": "Read each affected beneficiary notice.",
      "ssa": "PC terminates benefits if needed unless student entitlement applies, adjusts affected benefits, and sends adjustment notices to auxiliaries plus a termination notice to the CDB beneficiary if in suspense.",
      "route": "PC benefit adjustment and notices",
      "next": "Different affected beneficiaries may receive different notices.",
      "source": "cdbdevelopment",
      "section": "E.1",
      "timing": "No notice-delivery duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected conditional notice procedure checked; individual entitlement not determined"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0300203085",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected conditional notice procedure checked; individual entitlement not determined"
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-after-dds",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "cdb-payee-capability-custody",
      "title": "The child’s disability conversion needs a payment-capability review",
      "when": "SSA reviews the payment arrangement for a Title II childhood-disability conversion.",
      "you": "Explain custody and financial-management needs and provide requested information.",
      "ssa": "The field office reviews capability evidence. If medical evidence is missing, contact the payee and interview the beneficiary if needed. For a continuing payee, verify custody and send advance notice without a new SSA-11; for a changed payee, complete SSA-11 and advance notice. The claims authorizer or designated technician checks conversion output, payee details and MBR coding against the field-office determination.",
      "route": "Processing center diary/output → field-office evidence review → payee notice and correct MBR payment coding",
      "next": "A disability determination does not itself determine capability or automatically continue the parent as payee.",
      "source": "childdisabilitypayee",
      "section": "C.1-2",
      "timing": "No capability-review completion period specified.",
      "review_status": "Selected TitleII conversion handoff checked; SSI disability redetermination is separate"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200502075",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected TitleII conversion handoff checked; SSI disability redetermination is separate"
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-after-dds",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "cdb-age18-automatic-conversion-notice",
      "title": "The disability record supports automatic continuation at 18",
      "when": "A child’s disability determination supports the specified continuation case, including a determination made for a mother, father or young spouse’s entitlement, and disability is recorded in the MBR BENE ENT line.",
      "you": "Keep SSA’s determination and payment notices. Ask SSA to check the recorded disability determination if continuation is unclear.",
      "ssa": "The processing center makes the appropriate record inputs to enable conversion. RS 00203.085 E.2.b provides for automatic continuation at age 18 when disability is indicated on the BENE ENT line. It says no special notice is required solely upon attaining age 18, while also directing staff to send the appropriate notice under NL 00703.000. This does not waive other determination or payment notices.",
      "route": "Processing center disability-record input and supported age-18 continuation",
      "next": "The recorded determination can support continuation without a separate special age-18 notice. Unresolved eligibility, payee or manual-payment actions still require their own review.",
      "source": "cdbdevelopment",
      "section": "E.2.a–b",
      "timing": "Age 18 is the conversion event in this conditional instruction; no processing or notice-delivery duration is specified.",
      "review_status": "Selected record/notice distinction independently checked; detailed SM inputs and notice text not independently reviewed."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0300203085",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected record/notice distinction independently checked; detailed SM inputs and notice text not independently reviewed."
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-after-dds",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "cdb-manual-initial-award-all-requirements",
      "title": "An initial CDB award cannot be processed automatically",
      "when": "All entitlement requirements are satisfied, the child was not previously entitled, and automated processing is unavailable.",
      "you": "Respond to any outstanding SSA requests and ask which component owns the remaining award action.",
      "ssa": "Under RS 00203.085 F.2, the processing center prepares and reviews the EF-101 under existing procedures if necessary for this initial-award situation. The same subsection distinguishes a previously entitled child, whose benefits are converted to CDB. It provides for direct payment to a capable beneficiary and separate capability development if medical or other evidence raises that issue.",
      "route": "Processing center manual initial-award preparation/review or prior-entitlement conversion",
      "next": "A favorable disability finding alone does not establish that every entitlement requirement is met or that payment has been effectuated. Capability and payment arrangement remain separate questions.",
      "source": "cdbdevelopment",
      "section": "F.2",
      "timing": "No manual-award completion duration or payment date is specified.",
      "review_status": "Selected all-requirements and manual-processing gates independently checked; detailed EF-101 preparation and entitlement requirements remain outside this branch."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0300203085",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected all-requirements and manual-processing gates independently checked; detailed EF-101 preparation and entitlement requirements remain outside this branch."
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-after-dds",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "cdb-concurrent-partial-notices",
      "title": "Concurrent claims have a closed period or an unfavorable onset date",
      "when": "Initial concurrent Title II/Title XVI, DIB/DWB or DIB/CDB claims receive the specified closed-period or unfavorable-onset allowances, subject to applicable explanation exceptions.",
      "you": "Keep each claim’s notice and check which benefit and dates it addresses. Ask SSA about missing or inconsistent claim information.",
      "ssa": "DDS prepares a separate interim notice and personalized disability explanation for each claim. It may copy an explanation onto the separate notices only when the decision basis and explanation contents are the same; each copy must carry the correct SSN. Check DI 26530.005 exceptions, including D.3 when later CDB/DWB onset still permits the earliest payment or disabled-Medicare entitlement based on application retroactivity, the worker’s death or first entitlement month.",
      "route": "DDS separate claim notices and explanation review",
      "next": "Matching explanations do not combine the claims or eliminate separate notices. An exception to an explanation requirement does not waive all notice requirements.",
      "source": "disabilitypartialnotice",
      "section": "A.1–2",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "disabilityexplanationcases",
          "section": "D.3"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "No notice-delivery duration is specified; retroactivity and entitlement dates are claim conditions, not service deadlines.",
      "review_status": "Selected concurrent notice/copy conditions and CDB/DWB exception independently checked; full exception list and actual notice templates remain."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0426530015",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected concurrent notice/copy conditions and CDB/DWB exception independently checked; full exception list and actual notice templates remain."
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-after-dds",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "cdb-ssi-loss-medicaid-referral",
      "title": "A CDB award or increase ends SSI and raises a Medicaid question",
      "when": "SSI eligibility is lost due to childhood disability benefit entitlement or an increase, and the person may meet the special former-SSI continuation conditions.",
      "you": "Keep the SSI planned-action notice and ask the State Medicaid agency about the former-SSI CDB coverage provision. Supply requested eligibility information.",
      "ssa": "SI 01715.015 B.4 describes continued treatment as an SSI recipient for Medicaid when the person would otherwise remain SSI eligible but for the qualifying Title II entitlement or increase on or after July 1, 1987. SSA informs section 1634 States through the State data exchange. Automated planned-action notices include referral paragraphs 1140/1141 when excess-income SSI loss occurs in a Title II entitlement month, the person is at least 18, and the SSI record shows continuing Title II income with Beneficiary Identification Code C.",
      "route": "SSA SSI record/planned-action referral → State Medicaid agency continuation review",
      "next": "Loss of SSI does not by itself resolve Medicaid coverage. Current citizenship/immigration and State coverage rules still need review; the State owns Medicaid ineligibility determinations and notices.",
      "source": "formerSSImedicaid",
      "section": "A; B.4",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "ssimedicaidrouting",
          "section": "A.3"
        },
        {
          "source": "ssimedicaidgeneral",
          "section": "C.2"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "July 1, 1987 is a policy condition, not a processing deadline. No Medicaid-review or notice-delivery duration is specified.",
      "review_status": "Selected CDB continuation/referral conditions checked with September2026 status qualifications; no individual coverage decision or State contact verification."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0501715015",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected CDB continuation/referral conditions checked with September2026 status qualifications; no individual coverage decision or State contact verification."
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-after-dds",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "child-ssi-dedicated-account-exact-threshold",
      "title": "Past-due child SSI is exactly at the dedicated-account threshold",
      "when": "SSA evaluates past-due SSI for a child under 18 with a representative payee.",
      "you": "Keep the payment calculation and account notice; ask SSA which payment arrangement applies.",
      "ssa": "After interim-assistance reimbursement and direct representative fees, compare the remaining amount with multiples of the federal benefit rate plus federally administered optional State supplement. From three through exactly six times that combined rate, installments apply but a dedicated account is not required; collectible-debt offset may apply. Above six times, establish the dedicated-account route, subject to applicable exceptions.",
      "route": "SSA field office: child SSI past-due payment review",
      "next": "Follow the applicable account notice. The newer dedicated-account subsection uses a strict greater-than-six threshold; older SI 02101.002A5 wording differs, so do not infer the requirement from that shortcut alone.",
      "source": "ssidedicatedaccount",
      "section": "A; B.1; B.6",
      "timing": "No threshold-review completion time specified. Installment exceptions and payment restrictions need separate review.",
      "review_status": "Official threshold table and revision checked; discrepancy recorded; detailed offsets remain open"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502101010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official threshold table and revision checked; discrepancy recorded; detailed offsets remain open"
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-after-dds",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "child-ssi-dedicated-account-setup-evidence",
      "title": "Provide dedicated-account details and the SSA-552 statement",
      "when": "SSA requires a dedicated account for the child’s past-due SSI.",
      "you": "Provide the institution name/address, routing and account numbers, account title/type and opening deposit amount. Sign and date SSA-552. An individual payee may submit it through the my Social Security payee portal’s Upload Documents option; a technician can also initiate an electronic request.",
      "ssa": "The field office obtains the statement, records the financial details and directs a one-time payment to the dedicated account. Using the recurring-payment account causes a rejection; recurring-payment instructions remain unchanged.",
      "route": "SSA field office: dedicated-account establishment",
      "next": "Use a separate account and follow SSA’s account notice. Ask the field office for help with setup problems.",
      "source": "ssidedicatedaccount",
      "section": "C.2-C.3; C.5",
      "timing": "If no account is established 30 days after the original notice, staff review the need for a successor payee. This is not automatic replacement or a payment-completion guarantee.",
      "review_status": "Selected official procedure checked; successor-payee decision procedure remains a cross-reference review"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502101010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected official procedure checked; successor-payee decision procedure remains a cross-reference review"
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-after-dds",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "child-turns18-before-pastdue-notice",
      "title": "Turn 18 before SSA issues the past-due eligibility notice",
      "when": "The eighteenth birthday occurs before issuance of the notice determining eligibility for past-due SSI.",
      "you": "Keep the eligibility notice and check its date against the eighteenth birthday. Ask SSA which payment arrangement applies.",
      "ssa": "The field office checks age at notice issuance. Dedicated-account requirements do not apply in this situation; normal underpayment rules govern and installments may still apply. A continuing need for a representative payee is a separate question: the source example retains a payee while using installments without a dedicated account.",
      "route": "SSA field office: SSI past-due payment determination",
      "next": "Follow the payment or award notice. Do not treat the original application date or disability onset as the age cutoff for this dedicated-account exception.",
      "source": "ssidedicatedaccount",
      "section": "B.1 age-18 row; D.2",
      "timing": "The relevant boundary is age 18 before issuance of the eligibility notice; no processing turnaround is specified.",
      "review_status": "Selected exception and example checked against current official subsection"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502101010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected exception and example checked against current official subsection"
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-after-dds",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "child-ssi-death-account-versus-unpaid-benefits",
      "title": "A child dies before or after a dedicated account is established",
      "when": "Death occurs while past-due child SSI or an established dedicated account is involved.",
      "you": "Tell SSA about the death and provide requested death, relationship and account-establishment evidence.",
      "ssa": "The field office distinguishes the established account from unpaid SSI. SI 02101.010B1 states that SSA has no authority over an established dedicated account after death and that account is part of the estate. Unpaid SSI requires separate deceased-underpayment review under SI 02101.003: check permitted parties, evidence and completed eligibility development; unpaid SSI is not payable to an estate.",
      "route": "SSA field office: deceased SSI underpayment review; existing account estate administration is separate",
      "next": "Ask which funds were already in the account and which remain unpaid. An account’s estate status does not make unpaid SSI payable to the estate. SSA sends an explanatory denial notice for an inquiry about nonpayment under SI 02101.003B4.",
      "source": "ssidedicatedaccount",
      "section": "B.1 death rows",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "ssideceasedunderpayment",
          "section": "A.1-A.5; B.3-B.4"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "Establishment before versus after death distinguishes the account rule. No account or survivor-review completion time specified.",
      "review_status": "Both official subsections checked; .010 death-before-account link to living .002 recorded as unresolved cross-reference error; no automatic survivor entitlement"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502101010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Both official subsections checked; .010 death-before-account link to living .002 recorded as unresolved cross-reference error; no automatic survivor entitlement"
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-after-dds",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "child-ssi-dedicated-account-medical-cessation",
      "title": "Medical cessation or a closed disability period changes account requirements",
      "when": "A child’s past-due SSI case involves a closed period or medical cessation.",
      "you": "Keep the cessation and benefit-continuation decisions. Ask SSA whether continuation was approved and which account rules apply.",
      "ssa": "The field office distinguishes closed-period cases in payment status N07 from medical cessation cases. Closed-period cases do not require a dedicated account even if appealed. For medical cessation, dedicated-account rules stop at termination unless SSA approves benefit continuation; an appeal alone does not keep the rules in force. For an existing dedicated account in a cessation case, the rules cease unless continuation applies.",
      "route": "SSA field office: SSI cessation and past-due payment review",
      "next": "Follow the applicable decision notice and separately review appeal or benefit-continuation instructions. This account subsection does not supply an election deadline or decide the appeal.",
      "source": "ssidedicatedaccount",
      "section": "B.9",
      "timing": "Termination and approved continuation determine the cessation rule; no processing duration specified.",
      "review_status": "Selected official account rule checked; general cessation/continuation procedures remain separately scoped"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502101010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected official account rule checked; general cessation/continuation procedures remain separately scoped"
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-after-dds",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "child-ssi-dedicated-installment-nonpay",
      "title": "A scheduled dedicated-account installment falls during nonpay status",
      "when": "The case enters nonpay or suspense status during the dedicated-account installment process.",
      "you": "Keep the installment notice and tell SSA about a missed scheduled payment or changes in residence.",
      "ssa": "The field office checks whether the individual resides in a correctional institution. Otherwise, it must issue the scheduled installment to the payee by automated one-time payment and prepare a manual notice. Nonpay status alone does not cancel the scheduled installment under this subsection. The correctional-institution restriction requires separate prisoner-policy review.",
      "route": "SSA field office: scheduled dedicated-account installment and manual notice",
      "next": "Ask the field office to review the scheduled installment and provide the manual notice. If correctional confinement is involved, request review under the applicable payment restriction rather than assuming this exception authorizes payment.",
      "source": "ssidedicatedaccount",
      "section": "B.10",
      "timing": "The scheduled installment is the relevant payment; no additional processing turnaround specified.",
      "review_status": "B10 independently checked; SI00529.001 retrieval failed, detailed correctional-institution release rules deferred"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502101010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "B10 independently checked; SI00529.001 retrieval failed, detailed correctional-institution release rules deferred"
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-after-dds",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "child-ssi-optional-subsequent-dedicated-deposit",
      "title": "Choose whether to deposit a smaller later underpayment into the dedicated account",
      "when": "A dedicated account already exists and a subsequent past-due SSI amount is six times the combined federal benefit rate and federally administered State supplement or less.",
      "you": "Read the payment notice and ask the field office about the deposit choice before deciding.",
      "ssa": "Under B2, the smaller subsequent payment need not enter the dedicated account. If the payee elects deposit, limited permitted uses still apply. Amounts from three through six times the combined rate remain subject to installment provisions. Under C4, the system notice explains optional deposit where allowed; when installments have begun, a new underpayment is added to the next installment and the notice tells the payee to contact the field office if direct payment is wanted.",
      "route": "SSA field office: subsequent SSI underpayment and installment review",
      "next": "Contact the field office as instructed by the notice if you want direct payment. Voluntary deposit into the dedicated account retains that account’s spending restrictions.",
      "source": "ssidedicatedaccount",
      "section": "B.2; C.4",
      "timing": "C4 assigns a new underpayment to the next installment when installments have begun; no separate turnaround or election deadline specified.",
      "review_status": "Selected official optional-deposit rule checked; permitted-expense details and full installment exceptions remain separate"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502101010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected official optional-deposit rule checked; permitted-expense details and full installment exceptions remain separate"
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-after-dds",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "child-ssi-installment-exception-dedicated-account",
      "title": "An installment exception still requires payment into the dedicated account",
      "when": "SSA reviews whether an otherwise required dedicated-account payment qualifies for an installment exception.",
      "you": "Tell SSA about relevant medical or eligibility changes and provide requested information for review.",
      "ssa": "The field office checks whether a medical condition is expected to result in death within 12 months, or the person is ineligible at payment and likely to remain ineligible for the next 12 months. If either exception applies, deposit the entire payable amount into the dedicated account by automated one-time payment. Removing installment division does not remove the dedicated-account restriction.",
      "route": "SSA field office: installment exception and dedicated-account payment review",
      "next": "Ask SSA to review the exception and explain the payment arrangement. SSA must determine the applicable facts; this path does not decide prognosis or eligibility for an individual.",
      "source": "ssidedicatedaccount",
      "section": "B.6 exception paragraphs",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "ssiinstallmentpayments",
          "section": "B.2"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "Twelve months describes the condition or expected ineligibility period, not processing time. SI02101.020B2 also allows review during the installment process.",
      "review_status": "Both official exception provisions and currency checked; general installment amounts/offsets remain separately scoped"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502101010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Both official exception provisions and currency checked; general installment amounts/offsets remain separately scoped"
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-after-dds",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "child-ssi-currentmonth-separate-payment",
      "title": "Separate current-month benefits from the past-due account calculation",
      "when": "Current or subsequent calendar-month benefits are included in the amount subject to installments or dedicated-account review.",
      "you": "Keep the award/payment breakdown and ask SSA which calendar months are included in the past-due amount.",
      "ssa": "After required prepayment review and applicable interim-assistance, fee and collectible-overpayment adjustments, the field office issues included current/subsequent monthly benefits to the payee by automated one-time payment. It reassesses whether the remaining amount still meets account or installment thresholds. The computation month differs from the calendar month: an August effectuation with September computation needs a separate August payment; after cutoff with October computation, both August and September need separate payments.",
      "route": "SSA field office: current-month payment and remaining underpayment review",
      "next": "Ask the field office about any included monthly payment that remains unpaid. Separation may change the account or installment requirement; it does not guarantee that those requirements disappear.",
      "source": "ssidedicatedaccount",
      "section": "B.7 and examples 1-2",
      "timing": "The calendar/computation-month distinction controls which payments are separated; the subsection specifies no additional processing deadline.",
      "review_status": "Official month examples and prerequisites checked; exact transaction manuals and prepayment review remain cross-reference scope"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502101010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official month examples and prerequisites checked; exact transaction manuals and prepayment review remain cross-reference scope"
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-after-dds",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "child-ssi-optional-extra-payment-separate-notice",
      "title": "Request an optional additional underpayment separately from the next installment",
      "when": "A prior-period correction creates an additional underpayment qualifying for optional dedicated-account deposit while installments are underway.",
      "you": "Contact the field office if you want the qualifying additional amount paid before the next installment or outside the dedicated account.",
      "ssa": "The field office checks optional-deposit qualification. If requested before the next installment and not wanted in the dedicated account, issue a one-time payment for the additional amount. If requested at the next installment, issue the optional amount separately and send the installment directly to the dedicated account. The installment has an automated notice; the optional payment requires a manual notice.",
      "route": "SSA field office: optional additional underpayment payment and notice",
      "next": "Ask for the manual notice explaining the optional amount and check that it is distinguished from the dedicated-account installment. This path does not authorize withdrawal of money already restricted in the dedicated account.",
      "source": "ssiinstallmentpayments",
      "section": "C.7; D.11.b",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "ssidedicatedaccount",
          "section": "B.2; C.4"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "A qualifying request may be made before or at the next installment; no processing duration specified.",
      "review_status": "Official payment-destination and notice distinction checked; .020D11b old .010A2 cross-reference now corresponds to B2"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502101020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official payment-destination and notice distinction checked; .020D11b old .010A2 cross-reference now corresponds to B2"
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-after-dds",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "child-ssi-increased-dedicated-installment",
      "title": "Request a larger dedicated-account installment for permitted debts",
      "when": "A payee needs more than the normal first or second dedicated-account installment for a permitted debt.",
      "you": "Explain the debt, amount and its connection to medical treatment, education, job training or the child’s impairment. Keep records and receipts.",
      "ssa": "The technician documents the additional-amount request on a Report of Contact. SI02101.010B6 limits dedicated-account increases to medical treatment, education/job training, or impairment-related personal assistance, special equipment, housing modification, therapy or rehabilitation. Check the dedicated-account purpose rather than automatically applying broader general installment expense examples.",
      "route": "SSA field office: dedicated-account installment increase review",
      "next": "Ask the field office to review the request. If it also determines whether spending is permitted, GN00602.140C1/H requires a manual determination notice with appeal rights. No individual purchase is approved by this guide.",
      "source": "ssidedicatedaccount",
      "section": "B.6 first/second installment increase",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "dedicatedexpenditures",
          "section": "B.1; C.1; H"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "No request-processing duration specified; ordinary installment spacing is not a deadline for deciding an increase request.",
      "review_status": "Selected increase purpose and documentation checked; emergency expenditure and other permitted-item decisions require separate review"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502101010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected increase purpose and documentation checked; emergency expenditure and other permitted-item decisions require separate review"
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-after-dds",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "dedicated-account-optional-purchase-determination",
      "title": "Ask SSA whether a planned dedicated-account purchase is permitted",
      "when": "A payee wants SSA to review a planned use of dedicated-account funds.",
      "you": "Explain the purchase and how it relates to, results from or would improve the child’s condition. Keep deposit and expense records and receipts.",
      "ssa": "Prior SSA approval is not mandatory before a purchase under C1, but the payee may request a decision. Field-office staff consider the individual circumstances, let the payee explain the impairment connection, document the determination and remind the payee about records and annual accounting. Issue a manual approval or denial notice with appeal rights.",
      "route": "SSA field office: dedicated-account expenditure determination",
      "next": "Read the written determination and appeal instructions if you disagree. Optional preapproval does not remove spending restrictions, and this guide does not approve a particular purchase.",
      "source": "dedicatedexpenditures",
      "section": "B.4; C.1; H",
      "timing": "No decision turnaround or appeal deadline specified in these subsections; use the applicable notice instructions.",
      "review_status": "Official optional-review, staff documentation and manual notice requirements checked; appeal processing cross-reference remains pending"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200602140",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official optional-review, staff documentation and manual notice requirements checked; appeal processing cross-reference remains pending"
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-after-dds",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "dedicated-account-emergency-basic-living",
      "title": "Request emergency use of dedicated funds to prevent homelessness or malnutrition",
      "when": "Unavailability of dedicated-account funds for basic living expenses may leave the child homeless or malnourished.",
      "you": "Explain the emergency and the expense to the field office, including how unavailable funds could lead to homelessness or malnutrition. Keep supporting records and receipts.",
      "ssa": "Basic maintenance unrelated to impairment is normally prohibited. SSA determines whether the specified emergency exists and whether using dedicated funds to prevent homelessness or malnutrition is otherwise appropriate. The field office documents the expenditure determination and issues a manual approval or denial notice with appeal rights.",
      "route": "SSA field office: emergency dedicated-account expenditure review",
      "next": "Ask for SSA’s determination and written notice. Financial hardship alone does not establish that the exception applies; this guide does not authorize a particular expense.",
      "source": "dedicatedexpenditures",
      "section": "B.1 emergency exception; C.1; H",
      "timing": "No emergency-review processing guarantee specified in the cited subsections.",
      "review_status": "Official emergency condition and otherwise-appropriate qualification checked; individual emergency facts require SSA determination"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200602140",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official emergency condition and otherwise-appropriate qualification checked; individual emergency facts require SSA determination"
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-after-dds",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "existing-dedicated-funds-age18-payeechange",
      "title": "Existing dedicated funds remain restricted after age 18 or a payee change",
      "when": "Dedicated funds remain when an eligible recipient turns 18, enters direct payment or gets a new payee.",
      "you": "Ask the field office how to handle the existing dedicated balance and keep account records.",
      "ssa": "GN00602.140B5 keeps dedicated-account rules in force until the funds are depleted or SSI eligibility terminates. Turning 18 while remaining eligible, direct payment or appointing a new payee does not end those restrictions. A former payee returns conserved dedicated funds to SSA for reissue; the new payee or direct-payment recipient must establish a new dedicated account before SSA reissues them.",
      "route": "SSA field office: conserved dedicated funds and successor/direct-payment account review",
      "next": "Coordinate the return and new-account details with SSA. This existing-account rule is distinct from turning 18 before the original past-due eligibility notice. If eligibility terminates, ask SSA to apply the separately referenced conserved-fund procedures.",
      "source": "dedicatedexpenditures",
      "section": "B.5",
      "timing": "New dedicated account must precede reissue. No return/reissue processing duration specified here.",
      "review_status": "Official continuing restriction and return/newaccount sequence checked; detailed conserved-fund transfer exceptions remain cross-reference review"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200602140",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official continuing restriction and return/newaccount sequence checked; detailed conserved-fund transfer exceptions remain cross-reference review"
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-after-dds",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "dedicated-account-missing-receipts-explanation",
      "title": "Explain dedicated-account spending when receipts are missing",
      "when": "SSA reviews an allegation about dedicated-account spending and the payee lacks receipts.",
      "you": "Provide available records and a signed statement explaining the expenditures. Explain how each expense benefited the recipient and met the permitted-use rules.",
      "ssa": "The field office obtains the signed explanation when receipts were not kept and evaluates whether spending was permitted. Lack of advance approval alone calls for the permitted-expense review; it is not an automatic finding. Distinguish misapplication, a nonpermitted expense that may still benefit the recipient, from misuse for something other than the recipient’s use and benefit. Route nonpermitted expenditure findings under GN00602.150; misuse allegations follow GN00604.020.",
      "route": "SSA field office: dedicated-account expenditure review, then applicable misapplication or misuse procedure",
      "next": "Review any determination and its appeal instructions. Missing receipts do not by themselves establish liability or approve an expense; continue keeping records and receipts.",
      "source": "dedicatedexpenditures",
      "section": "B.3-B.4; C.2-C.3",
      "timing": "No review turnaround specified; detailed liability and appeal procedures require the referenced subsections.",
      "review_status": "Official signed-statement and distinct review routes checked; no automatic individual finding; downstream procedures pending"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200602140",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official signed-statement and distinct review routes checked; no automatic individual finding; downstream procedures pending"
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-after-dds",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "dedicated-funds-later-ssi-overpayment-protection",
      "title": "A later SSI overpayment cannot be taken from required dedicated funds",
      "when": "An SSI overpayment arises after eligibility for past-due benefits that are paid or required to be paid into a dedicated account.",
      "you": "Keep the debt and installment notices. Ask the field office to review the overpayment period and the dedicated status of the funds.",
      "ssa": "While the person remains SSI eligible, dedicated-account funds cannot repay an SSI overpayment. GN00602.140D also protects payments required to enter the account against an overpayment occurring after eligibility for those past-due benefits was determined. Its example prohibits offsetting the second dedicated installment for an overpayment detected between installments. Distinguish later debt from prior-debt calculations before dedicated-account payment requirements are determined.",
      "route": "SSA field office: SSI debt-period and dedicated-fund protection review",
      "next": "Request an explanation if a dedicated installment appears reduced for later debt, and follow the debt notice’s review instructions. This protection does not erase the overpayment or grant a waiver.",
      "source": "dedicatedexpenditures",
      "section": "D",
      "timing": "The overpayment period and past-due eligibility determination matter; no correction or review turnaround specified.",
      "review_status": "Official dedicated-funds rule checked; general installment-only offset/due-process wording remains separately unresolved"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200602140",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official dedicated-funds rule checked; general installment-only offset/due-process wording remains separately unresolved"
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-after-dds",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "dedicated-knowing-misapplication-evidence",
      "title": "SSA must consider the explanation before finding knowing misapplication",
      "when": "SSA considers whether dedicated-account spending was knowingly impermissible.",
      "you": "Provide the spending records and explain why you believed the expense was permitted, including any relevant circumstances.",
      "ssa": "A signed SSA-552 or allowable-use statement can support the finding but does not automatically establish misapplication. Field-office staff consider other relevant evidence, including the expense’s nature and amount and the payee’s explanation. Prepare SSA-553 Special Determination with the facts, knowing-misapplication decision and basis; store it in the evidence repository through Evidence Portal. Notify the payee of the determination and repayment requirement if knowing misapplication is found. Investigate suspected misuse under its separate procedure.",
      "route": "SSA field office: evidence-based misapplication determination; suspected misuse follows GN00604.020",
      "next": "Read the written determination and review instructions. A signature alone does not establish your liability; this guide makes no individual finding.",
      "source": "dedicatedmisapplication",
      "section": "D.1.c-e and following notes",
      "timing": "No determination turnaround specified; repayment and reconsideration timing are separate procedures.",
      "review_status": "Official evidence/SSA553/conditional notification checked; repository transaction crossrefs and misuse investigation remain pending"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200602150",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official evidence/SSA553/conditional notification checked; repository transaction crossrefs and misuse investigation remain pending"
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-after-dds",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "dedicated-misapplication-reconsideration-recovery-stop",
      "title": "Request reconsideration of a dedicated-account misapplication determination",
      "when": "A payee disputes SSA’s finding of knowing dedicated-account misapplication.",
      "you": "Request reconsideration using SSA-561 and provide additional evidence or statements. Follow the notice promptly and ask SSA how recovery is handled while review is pending.",
      "ssa": "The field office obtains SSA-561, reconsiders under the evidence criteria in D1 and issues SSA-8457-CL. D3b directs all recovery to stop when reconsideration is filed within 60 days of the initial notice date, with recovery resuming only after the reconsideration determination. Further hearing or Appeals Council requests do not necessarily stop recovery. Send appeal documentation to the Office of Financial Policy and Operations, Office of Benefit Accounting and Systems Analysis.",
      "route": "SSA field office: reconsideration; staff copies to the specified financial-policy/accounting component",
      "next": "Read the reconsideration notice and further appeal instructions. Misapplication is not an SSI overpayment, so overpayment-waiver procedures do not apply to its repayment requirement.",
      "source": "dedicatedmisapplication",
      "section": "C; D.3.a-b",
      "timing": "The cited 60-day notice-date condition governs this subsection’s recovery stop; it is not presented as a universal appeal-filing cutoff. Receipt/good-cause details require separate review.",
      "review_status": "Official forms/recovery-stop/further-appeal distinction checked; notice-date wording versus general appeal receipt/good-cause rules recorded as unresolved"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200602150",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official forms/recovery-stop/further-appeal distinction checked; notice-date wording versus general appeal receipt/good-cause rules recorded as unresolved"
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-after-dds",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "dedicated-misapplication-monthly-repayment",
      "title": "Arrange monthly repayment when the misapplication amount cannot be paid at once",
      "when": "SSA has made a knowing-misapplication repayment determination and the payee cannot repay the full amount in one payment.",
      "you": "Contact the field office about regular monthly repayment and keep the notice and payment records. Do not use dedicated-account funds for the repayment.",
      "ssa": "Issue SSA-L8166 Dedacnt 10 with the determination, full-repayment demand within 60 days, payment-to-SSA instructions, stub and field-office return envelope; copy the notice to the Office of Financial Policy and Operations. If full payment at once is not possible, allow regular monthly payments over up to 12 months, provide stubs/envelopes and manually control the installments. Do not complete Section II of SSA-632-BK for this arrangement.",
      "route": "SSA field office: misapplication repayment arrangement; staff notice copy to financial-policy component",
      "next": "Confirm the monthly arrangement with SSA and follow the notice’s dispute instructions if you disagree. This is a misapplication repayment path rather than an overpayment-waiver decision.",
      "source": "dedicatedmisapplication",
      "section": "D.2 opening note; D.2.a; D.2.c",
      "timing": "The initial demand specifies 60 days; inability to pay at once has a separate monthly-plan provision of up to 12 months. Neither is a processing guarantee.",
      "review_status": "Official notice contents and monthly-plan controls checked; reconsideration recovery-stop path remains applicable where conditions met"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200602150",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official notice contents and monthly-plan controls checked; reconsideration recovery-stop path remains applicable where conditions met"
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-after-dds",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "dedicated-misapplication-repayment-recording",
      "title": "A misapplication repayment is recorded separately from an SSI overpayment",
      "when": "SSA receives a payment toward dedicated-account misapplication liability.",
      "you": "Keep the payment proof and repayment notice; ask the field office to reconcile any disagreement about the amount paid or remaining.",
      "ssa": "The field office follows remittance procedures, using DMS trust-fund code M and reason code S as specified in D2b. Annotate the Supplemental Security Record remarks with receipt, amount received and remaining misapplied amount; preserve the original amount. Do not create a manually computed overpayment (P TAC). Misapplication remittances are not posted to the Supplemental Security Record as overpayment repayments; returned misapplied funds go to Treasury general revenues.",
      "route": "SSA field office: misapplication remittance handling and repayment remarks",
      "next": "Ask for review of the misapplication repayment records if the balance differs from your proof. This payment is not automatically a credit to a separate SSI overpayment.",
      "source": "dedicatedmisapplication",
      "section": "B.4; C; D.2.b",
      "timing": "No remittance-posting turnaround specified; remarks documentation is not a promise of ordinary SSI debt posting.",
      "review_status": "Official coding/remarks/noPTAC/noSSRposting distinction checked; detailed remittance manual transaction remains separately scoped"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200602150",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official coding/remarks/noPTAC/noSSRposting distinction checked; detailed remittance manual transaction remains separately scoped"
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-after-dds",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "dedicated-misapplication-noresponse-followup",
      "title": "SSA follows up when a misapplication repayment letter goes unanswered",
      "when": "A payee has not responded within 60 days plus five days for mailing after the repayment letter, subject to any applicable recovery hold.",
      "you": "Contact the field office promptly about a missing notice, disagreement or repayment difficulty. Keep copies and payment proof.",
      "ssa": "First check nonreceipt versus delinquency. For delinquency, send a past-due demand with 10 days to pay; absent response, attempt phone contact. If unsuccessful or unresponsive, send certified mail explaining the demand, possible civil referral and possible suitability review; allow 30 days to respond. If requests remain unanswered, cooperation is refused or civil referral is inappropriate or declined, document efforts and send a Report of Contact to the Office of Financial Policy and Operations.",
      "route": "SSA field office: receipt check and conditional recovery follow-up; financial-policy component receives efforts report",
      "next": "Respond using the notice instructions or request review if you dispute the determination. The sequence does not establish automatic civil action or payee replacement.",
      "source": "dedicatedmisapplication",
      "section": "D.2.d-e; D.3.b recovery hold",
      "timing": "Conditional staff sequence: 60 days plus five mailing days; delinquency demand 10 days; certified-letter response 30 days. These are distinct controls, not a promised resolution duration.",
      "review_status": "Official followup sequence checked; SI02220.035 civil referral criteria and detailed suitability rules remain separate"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200602150",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official followup sequence checked; SI02220.035 civil referral criteria and detailed suitability rules remain separate"
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-after-dds",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "annual-exempt-dedicated-account-report",
      "title": "Complete dedicated-account questions despite annual accounting exemption",
      "when": "A payee exempt from annual accounting has a dedicated account to report.",
      "you": "Keep records of dedicated-account use and follow the limited report instructions SSA sends.",
      "ssa": "The field office continues dedicated-account monitoring. When mailing SSA-6233, staff complete identifying details and Question 6 account information, then instruct the exempt payee to complete Questions 6-8. Staff explain continuing record and reporting duties.",
      "route": "Field office dedicated-account monitoring; detailed completion and retention procedures require GN 00605.215 review.",
      "next": "Complete Questions 6-8 as instructed and retain accurate records for reports requested by SSA. Annual accounting exemption also does not remove site reviews or the conserved-funds return duty when the payee relationship ends, subject to approved exceptions.",
      "source": "payeeaccountingexempt",
      "section": "A note; C.1.b; C.2.a-b",
      "timing": "These instructions govern the report when SSA mails it; this subsection provides no processing-time guarantee.",
      "review_status": "Verified against live official subsection; detailed monitoring cross-references remain open."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200605015",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Verified against live official subsection; detailed monitoring cross-references remain open."
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-after-dds",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "dedicated-report-preparation-signature-retention",
      "title": "Complete and return the dedicated-account report",
      "when": "SSA requests a Representative Payee Report of Benefits and Dedicated Account, SSA-6233-BK.",
      "you": "Review the report and follow the completion and signature instructions supplied by the field office.",
      "ssa": "The field office prepares identifying details and Question 6 deposits, prior reported balance and total. For exempt payees staff skip Question 3 and instruct completion of Questions 6-8. Staff mail the report; telephone completion followed by mailing for signature, or a face-to-face interview if resources permit, are alternatives.",
      "route": "Field office stores completed reports in NDRED using the Evidence Portal so they remain retrievable for investigations. The report is not sent to Program Centers or Wilkes-Barre Direct Operations Center for storage.",
      "next": "Complete and return the requested report, signing a telephone-completed report when SSA mails it. Ask the field office about available assistance.",
      "source": "dedicatedreporthandling",
      "section": "A; B.1-2; B.3 information fields; B.4-5",
      "timing": "Interview availability depends on field-office resources. This subsection gives no processing deadline.",
      "review_status": "Verified from batch427 live subsection; repeat fetch failed in428. Overselected-no-account annual-report instruction remains under separate currency review."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200605215",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Verified from batch427 live subsection; repeat fetch failed in428. Overselected-no-account annual-report instruction remains under separate currency review."
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-after-dds",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "dedicated-account-report-period-balance",
      "title": "Report the dedicated-account balance for the correct period",
      "when": "SSA reviews the dedicated-account ending balance, including a reported zero balance.",
      "you": "Report the balance including interest for the last month of the report period; enter zeros when none remains.",
      "ssa": "The field office normally derives the balance amount and date from the monitoring report and records the report-period ending amount. A reviewed zero balance is recorded as zero. If a face-to-face review of financial records and receipts is required, staff may also review and record information beyond that period.",
      "route": "Field office dedicated-account monitoring and SSR balance update; current balance review also compares the reported amount with the prior posted balance and reported deposits/use.",
      "next": "Keep records showing both the requested period and later transactions, and provide explanations SSA requests. A zero entry alone does not establish that all review actions are complete.",
      "source": "dedicatedbalanceupdate",
      "section": "B.2.a including note; B.3.a",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "dedicatedbalancereview",
          "section": "B; C.1"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "Balance date follows the report period, rather than automatically being today. No review processing deadline is stated.",
      "review_status": "Live .230 balance provisions corroborated by .225; annual-accounting input steps and current interface availability not inferred."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200605230",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live .230 balance provisions corroborated by .225; annual-accounting input steps and current interface availability not inferred."
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-after-dds",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "dedicated-account-questionable-balance-development",
      "title": "Explain a questionable dedicated-account balance",
      "when": "The reported balance does not appear reasonable compared with dedicated funds, deposits, expenditures or the prior recorded balance.",
      "you": "Provide requested purchase amounts, receipts and explanations of how purchases benefit the beneficiary and relate to the impairment.",
      "ssa": "The field office reviews financial records and receipts and conducts a face-to-face interview whenever practical. Staff correct and retransmit the dedicated-account balance as appropriate and correct the conserved-funds balance where applicable. A correction does not depend on first finding misapplication.",
      "route": "Field office monitoring review. Evidence of knowing impermissible use requires a separate misapplication determination; impermissible deposits require the separate resource-policy review. Improper use may prompt consideration of payee change or direct payment.",
      "next": "Respond to the requested explanation and records review. A discrepancy alone does not decide liability, misuse, resource eligibility or a payee change.",
      "source": "dedicatedbalancereview",
      "section": "C.1-2",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "dedicatedmisapplication",
          "section": "D.1.c-e"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "An interview is conducted whenever practical; no fixed completion time is specified.",
      "review_status": "Verified against live .225; stale .140C8 pointer resolved to previously verified .150 determination evidence, resource effects remain separately scoped."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200605225",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Verified against live .225; stale .140C8 pointer resolved to previously verified .150 determination evidence, resource effects remain separately scoped."
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-after-dds",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "dedicated-bank-required-opening-funds-exception",
      "title": "Remove bank-required opening funds within the allowed period",
      "when": "The financial institution requires other money to open the dedicated account before SSA pays the past-due benefits.",
      "you": "Tell the field office the amount used to open the account and retain the bank evidence.",
      "ssa": "The field office issues a manual notice directing withdrawal of those opening funds before the end of the month following the month the past-due benefits are paid. The limited commingling exception does not exclude the opening funds themselves from resources.",
      "route": "Field office dedicated-account setup and resource review; SI 01130.601D.2 directly specifies the manual notice duty. Its pointer to SI 02101.010E.2 is outdated in the current section layout.",
      "next": "Withdraw the other funds used to open the account within the stated period and retain the transaction record. For example, past-due benefits paid September 25 mean withdrawal before the end of October. Ask SSA to review the account if other money was mixed in.",
      "source": "dedicatedresourceexclusion",
      "section": "C.1 exception; D.2 including example",
      "timing": "The boundary follows the month the past-due benefits are paid, rather than the date the account was opened or the notice arrived.",
      "review_status": "Live subsection verified; exact current notice template unresolved; no individual resource or eligibility conclusion."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0501130601",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live subsection verified; exact current notice template unresolved; no individual resource or eligibility conclusion."
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-after-dds",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "dedicated-resource-suspension-termination-reopening",
      "title": "Check the dedicated-account exclusion after SSI stops",
      "when": "SSI is suspended, eligibility terminates, or a later claim or reopening involves money remaining in the dedicated account.",
      "you": "Provide account balances and SSA notices showing the payment status and any later decision.",
      "ssa": "The field office distinguishes suspension or nonpayment before termination from terminated eligibility. The dedicated-account resource exclusion continues before termination. It does not carry into a new eligibility period established through a new SSI application; remaining funds are countable. Reopening the prior eligibility period is different, and the exclusion may be reapplied.",
      "route": "Field office SSI resource and payment-status review. Medical-cessation cases also require the separate approved benefit-continuation check under SI 02101.010B.9.",
      "next": "Ask SSA whether the decision establishes a new eligibility period or reopens the earlier one. An appeal alone does not establish approved benefit continuation, and these rules do not decide individual eligibility.",
      "source": "dedicatedresourceexclusion",
      "section": "C.3",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "ssidedicatedaccount",
          "section": "B.9"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "Treatment follows actual payment and eligibility status; no decision turnaround time is provided.",
      "review_status": "Verified live resource rule and current medical-cessation qualification; reopening availability and individual outcome not inferred."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0501130601",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Verified live resource rule and current medical-cessation qualification; reopening availability and individual outcome not inferred."
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-after-dds",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "optional-pastdue-before-dedicated-deposit-exclusion",
      "title": "Check the temporary exclusion before an optional dedicated-account deposit",
      "when": "A qualifying subsequent past-due payment may be deposited in an existing dedicated account but has not yet been deposited.",
      "you": "Keep the payment notice, receipt date, unspent amount and any later deposit record.",
      "ssa": "The field office distinguishes the temporary retroactive-payment resource exclusion from the dedicated-account exclusion. For this optional payment, SI 01130.601C.4 applies the temporary exclusion for the lesser of nine months or until deposit. The general nine-month period runs through the nine calendar months following receipt month. Staff accept the stated receipt month absent contrary evidence and retain evidence of payment amount.",
      "route": "Field office SSI resource review; a permitted deposit moves the review to dedicated-account rules, including restrictions on use.",
      "next": "Ask SSA which exclusion and dates apply before choosing whether to deposit. An optional deposit is not required by this rule. Written notice explains the retroactive-payment exclusion and its limited duration.",
      "source": "dedicatedresourceexclusion",
      "section": "A.2; C.4",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "retroactivepaymentresources",
          "section": "B.1; B.3-4; C.2-3.a; D"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "For example, a current payment received in September has nine following calendar months, October through June, unless a qualifying dedicated deposit ends the temporary rule earlier.",
      "review_status": "Verified live; exact1FBR other-underpayment boundary unresolved and not decided by this branch."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0501130601",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Verified live; exact1FBR other-underpayment boundary unresolved and not decided by this branch."
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-after-dds",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "state-iar-refund-actual-receipt-resource-exclusion",
      "title": "Document a State IAR refund paid to the customer",
      "when": "A State welfare agency refunds part of its SSA interim assistance reimbursement to the SSI recipient.",
      "you": "Tell SSA when the refund arrived and provide the State payment notice or other amount information available.",
      "ssa": "The field office treats the refund as a retroactive SSI payment and develops its resource exclusion when it would affect eligibility. Staff accept the reported receipt month absent contrary evidence. For the amount, staff contact the regional office if necessary and obtain SSA-8125 or ensure the record contains the State payment amount.",
      "route": "Field office SSI resource development, with regional-office assistance if needed; redeterminations use the same evidence development.",
      "next": "Keep the refund and receipt records. Ask SSA to explain the exclusion period; the relevant receipt is the customer’s receipt of the State refund, rather than SSA’s reimbursement to the State.",
      "source": "retroactivepaymentresources",
      "section": "B.1; B.4-6; C.2-3.b; D",
      "timing": "For a current retroactive payment, the nine-calendar-month resource exclusion begins the month after receipt. This source sets no State refund issuance deadline.",
      "review_status": "Verified live; resource development only, no State refund entitlement or individual SSI eligibility conclusion."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0501130600",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Verified live; resource development only, no State refund entitlement or individual SSI eligibility conclusion."
  },
  {
    "journey": "childhood-disability-after-dds",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "dedicated-impermissible-commingling-resources",
      "title": "Review other money deposited into a dedicated account",
      "when": "A dedicated account contains deposits that may not be allowed under the dedicated-account rules.",
      "you": "Provide account records showing deposit sources, amounts and dates; explain any bank-required opening deposit.",
      "ssa": "The field office verifies account information and records the balance. Recurring SSI, Title II benefits and other impermissible deposits cannot be treated as permitted dedicated deposits. For a month with impermissible commingling, the dedicated-account resource exclusion does not apply to any funds in that account. Staff separately check the narrow bank-required opening-funds exception; those opening funds themselves are not excluded.",
      "route": "Field office SSI resource and dedicated-account evidence review.",
      "next": "Ask SSA which deposit and month affect the exclusion and what evidence is missing. Overall resource eligibility and any payment action need separate review.",
      "source": "dedicatedresourceexclusion",
      "section": "B.1; C.1 including exception; D.1",
      "timing": "The resource-exclusion consequence applies for affected months. The opening-funds exception lasts only through the end of the month following payment of past-due benefits; it does not authorize other deposits.",
      "review_status": "Live dedicated-account rule verified; ordinary excluded-fund tracing not used to override it."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0501130601",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live dedicated-account rule verified; ordinary excluded-fund tracing not used to override it."
  },
  {
    "journey": "spouse-claim-development",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "spouse-claim-development-1",
      "title": "Record the claim and evidence needs",
      "you": "Provide the requested age/marriage information.",
      "ssa": "Take the MCS spouse application or appropriate form and develop required entitlement evidence.",
      "owner": "FO claims technician",
      "route": "Spouse claim development",
      "next": "Additional forms depend on the circumstances.",
      "source": "spouseevidence",
      "section": "A.1–2; B.1",
      "systems": [
        "MCS"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300202050",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "spouse-claim-development",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "spouse-claim-development-2",
      "title": "Evaluate marriage evidence",
      "you": "Provide statements or documents as requested.",
      "ssa": "Generally accept ceremonial-marriage statements confirmed in writing by the insured worker, except where documentary evidence is required.",
      "owner": "FO claims technician",
      "route": "Marriage finding",
      "next": "Short, questioned, deemed or divorced marriages have additional rules.",
      "source": "spousemarriage",
      "section": "A.1–2",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300202070",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "spouse-claim-development",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "spouse-claim-development-3",
      "title": "Adjudicate the developed claim",
      "you": "Respond to unresolved issues and read the determination.",
      "ssa": "An authorized adjudicator weighs entitlement evidence and completes the decision screen or form.",
      "owner": "Authorized FO / PC adjudicator",
      "route": "Determination / effectuation",
      "next": "Evidence review is not itself an award.",
      "source": "adjudication",
      "section": "B.1–4; B.10",
      "systems": [
        "MCS"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0201010001",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "spouse-claim-development",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "separated-marriage-question",
      "title": "Separation raises a possible divorce issue",
      "when": "Information beyond separation suggests the marriage ended.",
      "you": "Explain the marriage history.",
      "ssa": "Get both parties’ statements about separation and possible divorce.",
      "route": "FO marriage development",
      "next": "Separation alone is not treated as proof of divorce.",
      "source": "spousemarriage",
      "section": "B",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300202070",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "spouse-claim-development",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "potential-cdb-entitlement",
      "title": "Another potential CDB entitlement matters",
      "when": "The spouse-development rule requires a CDB medical determination.",
      "you": "Provide the requested disability evidence.",
      "ssa": "Send medical material to DDS, flag return to FO, then send SSA-2 and related proof to PC after determination.",
      "route": "FO → DDS → FO → PC",
      "next": "The linked medical issue creates another handoff.",
      "source": "spouseprior",
      "section": "B.2.e",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300202080",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "spouse-claim-development",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "worker-dib-converts",
      "title": "The worker’s disability benefit converts to retirement",
      "when": "The worker’s DIB converts to RIB.",
      "you": "Ask how the change affects your spouse benefit.",
      "ssa": "Apply the conversion exception: this conversion does not itself end spouse entitlement.",
      "route": "Spouse entitlement review",
      "next": "Conversion is different from termination without retirement entitlement.",
      "source": "spousetermination",
      "section": "A",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300202040",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "spouse-claim-development",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "divorce-route-review",
      "title": "Your marriage ends by divorce",
      "when": "You were receiving a spouse benefit.",
      "you": "Report the divorce and provide requested evidence.",
      "ssa": "Check possible divorced-spouse entitlement before treating divorce as the end of all related entitlement.",
      "route": "Legal-spouse → divorced-spouse review",
      "next": "The two entitlement categories have different conditions.",
      "source": "spousetermination",
      "section": "A",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300202040",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "spouse-claim-development",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "putative-license-exception",
      "title": "A license was mistaken for a completed marriage",
      "when": "The published Arizona/California limited exception may be relevant.",
      "you": "Explain the missing ceremony, language circumstances and good-faith belief.",
      "ssa": "Document all listed exception conditions and route for possible legal submission under GN 01010.815.",
      "route": "SSA relationship development → legal referral",
      "next": "This is a narrow state-specific exception, not a general license-only marriage rule.",
      "source": "putativemarriage",
      "section": "B.2; C.2",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200305085",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "spouse-claim-development",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "putative-colorado",
      "title": "A Colorado putative marriage is alleged",
      "when": "The relationship is claimed under Colorado putative-marriage policy.",
      "you": "Explain the relationship history and beliefs.",
      "ssa": "Follow GN 01010.800 for possible OGC submission.",
      "route": "SSA relationship development → possible OGC review",
      "next": "Good-faith belief does not by itself establish every benefit condition.",
      "source": "putativemarriage",
      "section": "D",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200305085",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "spouse-claim-development",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "putative-minnesota",
      "title": "A Minnesota putative marriage is alleged",
      "when": "State-specific putative-marriage review is needed.",
      "you": "Provide the requested relationship evidence.",
      "ssa": "Use the legal-submission procedure, except when the only issue is good faith and evidence clearly resolves it.",
      "route": "SSA relationship development → applicable legal review",
      "next": "The exception is limited to the specified good-faith-only issue.",
      "source": "putativemarriage",
      "section": "G.1",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200305085",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "divorced-spouse-evidence",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "divorced-spouse-evidence-1",
      "title": "Identify the entitlement route",
      "you": "Explain current marital status and previous benefits.",
      "ssa": "Check ordinary versus independently entitled divorced-spouse requirements.",
      "owner": "FO claims technician",
      "route": "Divorced-spouse screening",
      "next": "The insured worker’s filing status changes the route.",
      "source": "divorcerequirements",
      "section": "A; B.1–2",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300202005",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "divorced-spouse-evidence",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "divorced-spouse-evidence-2",
      "title": "Develop the divorce evidence",
      "you": "Provide the divorce decree and requested history.",
      "ssa": "Develop proof of divorce and applicable termination-of-later-marriage evidence.",
      "owner": "FO claims technician",
      "route": "Relationship evidence",
      "next": "A later marriage can create another evidence issue.",
      "source": "spouseevidence",
      "section": "A.4–5",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300202050",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "divorced-spouse-evidence",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "divorced-spouse-evidence-3",
      "title": "Evaluate marriage validity",
      "you": "Explain any conflicting marriage information.",
      "ssa": "Divorce generally supports validity of the marriage; develop further if divorce validity or marriage evidence raises doubt.",
      "owner": "FO claims technician",
      "route": "Validity finding → claim adjudication",
      "next": "A decree does not resolve every entitlement factor.",
      "source": "divorcevalidity",
      "section": "A.1–2",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300202075",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "divorced-spouse-evidence",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "decree-proves-marriage",
      "title": "The decree includes the marriage dates",
      "when": "It sufficiently establishes the ten-year duration without doubt.",
      "you": "Submit the complete decree.",
      "ssa": "Evaluate whether it also supplies acceptable marriage proof.",
      "route": "FO relationship review",
      "next": "Separate marriage evidence may still be needed if doubt is raised.",
      "source": "spousemarriage",
      "section": "A.2",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300202070",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "divorced-spouse-evidence",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "worker-not-filed",
      "title": "The former spouse has not filed",
      "when": "An independently entitled divorced-spouse claim may apply.",
      "you": "Provide available identifying information.",
      "ssa": "Evaluate the fully insured/age and two-year divorce conditions along with other requirements.",
      "route": "FO → independent divorced-spouse development",
      "next": "The two-year rule belongs to this independent route, not every divorced-spouse claim.",
      "source": "divorcerequirements",
      "section": "B.2",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300202005",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "independent-divorced-spouse-processing",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "independent-divorced-spouse-processing-1",
      "title": "Develop the insured-worker record",
      "you": "Provide what you know about the former spouse.",
      "ssa": "Locate the SSN and document required information; the SSA-1 used as a report is not signed.",
      "owner": "FO claims technician",
      "route": "Insured-worker evidence",
      "next": "This does not file a benefit claim for the former spouse.",
      "source": "iedsprocess",
      "section": "B.1–2",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300202100",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "independent-divorced-spouse-processing",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "independent-divorced-spouse-processing-2",
      "title": "Establish the computation basis",
      "you": "Provide requested proofs.",
      "ssa": "Use certified earnings through ICERS for insured status and PIA development.",
      "owner": "FO claims technician",
      "route": "Earnings / entitlement review",
      "next": "Full eligibility and deemed-filing rules still apply.",
      "source": "iedsprocess",
      "section": "B.5.b",
      "systems": [
        "ICERS"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300202100",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "independent-divorced-spouse-processing",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "independent-divorced-spouse-processing-3",
      "title": "Route the claim action",
      "you": "Ask who owns any outstanding manual work.",
      "ssa": "For allowance, load MCS and use manual A101 processing; send disallowances to PC.",
      "owner": "FO → PC",
      "route": "Manual claim action",
      "next": "These claims are MCS EC exclusions.",
      "source": "iedsprocess",
      "section": "B.6",
      "systems": [
        "MCS",
        "A101"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300202100",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "independent-divorced-spouse-processing",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "uncooperative-former-spouse",
      "title": "The former spouse will not cooperate",
      "when": "FO seeks evidence from the insured worker.",
      "you": "Provide the evidence available to you.",
      "ssa": "Do not press an uncooperative worker; protect both parties’ whereabouts.",
      "route": "FO evidence development",
      "next": "The former spouse is not legally required to cooperate; missing necessary proof can still affect adjudication.",
      "source": "iedsprocess",
      "section": "B.3–4",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300202100",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "independent-divorced-spouse-processing",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "two-year-denial",
      "title": "The independent-route divorce period is unmet",
      "when": "The claim is denied on the two-year requirement.",
      "you": "Read the reason and applicable appeal instructions.",
      "ssa": "Use the specified two-year-requirement paragraph in the denial notice.",
      "route": "FO / PC notice processing",
      "next": "This does not establish the result of another entitlement route.",
      "source": "iedsprocess",
      "section": "B.6.b caution",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected public branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300202100",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected public branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "independent-divorced-spouse-processing",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "worker-dib-ends",
      "title": "The former spouse’s disability entitlement ends",
      "when": "The worker does not become entitled to retirement.",
      "you": "Ask whether the independent divorced-spouse route applies.",
      "ssa": "Check the independently entitled divorced-spouse exception to ordinary termination.",
      "route": "Divorced-spouse → independent-route review",
      "next": "The worker’s termination does not settle every divorced-spouse case.",
      "source": "spousetermination",
      "section": "C; D",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300202040",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "cdb-onset-reentitlement",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "cdb-onset-reentitlement-1",
      "title": "Document the technical dates",
      "you": "Explain disability, work and prior claim history.",
      "ssa": "Interview and record alleged/potential onset and protective filing on SSA-3367.",
      "owner": "FO disability technician",
      "route": "SSA-3367 → DDS",
      "next": "The potential date is not yet the medical finding.",
      "source": "cdbeod",
      "section": "B.1",
      "systems": [
        "EDCS"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0425501330",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "cdb-onset-reentitlement",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "cdb-onset-reentitlement-2",
      "title": "Establish supported onset",
      "you": "Provide requested evidence.",
      "ssa": "DDS establishes the earliest supported onset using medical evidence and FO technical factors.",
      "owner": "DDS examiner",
      "route": "Established-onset finding",
      "next": "A precise date is not needed in every case.",
      "source": "cdbeod",
      "section": "B.2; C.2",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0425501330",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "cdb-onset-reentitlement",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "cdb-onset-reentitlement-3",
      "title": "Check re-entitlement conditions",
      "you": "Identify why and when prior CDB ended.",
      "ssa": "Apply the ordinary 84-month period and the SGA-termination exception.",
      "owner": "FO / DDS as applicable",
      "route": "Re-entitlement development",
      "next": "Do not reject solely because seven years passed without checking the termination reason.",
      "source": "cdbonset",
      "section": "B",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411020015",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "cdb-onset-reentitlement",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "precise-date",
      "title": "The exact onset date affects entitlement",
      "when": "The initial-claim conditions make the date material.",
      "you": "Provide records for the relevant period.",
      "ssa": "Evaluate the precise-onset requirement using all listed conditions.",
      "route": "FO technical development → DDS",
      "next": "This atlas does not calculate a personal onset date.",
      "source": "cdbonset",
      "section": "A",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411020015",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "cdb-onset-reentitlement",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "student-conversion-dates",
      "title": "Student benefits ended before CDB development",
      "when": "The alleged onset precedes student termination.",
      "you": "Identify the student-benefit dates.",
      "ssa": "Alert DDS through EDCS/SSA-3367 to establish precise onset for the Medicare qualifying-period issue.",
      "route": "FO → DDS",
      "next": "Student conversion can require more precise date development.",
      "source": "cdbeod",
      "section": "C.1",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0425501330",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "child-in-care-age16",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "child-in-care-age16-1",
      "title": "Raise the disability issue",
      "you": "Submit the requested SSA-3368 if disability is alleged.",
      "ssa": "Review an existing SSI disability decision and determine whether it can be adopted or DDS is needed.",
      "owner": "FO claims technician",
      "route": "Disability development",
      "next": "A prior SSI decision is checked, not automatically assumed sufficient.",
      "source": "care16",
      "section": "A; B.1.a",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300202095",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "child-in-care-age16",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "child-in-care-age16-2",
      "title": "Route and monitor",
      "you": "Respond to medical development requests.",
      "ssa": "Send disability material to DDS, notify PC through MDW and add the pending-claim message to MBR.",
      "owner": "FO → DDS / PC",
      "route": "Medical decision and PC monitoring",
      "next": "PC diaries the pending case.",
      "source": "care16",
      "section": "B.1.b–e; B.2",
      "systems": [
        "MDW",
        "MBR"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300202095",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "child-in-care-age16",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "child-in-care-age16-3",
      "title": "Understand separate notices",
      "you": "Read the suspension and later disability notices.",
      "ssa": "Explain suspension if age 16 arrives first, then issue the applicable later notice and possible reinstatement if disabled/in-care requirements are met.",
      "owner": "FO / PC",
      "route": "Suspension → later determination",
      "next": "Suspension is not itself the child’s medical denial.",
      "source": "care16",
      "section": "B.1.d; B.2",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300202095",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "child-in-care-age16",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "own-insured-record",
      "title": "The child may be insured independently",
      "when": "The child has work history.",
      "you": "Provide the relevant work information.",
      "ssa": "Run DISCO and consider entitlement on the child’s own SSN if insured.",
      "route": "FO own-record screening",
      "next": "A parent-record review may reveal another claim route.",
      "source": "care16",
      "section": "B.1.e reminder",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300202095",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "child-in-care-age16",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "termination-already-posted",
      "title": "The system terminated the spouse benefit",
      "when": "Disability and in-care findings are still pending.",
      "you": "Ask which decision remains outstanding.",
      "ssa": "Do not reinstate merely to place the benefit in suspense; await the specified findings.",
      "route": "PC benefit action",
      "next": "A pending claim alone does not authorize reinstatement.",
      "source": "care16",
      "section": "B.2",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300202095",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "child-in-care-age16",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "care-standard-followthrough",
      "title": "Disability is established but care still needs review",
      "when": "The parent’s in-care finding remains outstanding.",
      "you": "Explain your actual role and services.",
      "ssa": "Choose the standard using the child’s disability findings.",
      "route": "FO care determination",
      "next": "Use the new disabled-child in-care journey for evidence details.",
      "source": "carestandard",
      "section": "D–E",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0301310001",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "divorced-spouse-remarriage",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "divorced-spouse-remarriage-1",
      "title": "Report the new marriage",
      "you": "Provide the marriage and benefit information requested.",
      "ssa": "Apply the divorced-spouse remarriage termination rule and its listed beneficiary-spouse exceptions.",
      "owner": "FO claims technician",
      "route": "Remarriage review",
      "next": "Survivor remarriage rules are a different path.",
      "source": "remarriage",
      "section": "Policy paragraph",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300202045",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "divorced-spouse-remarriage",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "divorced-spouse-remarriage-2",
      "title": "Develop a later termination",
      "you": "Provide proof of the later marriage ending.",
      "ssa": "Develop required termination evidence under the spouse evidence rules.",
      "owner": "FO claims technician",
      "route": "Relationship development",
      "next": "Divorce and death can yield different entitlement months.",
      "source": "spouseevidence",
      "section": "A.5",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300202050",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "divorced-spouse-remarriage",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "divorced-spouse-remarriage-3",
      "title": "Evaluate re-entitlement",
      "you": "Explain whether it ended by divorce or death.",
      "ssa": "Apply the distinct month rules and remaining entitlement requirements.",
      "owner": "Authorized adjudicator",
      "route": "Re-entitlement determination",
      "next": "A later marriage ending does not itself establish every requirement.",
      "source": "latermarriageends",
      "section": "Policy paragraphs",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300202046",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "divorced-spouse-remarriage",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "death-ended-later-marriage",
      "title": "The later marriage ended by death",
      "when": "Re-entitlement is being evaluated.",
      "you": "Provide the death evidence and age information.",
      "ssa": "Apply the throughout-the-month rule and FRA exception rather than the divorce-month deeming rule.",
      "route": "FO adjudication",
      "next": "The month can differ from a later divorce.",
      "source": "latermarriageends",
      "section": "Second paragraph",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300202046",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "divorced-spouse-remarriage",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "secondary-proof",
      "title": "A required divorce decree is unavailable",
      "when": "Preferred proof cannot be obtained.",
      "you": "Explain why and provide available secondary evidence.",
      "ssa": "Document unavailability, obtain a statement describing proceedings and evaluate secondary evidence.",
      "route": "Relationship-evidence development",
      "next": "Secondary evidence needs evaluation; it is not automatic acceptance.",
      "source": "marriageendproof",
      "section": "B.2",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200305140",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "deemed-filing-review",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "deemed-filing-review-1",
      "title": "Identify the applicable rule",
      "you": "Give the relevant birth and benefit information.",
      "ssa": "Apply the DOB-based retirement/spouse deemed-filing rules and check exceptions.",
      "owner": "FO claims technician",
      "route": "Application-scope review",
      "next": "Do not assume one elected benefit excludes another.",
      "source": "deemedfiling",
      "section": "B.1–2",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200204035",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "deemed-filing-review",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "deemed-filing-review-2",
      "title": "Develop both claims when required",
      "you": "Provide requested evidence.",
      "ssa": "Explore other eligibility and secure required applications for both benefits.",
      "owner": "FO claims technician",
      "route": "Entitlement/month review",
      "next": "Online filing may still require another application.",
      "source": "deemedfiling",
      "section": "C.1",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200204035",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "deemed-filing-review",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "deemed-filing-review-3",
      "title": "Document the action",
      "you": "Ask why an additional claim or filing date is used.",
      "ssa": "Record reasons for deemed-filing denial or filing-date use on MCS RPOC.",
      "owner": "Adjudicator",
      "route": "Documented adjudication",
      "next": "The file should explain a result not apparent from dates alone.",
      "source": "deemedfiling",
      "section": "C.4",
      "systems": [
        "MCS RPOC"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200204035",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "deemed-filing-review",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "care-exception",
      "title": "You file as a spouse with an entitled child in care",
      "when": "The child-in-care exception applies.",
      "you": "Make the required unequivocal statement if excluding RIB.",
      "ssa": "Apply the CIC exception and revisit the rule when care requirements end.",
      "route": "FO scope review",
      "next": "The exception is conditional, not a permanent exemption.",
      "source": "deemedfiling",
      "section": "B.2.a",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200204035",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "deemed-filing-review",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "dib-exception",
      "title": "You receive DIB in the first spouse-benefit month",
      "when": "The disability exception may apply.",
      "you": "Identify the existing disability benefit.",
      "ssa": "Apply the DIB exception; review changed rules on termination or FRA conversion.",
      "route": "FO benefit coordination",
      "next": "Later events can change deemed filing.",
      "source": "deemedfiling",
      "section": "B.2.b",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200204035",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "deemed-filing-review",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "survivor-different",
      "title": "The claim is for survivor benefits",
      "when": "The worker is deceased.",
      "you": "Identify the survivor claim.",
      "ssa": "Do not apply retirement/spouse deemed filing to the survivor benefit itself.",
      "route": "FO survivor scope review",
      "next": "Past spouse entitlement can still require separate review.",
      "source": "deemedfiling",
      "section": "B; C.2",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200204035",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "earnings-record-correction",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "earnings-record-correction-1",
      "title": "Describe the disagreement",
      "you": "Identify employer, years, disputed amounts and available evidence.",
      "ssa": "Check the identifying information, signed request and evidence needed to begin investigation.",
      "owner": "FO / responsible earnings office",
      "route": "Earnings investigation intake",
      "next": "Alternative evidence can be considered where preferred evidence is unavailable.",
      "source": "earningsintake",
      "section": "A–C",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0103812002",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "earnings-record-correction",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "earnings-record-correction-2",
      "title": "Choose the appropriate form",
      "you": "Provide further details if requested.",
      "ssa": "Use SSA-7008 when applicable, not when sufficient information already permits development; compare posted earnings and allegations.",
      "owner": "Responsible earnings technician",
      "route": "ICOR investigation",
      "next": "A form is not universally required for every discrepancy.",
      "source": "earningsform",
      "section": "A; B.3",
      "systems": [
        "ICOR",
        "SEQY",
        "DEQY"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0103870010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "earnings-record-correction",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "earnings-record-correction-3",
      "title": "Keep ownership clear",
      "you": "Ask which office controls follow-up.",
      "ssa": "The initial-contact component may develop/correct under Item Correction; transfer controls if required.",
      "owner": "FO / PSC / OEIO; limited TSC cases",
      "route": "Controlled earnings issue",
      "next": "Scrambled earnings have one controlling office.",
      "source": "earningsresponsibility",
      "section": "A.2; B.1",
      "systems": [
        "Item Correction"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0103870004",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "earnings-record-correction",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "illegible-incomplete",
      "title": "The correction request is incomplete or illegible",
      "when": "SSA cannot use the mailed information.",
      "you": "Clarify the missing details.",
      "ssa": "Try telephone contact; otherwise return/send the form for completion.",
      "route": "Earnings intake → applicant response",
      "next": "The form error triggers development rather than a guaranteed correction.",
      "source": "earningsform",
      "section": "B.3",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0103870010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "earnings-record-correction",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "employer-other-area",
      "title": "Employer evidence needs another office",
      "when": "The employer is outside the controlling office’s area.",
      "you": "Provide current employer information if known.",
      "ssa": "Request assistance from the relevant office; that office supplies information or status within the stated internal interval.",
      "route": "Controlling office → assisting office",
      "next": "The 21-day assistance/status target is not the total correction deadline.",
      "source": "earningsresponsibility",
      "section": "B.2",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0103870004",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "earnings-record-correction",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "disclaimed-earnings",
      "title": "The entry belongs to someone else",
      "when": "You are requesting removal rather than added wages.",
      "you": "Provide a signed disclaimer.",
      "ssa": "Apply disclaimer acceptance and investigation conditions.",
      "route": "Earnings investigation",
      "next": "Use the separate disclaimed-earnings journey.",
      "source": "disclaimearnings",
      "section": "A–B",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0103870060",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "earnings-record-correction",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "classify-posting-error",
      "title": "The earnings history has a missing, duplicated or misassigned entry",
      "when": "The permanent earnings record is disputed.",
      "you": "Identify the year, employer and exact entry.",
      "ssa": "Distinguish gap/incomplete posting, duplicate/erroneous posting and scrambled earnings before correction development.",
      "route": "Earnings investigation",
      "next": "Someone else’s earnings is different from a missing amount.",
      "source": "earningsgeneral",
      "section": "B.7–11",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0103870001",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "earnings-record-correction",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "earnings-alert-review",
      "title": "An earnings alert suggests a duplicate or erroneous posting",
      "when": "The alerted year is 1978 or later.",
      "you": "Review the employer, year and amounts with SSA.",
      "ssa": "Check development exceptions; obtain DEQY for alerted and surrounding years with employer details, and review the pattern with the claimant. Check applicable limitation exceptions before correction.",
      "route": "Responsible earnings technician → supported investigation",
      "next": "An alert alone does not prove a duplicate.",
      "source": "erroneouspostings",
      "section": "C.1–C.2; C.4.a–e",
      "timing": "No end-to-end correction duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected conditional procedure checked; full limitation and correction policy remains"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0301404140",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected conditional procedure checked; full limitation and correction policy remains"
  },
  {
    "journey": "earnings-record-correction",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "negative-earnings-partial-award",
      "title": "Negative earnings remain while a claim needs processing",
      "when": "Final correction cannot be completed before claim processing.",
      "you": "Ask which earnings issue remains pending.",
      "ssa": "Do not process with negative earnings. Take the specified interim employer-year zeroing action, document the claims file/EMOD ICOR, process a partial award and develop final correction after adjudication.",
      "route": "Earnings correction → partial adjudication → final correction",
      "next": "Interim zeroing is not the final earnings finding or a payment guarantee.",
      "source": "erroneouspostings",
      "section": "C.5.d–e",
      "timing": "No end-to-end correction duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected conditional procedure checked; full limitation and correction policy remains"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0301404140",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected conditional procedure checked; full limitation and correction policy remains"
  },
  {
    "journey": "earnings-record-correction",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "multiple-postings-disclaimed",
      "title": "Multiple postings are disclaimed as another person’s wages",
      "when": "The claimant disclaims earnings and the history supports that allegation.",
      "you": "Identify the wages that do not belong to you.",
      "ssa": "Develop scrambled earnings. Transfer to ESF only when apparently another person’s wages; notify actions taken. Other disputes may require scouting and sufficient evidence, subject to limitation exceptions.",
      "route": "Responsible earnings investigation → correction/notification",
      "next": "Disagreement alone does not authorize an ESF transfer.",
      "source": "erroneouspostings",
      "section": "C.6.b–f",
      "timing": "No end-to-end correction duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected conditional procedure checked; full limitation and correction policy remains"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0301404140",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected conditional procedure checked; full limitation and correction policy remains"
  },
  {
    "journey": "earnings-record-correction",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "earnings-timely-request-finality",
      "title": "A timely earnings request remains unresolved",
      "when": "The item was open to correction when the qualifying application or written revision request was filed.",
      "you": "Identify the filing and earlier earnings decisions.",
      "ssa": "Check which items were open at filing and whether the earnings decision/request is final. Benefit-claim notification is not necessarily the earnings-issue finality point; excluded application types require separate checking.",
      "route": "Responsible earnings technician → filing/finality review",
      "next": "A pending benefit claim is not an unlimited exception for every year or every application. No individual limitation date is determined here.",
      "source": "earningstimely",
      "section": "Policy 1–3",
      "timing": "Filing/finality conditions; no processing-duration guarantee",
      "review_status": "Selected published limitation exception checked; complete finality and reopening rules remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0302201010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected published limitation exception checked; complete finality and reopening rules remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "earnings-record-correction",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "earnings-wrong-person-period-allocation",
      "title": "Earnings were allocated to the wrong person or period",
      "when": "Evidence establishes the wrong allocation and the total already recorded will not change.",
      "you": "Identify the incorrect person/period allocation and available evidence.",
      "ssa": "Apply the total-preserving allocation rule; transfer to the proper record/period or suspense as appropriate through ICOR. Wages established as another unidentified person’s go to suspense.",
      "route": "Responsible earnings investigation → conditional ICOR allocation",
      "next": "This exception redistributes recorded amounts; it does not authorize adding unrecorded totals or guarantee a personal correction.",
      "source": "earningsallocation",
      "section": "A; B.1.a–c; C",
      "timing": "No correction completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected allocation conditions checked; other earnings/SEI exceptions and screen instructions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0302201022",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected allocation conditions checked; other earnings/SEI exceptions and screen instructions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "earnings-record-correction",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "earnings-no-entry-paid-proof",
      "title": "No wages are recorded but you say they were paid",
      "when": "The earnings record has no entry for the alleged wages.",
      "you": "Identify the employer and period and provide available evidence of payment.",
      "ssa": "Evaluate proof that wages were paid; it can overcome the no-entry presumption and support correction under the cited exception. Previously entered then removed wages are not entries for this rule.",
      "route": "Responsible earnings investigation → evidence-dependent correction review",
      "next": "No entry is not conclusive proof of no wages, but correction depends on evidence. The exception is not an immediate-service guarantee.",
      "source": "missingwageentry",
      "section": "Policy",
      "timing": "No correction duration specified; “at any time” concerns the cited limitation exception",
      "review_status": "Selected missing-entry exception checked; complete evidence and benefit-effect rules remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0302201016",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected missing-entry exception checked; complete evidence and benefit-effect rules remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "earnings-record-correction",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "earnings-employer-underreported",
      "title": "The employer reported less than was actually paid",
      "when": "An employer report or evidence establishes wages above the reported amount.",
      "you": "Bring the discrepancy and evidence to SSA’s attention.",
      "ssa": "Credit the higher correct wages under the cited rule; in a claims case, review the file for a benefit increase or possible reopening/revision of a denial.",
      "route": "Earnings correction → separate claims-file/benefit-effect review",
      "next": "Record correction does not automatically resolve insured status, reopening or the effective date of a benefit change.",
      "source": "underreportedwages",
      "section": "B; C.1",
      "timing": "No processing duration or individual benefit-effective date asserted",
      "review_status": "Selected correction/file-review duties checked; historical C.2 and linked reopening limits require further review"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0302201013",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected correction/file-review duties checked; historical C.2 and linked reopening limits require further review"
  },
  {
    "journey": "earnings-record-correction",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "earnings-revised-claim-not-reopenable",
      "title": "The earnings record can change but the prior claim cannot reopen",
      "when": "Earnings revision is permitted, but administrative-finality rules do not permit reopening the claims determination.",
      "you": "Identify the question and evidence that led to the earnings revision.",
      "ssa": "Make the applicable new initial determination rather than reopen the old one. Under B.1.a, an increase based on the revised record is effective with the month the question causing revision was raised; a decrease is not made under this branch.",
      "route": "Earnings revision → separate claims-finality review → applicable new determination",
      "next": "SSA must establish the branch’s conditions; this is not an individual effective-date or benefit calculation.",
      "source": "earningsclaimsfinality",
      "section": "A; B.1.a",
      "timing": "Conditional benefit-effective-month rule, not processing duration",
      "review_status": "Selected published distinction checked; full reopening rules and individual findings remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0204040030",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected published distinction checked; full reopening rules and individual findings remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "earnings-record-correction",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "earnings-revision-not-permitted",
      "title": "No limitation exception permits revising the earnings record",
      "when": "The correction time limit expired and no applicable exception permits revision.",
      "you": "Provide any evidence relevant to an exception when requested.",
      "ssa": "Use the established earnings record for the award/disallowance. Under B.2, new evidence does not alone authorize reopening a correct claims determination or a prospective amount change where earnings cannot be revised.",
      "route": "Earnings limitation/exception review → claims determination on established record",
      "next": "An actual exception and finality review is required; this branch does not decide a personal correction or denial.",
      "source": "earningsclaimsfinality",
      "section": "A.2.b; B.2",
      "timing": "No review-duration or personal limitation date asserted",
      "review_status": "Selected conditional boundary checked; complete exceptions and appeal rights remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0204040030",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected conditional boundary checked; complete exceptions and appeal rights remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "earnings-record-correction",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "employer-corrected-wage-report",
      "title": "The employer finds an error in a processed wage report",
      "when": "Employer/submitter discovers a previously processed report error.",
      "you": "Ask the employer about its corrected statement; keep your copy.",
      "ssa": "The primary reporting correction is employer/submitter W-2c with W-3c to SSA; employer also provides the employee a W-2c copy. This subsection does not prescribe an individual FO transaction.",
      "route": "Employer/submitter → SSA wage-report correction",
      "next": "Employer correction does not by itself establish a revised benefit payment.",
      "source": "cawrroles",
      "section": "C",
      "timing": "As soon as error discovered; employee copy as soon as possible; no SSA processing duration",
      "review_status": "Selected reporting roles checked; no individual earnings or tax conclusion"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0101101003",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected reporting roles checked; no individual earnings or tax conclusion"
  },
  {
    "journey": "earnings-record-correction",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "cawr-employer-totals-mismatch",
      "title": "SSA and IRS employer totals do not reconcile",
      "when": "SSA-processed wages fall below IRS totals by more than the tax-year quarter-of-coverage amount.",
      "you": "Keep any requested employer/wage correspondence.",
      "ssa": "Match employer data by EIN and tax year; ask the employer to explain and resolve the qualifying difference.",
      "route": "SSA/IRS reconciliation → employer",
      "next": "This employer-level inquiry differs from an individual worker wage dispute.",
      "source": "cawrroles",
      "section": "D",
      "timing": "No reconciliation completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected reporting roles checked; no individual earnings or tax conclusion"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0101101003",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected reporting roles checked; no individual earnings or tax conclusion"
  },
  {
    "journey": "earnings-record-correction",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "earnings-posted-lag-wages-incorrect",
      "title": "Correct an inaccurate wage entry already posted for a recent year",
      "when": "An employer wage entry is already posted but incorrect in the current filing/revision year or preceding year.",
      "you": "Identify the employer, year and incorrect posted amount and supply available wage evidence.",
      "ssa": "The field office develops wage evidence and corrects the posted record as appropriate. Already-posted earnings are no longer treated as unposted lag earnings for this correction. Where some employers are posted accurately and others are missing, staff separately apply the required-development conditions to the missing earnings; correcting one posted entry does not automatically require developing every missing employer.",
      "route": "Responsible earnings office: posted-entry correction development; separate unposted-lag review where required.",
      "next": "Ask whether the dispute concerns an incorrect posted entry or a genuinely unposted amount; the two receive different treatment.",
      "source": "lagearningspolicy",
      "section": "A.1-A.2; B.1.b; C.4",
      "timing": "Current and preceding year define the lag period; no correction completion deadline is specified.",
      "review_status": "Live posted-versus-unposted distinction checked; no blanket instruction to wait for normal posting when the existing entry is wrong."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0301404005",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live posted-versus-unposted distinction checked; no blanket instruction to wait for normal posting when the existing entry is wrong."
  },
  {
    "journey": "earnings-record-correction",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "earnings-lag-employer-statement-incomplete",
      "title": "Complete an employer statement when the W-2 is not yet available",
      "when": "Lag-wage evidence is needed and the employer has not issued the W-2.",
      "you": "Provide an available employer statement and identify the employer contact.",
      "ssa": "The field office may develop an employer statement showing the payment time and amount. Required details include employee name and number, employer identification, cumulative Social Security wages through the statement date and tax withheld. If the statement is incomplete, staff contact the employer for the necessary information. Completing those fields does not itself establish acceptance or entitlement.",
      "route": "Field office wage-evidence development with the employer; separate evidence sufficiency and coverage review.",
      "next": "Ask which statement information is missing and whether employer contact resolved it; keep copies of evidence supplied.",
      "source": "lagwageevidence",
      "section": "Policy; 2.a; 2.b; 2.d",
      "timing": "No employer-response or claim-completion duration is stated in this subsection.",
      "review_status": "Live incomplete-statement duty verified; conflicting2c acceptance wording left unresolved; railroad evidence exception separate."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0301404018",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live incomplete-statement duty verified; conflicting2c acceptance wording left unresolved; railroad evidence exception separate."
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-payroll-wage-dispute",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-payroll-wage-dispute-1",
      "title": "Identify the disputed payroll information",
      "you": "Say whether the amount is wrong or the employment is not yours.",
      "ssa": "Separate amount discrepancies from disclaimed earnings and identify any written appeal.",
      "owner": "SSI technician",
      "route": "Discrepancy investigation",
      "next": "A provider dispute and SSA payment appeal are different actions.",
      "source": "ssipayroll",
      "section": "D.1–3",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0500820148",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-payroll-wage-dispute",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-payroll-wage-dispute-2",
      "title": "Document disclaimed earnings",
      "you": "Explain that the wages do not belong to you.",
      "ssa": "Obtain a signed statement/ROC, investigate and seek other evidence; do not demand paystubs for the disclaimed job.",
      "owner": "SSI technician",
      "route": "Disclaimed-earnings review",
      "next": "The allegation is accepted unless primary wage evidence refutes it.",
      "source": "ssipayroll",
      "section": "D.3",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0500820148",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-payroll-wage-dispute",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-payroll-wage-dispute-3",
      "title": "Address both records and payment",
      "you": "Follow the notice’s provider contact and appeal instructions.",
      "ssa": "Correct the record under the supported finding and process a requested reconsideration separately.",
      "owner": "SSI technician / appeal component",
      "route": "Record correction and appeal",
      "next": "Provider correction alone does not establish that SSA’s payment action was reversed.",
      "source": "ssipayroll",
      "section": "D.1; D.3–4",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0500820148",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-payroll-wage-dispute",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "right-employer-wrong-amount",
      "title": "The employer is right but the wage amount is wrong",
      "when": "The dispute concerns amount rather than employment.",
      "you": "Supply requested paystubs or other wage evidence.",
      "ssa": "Develop acceptable wage evidence and use the more accurate supported amount.",
      "route": "SSI wage development",
      "next": "Do not apply the no-paystub rule for disclaimed jobs to every amount dispute.",
      "source": "ssipayroll",
      "section": "D.2",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0500820148",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-payroll-wage-dispute",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "mef-also-wrong",
      "title": "The permanent earnings record is also affected",
      "when": "The issue reaches MEF beyond SSI payroll evidence.",
      "you": "Identify the disputed record as well.",
      "ssa": "Use earnings-inaccuracy procedures for the MEF issue.",
      "route": "SSI → earnings-record investigation",
      "next": "A corrected SSI wage entry does not necessarily fix MEF.",
      "source": "ssipayroll",
      "section": "D.3.c",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0500820148",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-payroll-wage-dispute",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "pie-reconsideration-authorization-gap",
      "title": "A timely reconsideration crosses the denial month",
      "when": "Timely request after the denial-posting calendar month, within the applicable appeal period.",
      "you": "Keep appeal and wage records.",
      "ssa": "Manually input authorization when loading the appeal; do not recontact for new consent solely because of this system limitation. If later approved, develop wage evidence for months missing PIE data.",
      "route": "SSI appeal loading → authorization / wage development",
      "next": "This month boundary is not a new customer appeal deadline.",
      "source": "ssipayroll",
      "section": "B.2",
      "timing": "Source describes60 days plus5 mailing days; actual appeal timeliness requires SSA review",
      "review_status": "Selected official subsection checked; individual appeal/payment outcome not determined"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0500820148",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected official subsection checked; individual appeal/payment outcome not determined"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-payroll-wage-dispute",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "pie-reporting-restart-notice",
      "title": "SSA stops receiving an employer payroll feed",
      "when": "Reduced-reporting notice previously issued; no employer information for three consecutive months.",
      "you": "Follow the new reporting notice.",
      "ssa": "Automated notice directs resumed reporting for that employer.",
      "route": "Automated notice → recipient",
      "next": "Continue reporting other employers and information PIE does not supply.",
      "source": "ssipayroll",
      "section": "C.4",
      "timing": "Three consecutive missing-feed months triggers this notice condition; no delivery guarantee",
      "review_status": "Selected official subsection checked; individual appeal/payment outcome not determined"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0500820148",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected official subsection checked; individual appeal/payment outcome not determined"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-payroll-wage-dispute",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "pie-ein-pending",
      "title": "Payroll wages do not match the employer identifier",
      "when": "Existing Wages page lacks a matching EIN.",
      "you": "Identify the actual employer when SSA asks.",
      "ssa": "Check accurate EIN entries for active employers. Unmatched data creates a PDP Pending Wage page and EE diary; follow SI02310.200 for resolution.",
      "route": "SSI technician → pending-wage review",
      "next": "A payroll feed can require staff development before posting.",
      "source": "ssipayroll",
      "section": "C.2; C.3.b",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected official condition checked; detailed EE diary procedure separately pending"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0500820148",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected official condition checked; detailed EE diary procedure separately pending"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-payroll-wage-dispute",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "pie-manual-deeming-pending",
      "title": "Payroll wages require manual processing",
      "when": "Force Due or Manual Deeming condition exists.",
      "you": "Keep current reporting instructions.",
      "ssa": "Review the pending wage report and Development Worksheet issue; take appropriate wage-posting action. Do not issue a manual reduced-reporting notice; the specified automated notice follows active-pay-status and automated wage/SSR updates.",
      "route": "SSI technician → manual wage action",
      "next": "Pending wages and reduced-reporting notice are separate events.",
      "source": "ssipayroll",
      "section": "C.3.d; C.4 note",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected official condition checked; detailed EE diary procedure separately pending"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0500820148",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected official condition checked; detailed EE diary procedure separately pending"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-payroll-wage-dispute",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ee-pending-disposition",
      "title": "SSA must resolve a pending payroll page",
      "when": "Payroll data awaits staff development.",
      "you": "Explain employer changes or disputed wages.",
      "ssa": "After development, update the existing employer, add a new employer, or reject with reasons and wage development documented in a Report of Contact. Resolve every pending page before event closure.",
      "route": "SSI technician → pending-page disposition",
      "next": "Staff resolves the pages; customers need not access them.",
      "source": "eepayrolldiary",
      "section": "A.2; B.1; C.1.a",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected staff development procedure checked; linked finality/review-period exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502310200",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected staff development procedure checked; linked finality/review-period exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-payroll-wage-dispute",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ee-multiple-wage-diaries",
      "title": "Other wage alerts accompany the payroll issue",
      "when": "EE and other wage diaries are present.",
      "you": "Provide requested job, termination, expense and unemployment information.",
      "ssa": "Resolve other wage diaries first. S2/S7 require implicated quarters; J3/J5/K6/K7 require the implicated year. Develop associated wage issues; resolve pending pages and post to SSR before diary deletion or LI/RZ clearance.",
      "route": "SSI technician → wage development / record action",
      "next": "EE alone generally limits review to the new-employment or employer-change months.",
      "source": "eepayrolldiary",
      "section": "B.1-2; C.1.b",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected staff development procedure checked; linked finality/review-period exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502310200",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected staff development procedure checked; linked finality/review-period exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-payroll-wage-dispute",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ee-staffing-worksite",
      "title": "The staffing agency and worksite are different",
      "when": "Employment changes from temporary placement to permanent hire, as in the source example.",
      "you": "Identify who paid you and when the employment changed.",
      "ssa": "In the example, contact establishes the staffing company as the earlier employer. Verify its wages through the final check, correct the existing employer entry, and add the permanent employer from pending data.",
      "route": "SSI technician → employer / wage reconciliation",
      "next": "The same worksite does not settle which employer belongs on each wage entry.",
      "source": "eepayrolldiary",
      "section": "E example",
      "timing": "Example dates are not general deadlines",
      "review_status": "Illustrative source scenario checked; no universal employer classification"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502310200",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Illustrative source scenario checked; no universal employer classification"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-payroll-wage-dispute",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "corrected-wages-underpayment-overpayment-protest",
      "title": "Corrected wages create an underpayment while an overpayment is disputed",
      "when": "SSA establishes a living recipient was underpaid after correcting wages and also has an outstanding overpayment.",
      "you": "Provide evidence of the wages actually paid or when work stopped; keep the overpayment notice and any reconsideration or waiver request.",
      "ssa": "The SSI technician checks the initial notice, protest and final determination dates. Without an appeal within 60 days or a waiver request, apply the underpayment to the outstanding debt. With a timely reconsideration or waiver and no final overpayment determination, release the due underpayment by the close of the month after discovery. If timely reconsideration is denied before that boundary, use the underpayment to reduce the debt. Apply other payment restrictions and priority rules.",
      "route": "SSA SSI underpayment and overpayment processing",
      "next": "Ask SSA how the wage correction affects both balances and whether a final overpayment decision has been made. This subsection does not establish a 60-day waiver deadline or name a separate notice for this adjustment.",
      "source": "ssiunderpaymentalive",
      "section": "A.1-A.3, particularly A.3.a-c",
      "timing": "Conditional release boundary: end of the month after discovery under A.3.b; a reconsideration denial before that boundary changes the disposition under A.3.c. This is not a general correction turnaround guarantee.",
      "review_status": "Independently checked official subsection and currency; related payment restrictions remain separately scoped"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502101002",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Independently checked official subsection and currency; related payment restrictions remain separately scoped"
  },
  {
    "journey": "erroneous-death-record",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "erroneous-death-record-1",
      "title": "Bring identity evidence",
      "you": "Visit your local SSA office promptly with current original or issuing-agency-certified identity evidence.",
      "ssa": "Review the erroneous-death report.",
      "owner": "Local SSA office",
      "route": "Identity review",
      "next": "Photocopies, notarized copies and application receipts are not accepted.",
      "source": "deatherrorfaq",
      "section": "Identity instructions",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/faqs/en/questions/KA-02917.html",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "erroneous-death-record",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "erroneous-death-record-2",
      "title": "Coordinate affected records",
      "you": "Explain which benefits or services were affected.",
      "ssa": "Investigate the report and cause; correct affected Title II, Title XVI, NUMIDENT and HI records.",
      "owner": "FO / PC",
      "route": "Record corrections",
      "next": "One corrected record does not prove every downstream record is fixed.",
      "source": "deatheft",
      "section": "B",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0202408700",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "erroneous-death-record",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "erroneous-death-record-3",
      "title": "Obtain the explanation letter",
      "you": "Use the offered letter with banks, doctors or others.",
      "ssa": "Offer the Erroneous Death Case - Third Party Contact notice after correction.",
      "owner": "SSA office",
      "route": "Customer-held notice",
      "next": "Keep the notice for related follow-up.",
      "source": "deatherrorfaq",
      "section": "Final paragraph",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/faqs/en/questions/KA-02917.html",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "erroneous-death-record",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "documents-not-usable",
      "title": "Your identification is not acceptable",
      "when": "The document is expired or an uncertified copy.",
      "you": "Obtain current original or issuing-agency-certified evidence.",
      "ssa": "Apply the published document requirements.",
      "route": "Local SSA identity review",
      "next": "The public FAQ does not promise completion on first contact.",
      "source": "deatherrorfaq",
      "section": "Important",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/faqs/en/questions/KA-02917.html",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "erroneous-death-record",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "edr-approval",
      "title": "The incorrect death came from electronic registration",
      "when": "An EDR change or deletion is needed.",
      "you": "Ask whether the correction cleared.",
      "ssa": "Obtain management two-PIN clearance the same day; otherwise resubmit the DIPS transaction.",
      "route": "Technician → management → DIPS",
      "next": "A submitted transaction is not necessarily a processed correction.",
      "source": "deathdips",
      "section": "D; F",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0202602051",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "erroneous-death-record",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-separate-correction",
      "title": "SSI also has the wrong death date",
      "when": "A DIPS deletion is entered for someone with a Title XVI record.",
      "you": "Ask whether the SSI record was corrected too.",
      "ssa": "Delete the Numident death through DIPS first, then take the separate Title XVI corrective action.",
      "route": "DIPS → SSI correction under SI 02301.250",
      "next": "DIPS deletion does not automatically remove the SSI death date.",
      "source": "deathdips",
      "section": "G.2",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0202602051",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "erroneous-death-record",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "posting-monitor",
      "title": "The transaction was entered but records need checking",
      "when": "A DIPS entry has been submitted.",
      "you": "Ask for the follow-up result.",
      "ssa": "Control and monitor overnight posting to Numident and payment records.",
      "route": "DIPS → Numident / payment record verification",
      "next": "Overnight processing is not an end-to-end reinstatement guarantee.",
      "source": "deathdips",
      "section": "A",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0202602051",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "erroneous-death-record",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "own-state-death-report-access",
      "title": "You need access to the State death report on your own record",
      "when": "You seek your own record to resolve an erroneous death report.",
      "you": "Explain that the report incorrectly identifies you as deceased.",
      "ssa": "Apply the specific permission to disclose the State death report to the Number Holder for resolving the erroneous report.",
      "route": "SSA own-record access review; exact component not established by this subsection",
      "next": "This access exception does not itself correct records or reinstate payment. Continue the separate correction process.",
      "source": "deceaseddisclosure",
      "section": "B.2.a",
      "timing": "No access or correction duration specified",
      "review_status": "Specific access exception checked; full proof-of-life procedure remains outside this branch"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0203315010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Specific access exception checked; full proof-of-life procedure remains outside this branch"
  },
  {
    "journey": "erroneous-death-record",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "death-information-source-check",
      "title": "SSA must identify the source before deciding disclosure",
      "when": "Disclosure review requires identifying restricted State death information.",
      "you": "Describe the record access request.",
      "ssa": "Use Person Information via iMAIN to inspect the Numident source: SSD 01–65 or Electronic Death Report indicates State data. Apply the relevant disclosure restriction or exception.",
      "route": "Numident source check → applicable disclosure review",
      "next": "A source check is not permission for general disclosure or a completed correction.",
      "source": "deceaseddisclosure",
      "section": "B.2.a notes",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "GN03315.010 notes checked; linked RM10235.025 unavailable and not reconstructed"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0203315010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "GN03315.010 notes checked; linked RM10235.025 unavailable and not reconstructed"
  },
  {
    "journey": "erroneous-death-payments",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "erroneous-death-payments-1",
      "title": "Check the payment status",
      "you": "Tell SSA you are alive and describe the missing payment.",
      "ssa": "Investigate; a Title II bank return coded death causes suspension pending verification, not automatic death termination.",
      "owner": "FO / PC",
      "route": "Status investigation",
      "next": "A returned deposit alone does not establish that SSA terminated entitlement.",
      "source": "deatheft",
      "section": "A–B",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0202408700",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "erroneous-death-payments",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "erroneous-death-payments-2",
      "title": "Address the bank flag",
      "you": "Identify the affected account through official SSA contact.",
      "ssa": "If alive, restore payments, contact the bank to remove its death indicator and abandon erroneous reclamation as applicable.",
      "owner": "FO / PC",
      "route": "Bank and payment correction",
      "next": "Confirm whether later deposits are still being returned.",
      "source": "deatheft",
      "section": "B",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0202408700",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "erroneous-death-payments",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "dire-need",
      "title": "Reclaimed payments caused dire need",
      "when": "You allege urgent need following reclamation.",
      "you": "Explain the urgent circumstances.",
      "ssa": "Use the applicable immediate/critical or Title XVI payment route described in policy.",
      "route": "FO / PC payment action",
      "next": "No same-day guarantee is established here.",
      "source": "deatheft",
      "section": "B",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0202408700",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "earnings-not-mine",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "earnings-not-mine-1",
      "title": "Make a signed statement",
      "you": "Identify the disputed earnings and sign your explanation.",
      "ssa": "Require a signed disclaimer of wages or self-employment income.",
      "owner": "Earnings technician",
      "route": "Disclaimer review",
      "next": "This procedure removes earnings; it does not add missing earnings.",
      "source": "disclaimearnings",
      "section": "A",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0103870060",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "earnings-not-mine",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "earnings-not-mine-2",
      "title": "Check whether investigation is needed",
      "you": "Provide any supporting evidence and answer follow-up questions.",
      "ssa": "Absent obvious advantage, accept the signed statement; if removal would advantage the person, investigate fully before relying on it.",
      "owner": "Earnings technician",
      "route": "Investigation / correction",
      "next": "A signed disclaimer is not an unconditional removal instruction.",
      "source": "disclaimearnings",
      "section": "B.1–2",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0103870060",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "earnings-not-mine",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "irs-finding",
      "title": "IRS has already determined the earnings are not yours",
      "when": "An IRS decision or determination exists.",
      "you": "Tell SSA about the finding.",
      "ssa": "Accept a current disclaimer under the cited note.",
      "route": "Earnings-record review",
      "next": "The atlas does not determine the effect on benefit amounts.",
      "source": "disclaimearnings",
      "section": "C note",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0103870060",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "status-evidence-enumeration",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "status-evidence-enumeration-1",
      "title": "Start and attend the appointment",
      "you": "Start the replacement-card application and bring identity and new-status evidence.",
      "ssa": "The public service routes the request to an appointment.",
      "owner": "SSA appointment service",
      "route": "Office evidence review",
      "next": "Phone support is available; a phone call is not a documented phone-only status update.",
      "source": "citizenship",
      "section": "Request a replacement card",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/personal-record/update-citizenship-or-immigration-status",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "status-evidence-enumeration",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "status-evidence-enumeration-2",
      "title": "Check the existing record",
      "you": "Present the requested evidence in person.",
      "ssa": "Require identity matching Numident; check proven citizenship or current work-authorized status as applicable. Do not request mailing of immigration documents.",
      "owner": "Enumeration technician",
      "route": "Evidence review",
      "next": "Previously proven citizenship may remove the need to prove it again for replacement.",
      "source": "replacementstatus",
      "section": "A–B",
      "systems": [
        "Numident"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110210015",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "status-evidence-enumeration",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "status-evidence-enumeration-3",
      "title": "Distinguish record and card outcomes",
      "you": "Ask whether the record changed and whether a card will issue.",
      "ssa": "For an otherwise card-ineligible noncitizen with acceptable correction evidence, update Numident and suppress card issuance.",
      "owner": "Enumeration technician",
      "route": "Numident correction / card decision",
      "next": "An accepted correction does not always produce a replacement card.",
      "source": "replacementstatus",
      "section": "D",
      "systems": [
        "Numident"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110210015",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "status-evidence-enumeration",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "additional-verification",
      "title": "Evidence requires further verification",
      "when": "SSA cannot complete its evidence review immediately.",
      "you": "Respond to requests through official channels.",
      "ssa": "Use the established SSN evidence-verification procedure.",
      "route": "Enumeration evidence verification",
      "next": "See the existing evidence-verification journey; no hidden SAVE steps are reconstructed.",
      "source": "ssnverify",
      "section": "Evidence verification policy",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110210205",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "status-evidence-enumeration",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "asylum-granted",
      "title": "Asylum has been granted",
      "when": "You present evidence of granted asylum.",
      "you": "Provide the applicable status document.",
      "ssa": "Review accepted evidence, including qualifying I-94, I-797 with tear-off I-94 or category-A5 I-766; established asylee status supports an unrestricted card.",
      "route": "SSA asylee evidence review",
      "next": "Asylee status and a pending asylum application are different.",
      "source": "asyleessn",
      "section": "A–C",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211205",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "status-evidence-enumeration",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "asylum-pending",
      "title": "Asylum remains pending",
      "when": "The evidence shows an application rather than a grant.",
      "you": "Show any current employment-authorization evidence.",
      "ssa": "Do not use asylee-granted policy. Evaluate qualifying work authorization under its own rules; C8 evidence is not an asylum grant.",
      "route": "SSA work-authorized status evidence review",
      "next": "Pending asylum does not automatically mean no SSN; card restrictions depend on supported status.",
      "source": "asyleessn",
      "section": "D",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211205",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "status-evidence-enumeration",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "asylee-i94",
      "title": "Granted-asylum evidence is an I-94 or I-797A",
      "when": "The application uses one of these asylum documents.",
      "you": "Provide the requested document.",
      "ssa": "Examine its characteristics and request SAVE initial verification. A pending-asylum AS code is not granted-asylum verification.",
      "route": "SSA document review → SAVE",
      "next": "Document type and verification response must be considered together.",
      "source": "asyleei94",
      "section": "A–B.1",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211207",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "status-evidence-enumeration",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "asylee-a5-response",
      "title": "A qualifying A5 employment card has a temporary-work response",
      "when": "The I-766 meets the asylee category criteria.",
      "you": "Identify the card submitted if clarification is requested.",
      "ssa": "Apply the document-specific rule: the stated temporary-employment-authorized response can verify status with a qualifying A5 card.",
      "route": "SSA I-766 / SAVE reconciliation",
      "next": "Do not infer pending asylum solely from that response wording.",
      "source": "asyleeead",
      "section": "A; B.1",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211209",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "status-evidence-enumeration",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "asylee-unconfirmed",
      "title": "Initial verification does not confirm granted asylum",
      "when": "The I-94 or I-766 route returns an unconfirmed/incomplete response.",
      "you": "Ask which verification remains outstanding.",
      "ssa": "Use the published EOIR verification referral without the arrival wait; the I-766 rule calls for additional verification if EOIR is unclear.",
      "route": "SSA → EOIR verification / further SAVE review",
      "next": "Detailed verification operations remain outside this walkthrough.",
      "source": "asyleeead",
      "section": "B.2",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211209",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "status-evidence-enumeration",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "adjusted-lpr-ead",
      "title": "SAVE shows permanent residence while you await the card",
      "when": "You submit an I-766 from a listed qualifying category.",
      "you": "Provide the employment card available.",
      "ssa": "Apply alternate LPR evidence only when the card/category requirements and SAVE-confirmed LPR status are all met.",
      "route": "SSA evidence / SAVE reconciliation",
      "next": "An employment card alone does not prove adjustment to LPR.",
      "source": "lprssn",
      "section": "C.4.a–b",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211025",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "status-evidence-enumeration",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "lpr-extension-notice",
      "title": "Your permanent-resident card expired but has an extension notice",
      "when": "An expired I-551 is accompanied by an applicable I-797/I-797C.",
      "you": "Present the card and extension notice together.",
      "ssa": "Check extension/employment language, record the extended expiration and follow verification requirements.",
      "route": "SSA expired-card / notice review",
      "next": "A receipt alone is not a substitute for the underlying status evidence.",
      "source": "lprssn",
      "section": "C.1.b–d",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211025",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "status-evidence-enumeration",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "lpr-no-expiration",
      "title": "An older resident card has no expiration date",
      "when": "You present a qualifying older I-551 without an expiration date.",
      "you": "Show the card for review.",
      "ssa": "Accept the still-valid no-expiration version; do not refer solely for an updated card.",
      "route": "SSA document / verification review",
      "next": "Other identity and evidence checks still apply.",
      "source": "lprssn",
      "section": "B; C.1.e",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211025",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "status-evidence-enumeration",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "mriv-endorsement",
      "title": "Your visa serves as temporary permanent-resident evidence",
      "when": "You present an MRIV with temporary I-551 notation.",
      "you": "Bring the endorsed visa and passport or qualifying travel document.",
      "ssa": "Check notation, admission endorsement and the one-year evidence period from endorsement, rather than the printed visa expiration alone.",
      "route": "SSA temporary LPR evidence review",
      "next": "An expired visa can still meet the temporary-evidence conditions.",
      "source": "lprssn",
      "section": "C.2",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211025",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "status-evidence-enumeration",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "temporary-i551-expired",
      "title": "Your temporary I-551 stamp expired",
      "when": "The permanent card has not arrived.",
      "you": "Follow the referral for extending the stamp.",
      "ssa": "Refer to DHS to extend expired temporary evidence; distinguish a stamp with no specified expiration.",
      "route": "SSA → DHS evidence extension",
      "next": "An undated-expiration stamp has a separate published rule; do not assume every stamp expires after one year.",
      "source": "lprssn",
      "section": "C.3",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211025",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssn-nonwork-purpose",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssn-nonwork-purpose-1",
      "title": "Document the qualifying need",
      "you": "Obtain the government agency’s original letter and age, identity and status evidence.",
      "ssa": "Check whether the request meets the federal-benefit or qualifying state/local public-assistance rule.",
      "owner": "FO enumeration technician",
      "route": "Nonwork-need review",
      "next": "A general desire for an SSN does not establish a qualifying need.",
      "source": "nonworkssn",
      "section": "A.1–2",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211600",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssn-nonwork-purpose",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssn-nonwork-purpose-2",
      "title": "Verify the agency letter",
      "you": "Ask the issuing agency to supply the required details.",
      "ssa": "Check dated letterhead, identity, legal requirement, benefit eligibility except SSN, contact details and wet signature; establish the authorized-signatory precedent with the agency.",
      "owner": "FO ↔ government agency",
      "route": "Letter validation",
      "next": "Questionable letters require agency verification.",
      "source": "nonworkssn",
      "section": "A.3",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211600",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssn-nonwork-purpose",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssn-nonwork-purpose-3",
      "title": "Check claimed SSA entitlement",
      "you": "Identify any Title II or SSI entitlement.",
      "ssa": "Verify allegations through MBR/SSID and document the nonwork reason in SSNAP.",
      "owner": "FO enumeration technician",
      "route": "Documented SSN application",
      "next": "Assignment is not work authorization or a new benefit award.",
      "source": "nonworkssn",
      "section": "B",
      "systems": [
        "MBR",
        "SSID",
        "SSNAP"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211600",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssn-nonwork-purpose",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "nonwork-replacement",
      "title": "You already have a nonwork SSN card",
      "when": "You request a replacement.",
      "you": "Explain the new current qualifying nonwork need.",
      "ssa": "Require evidence of a different valid current nonwork need, along with replacement evidence.",
      "route": "Replacement-card review",
      "next": "The original nonwork reason alone is insufficient.",
      "source": "replacementstatus",
      "section": "C",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110210015",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssn-nonwork-purpose",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "nonwork-signatory-changed",
      "title": "The government agency’s authorized signer has changed",
      "when": "The official in the existing nonwork-reason precedent leaves the position.",
      "you": "Ask the benefit agency for documentation signed by its current authorized official.",
      "ssa": "Establish a new precedent file with the new management official or designee before accepting the signature for the nonwork reason.",
      "route": "Field office ↔ issuing government entity",
      "next": "The old signatory precedent does not establish the new official’s authority. Regional requirements also require consultation.",
      "source": "nonworkssn",
      "section": "A.3.a–b",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected signature-authority exception checked; regional instructions remain unreviewed"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211600",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected signature-authority exception checked; regional instructions remain unreviewed"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssn-nonwork-purpose",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "nonwork-foreign-post-status",
      "title": "The nonwork SSN applicant resides outside the United States",
      "when": "The person requests the SSN at a Foreign Service Post.",
      "you": "Provide the requested age, identity and nonwork-need documentation.",
      "ssa": "Apply the stated exception: alien-status evidence is not required for an applicant residing outside the U.S. requesting at a Foreign Service Post.",
      "route": "Foreign Service Post nonwork-evidence review; internal handoff not specified",
      "next": "This evidence exception does not waive the qualifying nonwork need or other applicable requirements.",
      "source": "nonworkssn",
      "section": "A.2 note",
      "timing": "No processing duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected evidence exception checked; no individual SSN eligibility conclusion"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211600",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected evidence exception checked; no individual SSN eligibility conclusion"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssn-nonwork-purpose",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "invalid-nonwork-written-notice",
      "title": "The stated nonwork reason does not qualify",
      "when": "SSA finds the nonwork reason invalid under the applicable rules.",
      "you": "Read the written explanation and ask about any missing or disputed facts.",
      "ssa": "Provide Form SSA-L676 explaining why SSA cannot assign an SSN or issue a card.",
      "route": "SSA nonwork-application review → written SSA-L676",
      "next": "Expect the specified written explanation. Full linked second-review procedures remain unverified; no appeal deadline is asserted here.",
      "source": "invalidnonwork",
      "section": "B",
      "timing": "No notice completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected written-notice action checked; RM10215.110 remains a retrieval blocker"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211615",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected written-notice action checked; RM10215.110 remains a retrieval blocker"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssn-nonwork-purpose",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "tax-bank-nonwork-referral",
      "title": "The reason is solely tax or banking needs",
      "when": "The nonwork request is solely for Federal/State income tax or banking/monetary purposes.",
      "you": "Explain the purpose accurately.",
      "ssa": "Explain SSA does not assign an SSN solely for these purposes; advise about applying to IRS using Form W-7. If SSA-L676 is provided, advise sending a copy with W-7.",
      "route": "SSA notice/explanation → IRS ITIN application information",
      "next": "Consult current IRS instructions for eligibility and filing. The SSA referral does not establish ITIN eligibility or an IRS processing time.",
      "source": "invalidnonwork",
      "section": "B",
      "timing": "No processing duration specified",
      "review_status": "SSA referral procedure checked; no tax eligibility advice"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211615",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "SSA referral procedure checked; no tax eligibility advice"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssn-nonwork-purpose",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "nonwork-state-license-only",
      "title": "A State ID or license requirement is the only reason",
      "when": "The request is solely for a State driver/non-driver ID or another State license or certificate.",
      "you": "Explain the requested service and any separate basis for an SSN.",
      "ssa": "Do not assign a nonwork SSN solely for these reasons; provide the invalid-reason written explanation under subsection B.",
      "route": "SSA nonwork-reason review → SSA-L676 when applicable",
      "next": "Ask the requesting agency about its alternatives. This branch does not decide access to that agency’s service or a separate work-authorized SSN application.",
      "source": "invalidnonwork",
      "section": "A.5–A.6; B",
      "timing": "No notice or processing duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected SSA assignment limitation checked; external State-service rules not assessed"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211615",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected SSA assignment limitation checked; external State-service rules not assessed"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssn-nonwork-purpose",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "nonwork-payee-deemor-only",
      "title": "The only reason is a representative-payee or SSI-deemor role",
      "when": "The requester is not otherwise eligible for an SSN.",
      "you": "Identify the role and any other basis for the SSN request.",
      "ssa": "Do not assign an SSN solely because of representative-payee or SSI-deemor status; apply the invalid-nonwork-reason notice procedure.",
      "route": "SSA nonwork-reason review → written explanation",
      "next": "Expect review of the actual SSN basis. This limitation does not decide payee suitability or another person’s SSI eligibility.",
      "source": "invalidnonwork",
      "section": "A.12; B",
      "timing": "No processing duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected SSN limitation checked; payee and SSI decisions remain separate"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211615",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected SSN limitation checked; payee and SSI decisions remain separate"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssn-nonwork-purpose",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "nonwork-replacement-documentation-outcome",
      "title": "Replacement nonwork-card documentation and notice",
      "when": "A person without DHS work authorization requests a replacement card.",
      "you": "Provide the requested current qualifying nonwork documentation.",
      "ssa": "Review the current valid reason and agency evidence. With required information, record the reason, DHS form number and required evidence on the SSNAP Proof of Alien Status screen. Explain the employment restriction and DHS notification if the card is used for U.S. work. Without required evidence, provide SSA-L676 explaining the missing valid nonwork basis. Watch for changed DHS work authorization.",
      "route": "Field office → SSNAP documentation / SSA-L676",
      "next": "An issued nonwork card bears the employment restriction. Changed authorization requires separate review.",
      "source": "nonworkcardscenarios",
      "section": "A.2",
      "timing": "No completion interval specified.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection independently checked 2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211620",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official subsection independently checked 2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssn-nonwork-purpose",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "original-nonwork-processing-notice",
      "title": "An original nonwork SSN request reaches processing or notice",
      "when": "An applicant without DHS work authorization claims a valid nonwork need for an original number.",
      "you": "Provide the requested age, identity, status and government-benefit evidence.",
      "ssa": "Determine a current valid basis; document submitted evidence and reason on SSNAP Proof of Legal Alien Status and verify status under RM10214.100. Explain the employment restriction and DHS notification if used for U.S. work. Missing required evidence leads to SSA-L676 explaining missing work authorization and nonwork basis. Explain the notice limits to a requesting State agency.",
      "route": "Field office → evidence verification / SSA-L676 → requesting agency explanation",
      "next": "The notice establishes that appropriate documents were not submitted; it does not certify verified status or absence of a prior SSN.",
      "source": "nonworkcardscenarios",
      "section": "A.1",
      "timing": "No completion interval specified.",
      "review_status": "Official A1 checked; linked status-verification procedure not fully verified"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211620",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official A1 checked; linked status-verification procedure not fully verified"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssn-nonwork-purpose",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "work-purpose-no-authorization-notice",
      "title": "A work-purpose request lacks DHS authorization evidence",
      "when": "A person without DHS work authorization seeks a card for employment or self-employment.",
      "you": "Contact DHS about appropriate work authorization or status documentation.",
      "ssa": "Explain that a work-purpose card requires DHS employment authorization evidence. Refer to the nearest DHS office and provide SSA-L670 identifying the missing evidence. If the person insists on filing and processing, explain no number or card can be issued on that basis and provide SSA-L676 with the written reason.",
      "route": "Field office → DHS documentation; SSA-L670 / SSA-L676 as applicable",
      "next": "The work-purpose scenario differs from a separately established valid nonwork basis.",
      "source": "nonworkcardscenarios",
      "section": "A opening",
      "timing": "No completion interval specified.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection independently checked 2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211620",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official subsection independently checked 2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "disabled-child-in-care-review",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "disabled-child-in-care-review-1",
      "title": "Select the applicable care standard",
      "you": "Describe the child’s needs and your involvement.",
      "ssa": "Use disability findings to distinguish parental control/responsibility from personal services; flag combined impairments for DDS when developed together.",
      "owner": "FO → DDS when medical development needed",
      "route": "Care-standard selection",
      "next": "A disability finding alone does not establish the parent’s in-care requirement.",
      "source": "carestandard",
      "section": "D; E.2–3",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0301310001",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "disabled-child-in-care-review",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "disabled-child-in-care-review-2",
      "title": "Explain actual parental involvement",
      "you": "Describe decisions, supervision and contact with any custodian.",
      "ssa": "For mental impairment, evaluate actual parental control; custody rights or financial support alone are insufficient during non-temporary separation.",
      "owner": "FO claims technician",
      "route": "In-care evidence assessment",
      "next": "The finding depends on individual facts.",
      "source": "caremental",
      "section": "B.2.a–c",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0301310035",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "disabled-child-in-care-review",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "disabled-child-in-care-review-3",
      "title": "Describe personal services",
      "you": "Explain the services and their frequency; the child may also give a statement.",
      "ssa": "For physical impairment, obtain statements and resolve doubts with knowledgeable people; the pre-16 in-care finding does not carry over automatically.",
      "owner": "FO claims technician",
      "route": "Personal-services determination",
      "next": "Living together alone is insufficient for this physical-impairment standard.",
      "source": "carephysical",
      "section": "A.1; C",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0301310040",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "disabled-child-in-care-review",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "personal-services",
      "title": "What counts as personal services?",
      "when": "Physical impairment calls for personal services.",
      "you": "Describe disability-related assistance such as feeding, dressing or nursing.",
      "ssa": "Distinguish these services from ordinary household tasks; one qualifying service performed regularly can suffice.",
      "route": "FO personal-services review",
      "next": "Regular does not necessarily mean daily; services may be shared.",
      "source": "personalservices",
      "section": "A–C",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0301310015",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "disabled-child-in-care-review",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "physical-separation",
      "title": "The physically disabled child is staying elsewhere",
      "when": "The child is not living with the claimant.",
      "you": "Explain usual residence, services and expected return.",
      "ssa": "Apply customary-residence, prior-care and temporary-separation conditions; indefinite or expected-over-six-month separation fails this test.",
      "route": "FO separation assessment",
      "next": "This duration is a care condition, not an SSA processing deadline.",
      "source": "carephysical",
      "section": "B",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0301310040",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "disabled-child-in-care-review",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "mental-separation",
      "title": "The child with a mental impairment lives elsewhere",
      "when": "The separation may be temporary or longer.",
      "you": "Describe expected return and continuing care decisions.",
      "ssa": "Apply temporary-separation conditions or evaluate actual shared parental responsibility for longer separation.",
      "route": "FO parental-control assessment",
      "next": "Support payments or short visits alone do not establish ongoing care.",
      "source": "caremental",
      "section": "B.1–2",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0301310035",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "disabled-child-in-care-review",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "cic-physical-mental-remarks",
      "title": "Both physical and mental impairments are alleged",
      "when": "A child age 15 or older needs the cited disability determination for a mother/father or young-spouse benefit.",
      "you": "Describe both kinds of impairment.",
      "ssa": "Enter child-in-care in EDCS-3367 remarks to alert DDS to identify a documented mental impairment not shown as primary or secondary.",
      "route": "FO EDCS remarks → DDS",
      "next": "The handoff supports the medical question; it does not itself establish child-in-care entitlement.",
      "source": "cdbdevelopment",
      "section": "A.5",
      "timing": "No end-to-end processing duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected conditional staff procedure checked; full linked policy remains"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0300203085",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected conditional staff procedure checked; full linked policy remains"
  },
  {
    "journey": "disabled-child-in-care-review",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "cic-age15half-dds-route",
      "title": "The child-in-care medical question needs the residence-state DDS",
      "when": "The B routing rule applies to a child age 15½ to 18 for mother/father entitlement.",
      "you": "Confirm where the child resides.",
      "ssa": "Prepare MCS/EDCS initial-claim material and transfer to the residence-state DDS, subject to exclusions. Use a paper Modular Disability Folder when EDCS is excluded or limited.",
      "route": "FO → residence-state DDS; paper folder if applicable",
      "next": "The paper fallback changes the folder method, not the residence test.",
      "source": "cdbroute",
      "section": "B",
      "timing": "No end-to-end routing or determination duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected jurisdiction condition checked; linked exclusions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411020060",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected jurisdiction condition checked; linked exclusions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "disabled-child-in-care-review",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "dmc-partial-unfavorable-dds-notice",
      "title": "The child-in-care medical finding is partially favorable or unfavorable",
      "when": "DDS makes a partially favorable or completely unfavorable disability determination in a Title II disabled minor child case.",
      "you": "Read the medical explanation and the notice’s instructions. Identify any disputed facts or dates when contacting SSA.",
      "ssa": "DDS prepares the notice for these determinations and a personalized disability explanation written in the third person under DI 23505.001 E. That subsection points to the notice-preparation, electronic-closure and unfavorable-onset/closed-period explanation instructions for content.",
      "route": "DDS disability determination notice and personalized explanation",
      "next": "The medical explanation addresses the disability determination. SSA still applies the separate child-in-care and other benefit requirements; this notice instruction does not itself establish the parent’s entitlement or payment amount.",
      "source": "dmcmedical",
      "section": "E",
      "timing": "No notice-delivery or determination-completion duration is specified.",
      "review_status": "Selected DMC notice responsibility independently checked; complete notice templates and claim-specific appeal instructions remain separate."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0423505001",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected DMC notice responsibility independently checked; complete notice templates and claim-specific appeal instructions remain separate."
  },
  {
    "journey": "disabled-child-in-care-review",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "dmc-titleii-evaluation-distinction",
      "title": "The child has both a family-benefit disability question and an SSI question",
      "when": "SSA evaluates disability for a Title II disabled minor child case under the child-in-care provisions; a separate SSI childhood disability issue may also exist.",
      "you": "Identify each benefit being considered and provide the medical, school and other evidence SSA requests. Ask which determination a notice addresses.",
      "ssa": "For the Title II DMC determination, the disability evaluator uses the sequential evaluation applicable to Title II adult and CDB claims. At step 3, consider Part B listings first, then Part A if the impairment does not meet or equal a Part B listing. The Title XVI childhood functional-equivalence policy does not apply to the DMC determination.",
      "route": "DDS Title II DMC medical evaluation; separate SSI evaluation when applicable",
      "next": "A finding under one evaluation policy is not itself the other program’s determination. The parent’s actual child-in-care requirement also needs separate assessment.",
      "source": "dmcmedical",
      "section": "B",
      "timing": "The listing sequence describes an evaluation step, not a completion deadline.",
      "review_status": "Selected TitleII/TitleXVI evaluation distinction independently checked; full sequential evaluation and individual medical findings are not supplied."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0423505001",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected TitleII/TitleXVI evaluation distinction independently checked; full sequential evaluation and individual medical findings are not supplied."
  },
  {
    "journey": "disabled-child-in-care-review",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "dmc-controlling-date-onset-handoff",
      "title": "The medical evaluator needs the child-in-care controlling date",
      "when": "The field office sends a Title II disabled minor child case for disability development and evaluation.",
      "you": "Give SSA accurate history and evidence about the child’s condition and relevant dates. Ask SSA to clarify any date disputed in the determination.",
      "ssa": "The field office enters the controlling date on SSA-3367; DDS uses it to develop and evaluate onset. If established onset is on or before the recommended controlling date, DDS records that relationship in SSA-831 item 34. If the recommended controlling date is in the future and disability is currently established, DDS records onset at least as of adjudication in item 34. In the small number of electronic-processing exclusion cases using SSA-831 instead of the EDCS routing form, the controlling date is in item 11 Remarks; complete the other items under the linked instructions.",
      "route": "Field office controlling-date entry → DDS onset development and determination remarks",
      "next": "The controlling date guides the medical review; it does not automatically establish onset or the parent’s entitlement. Internal report entries are staff actions, not forms the customer must create.",
      "source": "dmcmedical",
      "section": "C–D",
      "timing": "The controlling date and adjudication date describe the evaluation, not a processing deadline or promised benefit-start date.",
      "review_status": "Selected date handoff and conditional report locations independently checked; complete SSA-831 instructions and individual onset findings remain separate."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0423505001",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected date handoff and conditional report locations independently checked; complete SSA-831 instructions and individual onset findings remain separate."
  },
  {
    "journey": "divorce-family-record-actions",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "divorce-family-record-actions-1",
      "title": "Identify affected beneficiaries",
      "you": "Give the final divorce date and any adoption information.",
      "ssa": "Separate spouse and stepchild cases; check divorced-spouse eligibility instead of assuming all spouse benefits end.",
      "owner": "N8NN / FO / PC",
      "route": "Relationship review",
      "next": "Spouse and stepchild termination months can differ.",
      "source": "divorceprocessing",
      "section": "Introduction; A–B",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0202602400",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "divorce-family-record-actions",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "divorce-family-record-actions-2",
      "title": "Develop an alleged adoption",
      "you": "Respond to adoption-evidence requests.",
      "ssa": "FO develops adoption, issues suspension notice, documents S9 and controls follow-up; N8NN refers the allegation to FO by MDW.",
      "owner": "N8NN → FO",
      "route": "Adoption development",
      "next": "An alleged adoption needs evidence before the relationship decision.",
      "source": "divorceprocessing",
      "section": "A.3; B.3",
      "systems": [
        "MDW"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0202602400",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "divorce-family-record-actions",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "divorce-family-record-actions-3",
      "title": "Monitor the input",
      "you": "Read the resulting benefit and any overpayment notices.",
      "ssa": "Monitor MBR; avoid duplicate inputs after an exception. Check pending PC action and contact PC by MDW if none after three business days.",
      "owner": "FO → servicing PC",
      "route": "Exception follow-up",
      "next": "The three-day interval is an internal follow-up trigger, not a completion promise.",
      "source": "divorceprocessing",
      "section": "B.4; C.1–2",
      "systems": [
        "MBR",
        "MDW"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0202602400",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "divorce-family-record-actions",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "adopted-stepchild",
      "title": "The stepchild was legally adopted",
      "when": "Adoption may preserve another child relationship.",
      "you": "Supply requested adoption evidence.",
      "ssa": "Evaluate entitlement as an adopted child rather than applying stepchild termination alone.",
      "route": "FO adopted-child evaluation",
      "next": "The adoption must meet the applicable requirements.",
      "source": "childtermination",
      "section": "B.4.a",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300203035",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "divorce-family-record-actions",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "adoption-alone",
      "title": "A child already receiving benefits is adopted",
      "when": "The event is adoption, not annulment of adoption.",
      "you": "Report the event accurately.",
      "ssa": "Do not treat adoption itself as a termination event for an already entitled child.",
      "route": "Child-benefit review",
      "next": "Annulment of an adoption is a separate rule.",
      "source": "childtermination",
      "section": "B.3; C",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300203035",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "cdb-marriage-benefit-review",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "cdb-marriage-benefit-review-1",
      "title": "Identify the spouse’s benefit",
      "you": "Report the marriage and spouse’s benefit type.",
      "ssa": "Check the CDB exception for marriage to a Social Security beneficiary; exclude under-18 child and age-18/19 student beneficiaries.",
      "owner": "SSA benefit reviewer; detailed assignment unverified",
      "route": "Marriage-exception review",
      "next": "Do not assume all people receiving a payment meet the exception.",
      "source": "childtermination",
      "section": "A.3.a",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300203035",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "cdb-marriage-benefit-review",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "cdb-marriage-benefit-review-2",
      "title": "Separate SSI-only and later benefit events",
      "you": "Explain whether the spouse receives SSI only or later loses disability/CDB.",
      "ssa": "SSI-only is not a Social Security beneficiary for this rule; spouse CDB/disability termination does not itself terminate the other CDB.",
      "owner": "SSA benefit reviewer; detailed assignment unverified",
      "route": "Entitlement review",
      "next": "A later event needs its own review.",
      "source": "childtermination",
      "section": "A.3.a; note after A.3.b",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300203035",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "mother-father-remarriage",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "mother-father-remarriage-1",
      "title": "Identify the precise benefit",
      "you": "Explain which benefit you and your new spouse receive.",
      "ssa": "Apply the mother/father rule separately from aged or disabled widow(er) rules.",
      "owner": "SSA claims reviewer; intake assignment unverified",
      "route": "Benefit-specific review",
      "next": "Remarriage ordinarily bars or ends mother/father entitlement, subject to exceptions.",
      "source": "motherremarriage",
      "section": "A–B",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300208035",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "mother-father-remarriage",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "mother-father-remarriage-2",
      "title": "Check the beneficiary-spouse exception",
      "you": "Provide the spouse’s benefit information requested.",
      "ssa": "Check the listed beneficiary categories and that both spouses are entitled to the specified benefits for the marriage month.",
      "owner": "SSA claims reviewer; intake assignment unverified",
      "route": "Marriage-month evaluation",
      "next": "The exception is conditional; marriage to any recipient is not enough.",
      "source": "motherremarriage",
      "section": "B.2",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300208035",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "mother-father-remarriage",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "mother-father-remarriage-3",
      "title": "Develop a later marriage ending",
      "you": "Give the termination date, state and requested evidence.",
      "ssa": "Apply proof requirements; when preferred decree evidence is unavailable, develop secondary evidence and document why.",
      "owner": "SSA evidence reviewer",
      "route": "Relationship evidence → entitlement review",
      "next": "Missing a decree does not automatically end evidence development.",
      "source": "marriageendproof",
      "section": "A.1–2; B.1–2",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200305140",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "mother-father-remarriage",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "later-marriage-ends",
      "title": "The later marriage ended",
      "when": "Death or divorce ended the subsequent marriage.",
      "you": "Provide the termination information.",
      "ssa": "Consider entitlement/re-entitlement beginning with that month, subject to all other requirements.",
      "route": "Mother/father entitlement review",
      "next": "This is a possible entitlement month, not the date a payment will arrive.",
      "source": "motherremarriage",
      "section": "B.1",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300208035",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "mother-father-remarriage",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "married-at-filing",
      "title": "You are married when you apply",
      "when": "Earlier unmarried months fall within the application’s retroactive period.",
      "you": "Explain your complete marriage timeline.",
      "ssa": "Consider otherwise qualifying unmarried months within the application’s retroactive scope.",
      "route": "Application-month review",
      "next": "No retroactive period or payment amount is calculated here.",
      "source": "motherremarriage",
      "section": "B.3",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300208035",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "f1-campus-ssn",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "f1-campus-ssn-1",
      "title": "Identify the work category",
      "you": "Explain whether the work is on-campus, CPT or OPT.",
      "ssa": "Check F-1 status and the evidence for the specific employment category; a valid EAD can establish status and authorization.",
      "owner": "Enumeration technician",
      "route": "Category-specific evidence review",
      "next": "A school document is not interchangeable with every employment authorization.",
      "source": "f1status",
      "section": "Opening paragraphs; A–B",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211240",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "f1-campus-ssn",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "f1-campus-ssn-2",
      "title": "Provide campus-job evidence",
      "you": "Bring the required school and employment documents.",
      "ssa": "Accept a qualifying DSO letter plus recent payslip/original employer letter, or a qualifying employer letter signed off by the DSO.",
      "owner": "Enumeration technician",
      "route": "On-campus employment evidence",
      "next": "The single-letter option must meet both sets of content requirements.",
      "source": "f1campus",
      "section": "A.1–2",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211245",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "f1-campus-ssn",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "f1-campus-ssn-3",
      "title": "Get help with inaccessible evidence",
      "you": "Explain language, transport or offsite payroll difficulties.",
      "ssa": "Assist by contacting school/HR or requesting records; review an acceptable original or custodian fax rather than substituting a phone/email response.",
      "owner": "Servicing FO ↔ school / employer",
      "route": "Evidence assistance → SSN review",
      "next": "A helpful phone call does not replace required documentary evidence.",
      "source": "f1assistance",
      "section": "A; B.1–2",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211285",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "f1-campus-ssn",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "fax-questioned",
      "title": "A faxed employer document raises questions",
      "when": "SSA needs to confirm the source or content.",
      "you": "Provide current school/employer contact information.",
      "ssa": "Contact the employer to verify the fax or clarify questionable information.",
      "route": "FO → employer verification",
      "next": "The fax must meet the custodian/source-identification conditions.",
      "source": "f1assistance",
      "section": "B.2",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211285",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "f1-campus-ssn",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "sevis-not-current",
      "title": "The school’s SEVIS record needs attention",
      "when": "Student status cannot yet be verified from the record.",
      "you": "Ask the school/sponsor to keep SEVIS information current.",
      "ssa": "Provide the referenced DHS fact sheet and advise on school follow-up; activation is required for SEVIS verification.",
      "route": "Student → school / sponsor",
      "next": "This does not disclose or reconstruct restricted SSA verification steps.",
      "source": "f1assistance",
      "section": "C",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211285",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "f1-campus-ssn",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "campus-letter-content",
      "title": "The school or employer letter is incomplete",
      "when": "SSA needs required letter details.",
      "you": "Ask the issuer to complete the required information.",
      "ssa": "Check DSO letterhead, student/school/job identification, contact, signature/date; employer letter also needs hire details, hours, EIN, supervisor and signature/title/date.",
      "route": "Student → DSO / employer → FO",
      "next": "An employer-letter start date must be no more than 30 days ahead at SSN application.",
      "source": "f1letters",
      "section": "A; C",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211270",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "f1-campus-ssn",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "job-already-ended",
      "title": "The job ended or payslip is old",
      "when": "The evidence does not show recent employment.",
      "you": "Identify the employer and prior work.",
      "ssa": "Verify questionable/old payslips with the employer; process when employment is confirmed even if the job ended.",
      "route": "FO → employer verification",
      "next": "The employer may still need the SSN for wage reporting.",
      "source": "f1letters",
      "section": "B",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211270",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "f1-campus-ssn",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "dso-also-employer",
      "title": "The DSO is also the employer",
      "when": "The DSO supplied the school letter.",
      "you": "Obtain employment verification from another appropriate official.",
      "ssa": "Do not accept that same DSO as the employment-verification source; use payroll or the responsible department.",
      "route": "Student / school → FO",
      "next": "School-status evidence and employment verification need the specified distinct sources.",
      "source": "f1letters",
      "section": "C note",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211270",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "f1-campus-ssn",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "fellowship-assistantship",
      "title": "You have a fellowship or graduate assistantship",
      "when": "The award includes a work requirement.",
      "you": "Supply the DSO letter and acceptance letter describing the work portion.",
      "ssa": "Evaluate those documents; a shown start date is entered in the Enumeration system and must meet the 30-day rule.",
      "route": "FO fellowship-evidence review",
      "next": "The acceptance letter itself need not state a start date.",
      "source": "f1fellowship",
      "section": "B",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211250",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "f1-campus-ssn",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "tuition-for-services",
      "title": "Tuition or a scholarship is exchanged for services",
      "when": "Regular payslips are unavailable.",
      "you": "Provide the DSO letter and employment letter.",
      "ssa": "Evaluate the school and employment documentation under the applicable letter requirements.",
      "route": "Student → school/employer → FO",
      "next": "A tuition award alone does not establish the work evidence.",
      "source": "f1fellowship",
      "section": "A",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211250",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "f1-cpt-ssn",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "f1-cpt-ssn-1",
      "title": "Bring the signed I-20",
      "you": "Print an emailed I-20 before the visit.",
      "ssa": "Accept the permitted physical, reproduced or electronic DSO signature/date on page 1.",
      "owner": "FO / card-center enumeration technician",
      "route": "Document review",
      "next": "The policy allows specified signatures; it does not require a wet signature in every CPT case.",
      "source": "f1cpt",
      "section": "A, page 1 requirements",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211255",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "f1-cpt-ssn",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "f1-cpt-ssn-2",
      "title": "Check the CPT endorsement",
      "you": "Ask the DSO to complete missing employment details.",
      "ssa": "Check page 2 specifies CPT, full/part time, employer/location and start/end dates; do not require EAD, DSO letter or payslip for CPT employment evidence.",
      "owner": "FO / card-center enumeration technician",
      "route": "CPT evidence → remaining SSN checks",
      "next": "OPT annotations are not a CPT endorsement.",
      "source": "f1cpt",
      "section": "A; B",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211255",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "f1-cpt-ssn",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "opt-instead",
      "title": "The endorsement is for OPT",
      "when": "The I-20 says OPT rather than CPT.",
      "you": "Provide the applicable DHS employment authorization evidence.",
      "ssa": "For OPT, require the DHS EAD even when the DSO annotated the I-20.",
      "route": "OPT evidence review",
      "next": "Do not apply the CPT no-EAD rule to OPT.",
      "source": "f1status",
      "section": "B.2",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211240",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "f1-cpt-ssn",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "english-program",
      "title": "You attend an English-language program",
      "when": "CPT evidence is submitted for that program.",
      "you": "Clarify the program and alleged work category with the DSO.",
      "ssa": "Do not accept page 2 as CPT evidence for English-language-program students.",
      "route": "Enumeration eligibility/evidence review",
      "next": "The policy identifies these students as ineligible for CPT.",
      "source": "f1cpt",
      "section": "B note",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211255",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "f1-cpt-ssn",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "new-school-i20",
      "title": "You transferred schools",
      "when": "A new school issued an I-20.",
      "you": "Submit the new school’s I-20.",
      "ssa": "Review the updated form; a new form after entry need not carry a DHS entry stamp and must meet DSO signature/date rules.",
      "route": "Student → new DSO → FO",
      "next": "Use current school evidence, with the published signature methods.",
      "source": "i20review",
      "section": "B; E",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211275",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "m1-student-ssn",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "m1-student-ssn-1",
      "title": "Identify the authorization",
      "you": "Present the applicable DHS EAD.",
      "ssa": "Require EAD evidence for M-1 employment-authorized status, including border commuters; do not substitute F-1 campus/CPT rules.",
      "owner": "Enumeration technician",
      "route": "M-1 evidence review",
      "next": "M-1 work evidence is not the same as F-1 on-campus evidence.",
      "source": "m1evidence",
      "section": "A–B",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211265",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "m1-student-ssn",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "m1-student-ssn-2",
      "title": "Separate a nonwork request",
      "you": "Explain any claimed qualifying nonwork reason.",
      "ssa": "For rare qualifying nonwork cases, review nonimmigrant-status evidence and I-20 under the nonwork rules.",
      "owner": "Enumeration technician",
      "route": "Nonwork SSN review if applicable",
      "next": "Student enrollment by itself is not a qualifying nonwork reason.",
      "source": "m1evidence",
      "section": "Opening paragraph",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211265",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "m1-student-ssn",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "nonwork-evidence",
      "title": "A qualifying nonwork reason is alleged",
      "when": "The request follows nonwork enumeration rules.",
      "you": "Obtain the required government-agency letter and other evidence.",
      "ssa": "Apply the established nonwork reason/documentation requirements.",
      "route": "FO ↔ government benefit agency",
      "next": "See the existing nonwork SSN journey for the letter and entitlement checks.",
      "source": "nonworkssn",
      "section": "A–B",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211600",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "disabled-survivor-prior-benefits",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "disabled-survivor-prior-benefits-1",
      "title": "Identify the earlier benefit",
      "you": "Tell SSA whether the prior payment was monthly benefits or only the lump-sum death payment.",
      "ssa": "Treat an LSDP-only history as an initial claim; otherwise develop the prior-entitlement case.",
      "owner": "FO claims technician",
      "route": "Initial / prior-entitlement development",
      "next": "Prior payment history does not remove the application requirement.",
      "source": "dwbprior",
      "section": "A; B",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300207008",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "disabled-survivor-prior-benefits",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "disabled-survivor-prior-benefits-2",
      "title": "Verify controlling dates",
      "you": "Provide requested age, relationship and prior-benefit evidence.",
      "ssa": "Verify the death or prior termination date, include verification of the later date in the folder and establish the prescribed period.",
      "owner": "FO claims technician",
      "route": "Completed technical development",
      "next": "The atlas does not calculate an individual prescribed period.",
      "source": "dwbprior",
      "section": "A; B; C",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300207008",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "disabled-survivor-prior-benefits",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "disabled-survivor-prior-benefits-3",
      "title": "Transfer disability evidence",
      "you": "Complete the disability report and respond to evidence requests.",
      "ssa": "Complete FO actions and send the disability material to DDS using the applicable electronic or exclusion route.",
      "owner": "FO → DDS",
      "route": "Medical determination",
      "next": "Multiple-entitlement-period processing requires checking EDCS exclusions.",
      "source": "dwbprior",
      "section": "B; C.2",
      "systems": [
        "EDCS",
        "MCS"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300207008",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "disabled-survivor-prior-benefits",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "first-claim50",
      "title": "This is the first survivor claim at age 50–59",
      "when": "The claimant alleges disability on the deceased worker’s record.",
      "you": "Describe disability and prior claim history.",
      "ssa": "Follow the initial DWB development route in DI 11015.010 and the electronic-case references as applicable.",
      "route": "FO disability intake",
      "next": "Initial and prior-entitlement development are distinct.",
      "source": "dwbfirst",
      "section": "A–B",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300207007",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "disabled-survivor-prior-benefits",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "multiple-entitlement-paper",
      "title": "The case involves multiple entitlement periods",
      "when": "The EDCS exclusion applies.",
      "you": "Continue responding through the assigned office.",
      "ssa": "Establish the required paper folder; EDCS does not support multiple entitlement periods.",
      "route": "FO paper processing → adjudicating component",
      "next": "A paper route is a processing method, not a denial.",
      "source": "edcsexclusions",
      "section": "Opening instructions; A.5",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0481010030",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "disabled-survivor-prior-benefits",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "work-issue-before-medical",
      "title": "Work activity raises an SGA issue",
      "when": "The disability claim includes work.",
      "you": "Provide requested employee/self-employment work information.",
      "ssa": "FO develops SGA and documents the work report; if discovered after transfer, contact DDS for jurisdiction return before the applicable FO denial action.",
      "route": "FO ↔ DDS",
      "next": "A work issue may change who handles the next decision.",
      "source": "dwbedcs",
      "section": "B",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411015010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "disabled-survivor-prior-benefits",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "railroad-medical-jurisdiction",
      "title": "Qualifying railroad service or RRB survivor disability annuity is involved",
      "when": "The source’s railroad jurisdiction conditions apply.",
      "you": "Tell SSA about railroad service and RRB benefits.",
      "ssa": "Use GLPSC disability jurisdiction when the specified service/annuity conditions apply rather than routine DDS routing.",
      "route": "FO → GLPSC",
      "next": "Railroad history can change the medical-determination destination.",
      "source": "dwbedcs",
      "section": "C note",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411015010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "disabled-survivor-prior-benefits",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "paper-evidence-package",
      "title": "The DWB follows the paper exclusion route",
      "when": "An applicable exclusion requires an official paper folder.",
      "you": "Complete the requested disability report and authorization.",
      "ssa": "Prepare the MDF, put prescribed-period/controlling dates on SSA-3367, and prepare the paper SSA-831 for transfer.",
      "route": "FO → medical-determination office",
      "next": "Electronic collection may assist without making the official folder electronic.",
      "source": "dwbpaper",
      "section": "A; C–D",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411015015",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "disabled-survivor-prior-benefits",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "concurrent-paper-claims",
      "title": "DWB and another disability claim are being developed together",
      "when": "A concurrent paper/exclusion case is involved.",
      "you": "Identify the other pending claim.",
      "ssa": "Send both claims when ready; if not simultaneous, release the ready case and place development-status reports in both folders.",
      "route": "FO → DDS",
      "next": "One claim’s unfinished development should be identified rather than silently holding the other.",
      "source": "dwbpaper",
      "section": "D",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411015015",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "disabled-survivor-prior-benefits",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "same-period-prior-denial",
      "title": "A prior denial covers the same period",
      "when": "A later DWB claim may raise res judicata.",
      "you": "Tell SSA about the earlier claim and any new information.",
      "ssa": "Obtain the prior folder and flag review; if it cannot be located, tell DDS a substantive determination is necessary.",
      "route": "FO → DDS prior-decision review",
      "next": "A repeated filing is not automatically a new medical allowance or an automatic denial.",
      "source": "dwbpaper",
      "section": "C.5",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411015015",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "disabled-survivor-prior-benefits",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "prescribed-period-evidence",
      "title": "A date used for the disability period is uncertain",
      "when": "Death, earlier benefit termination or another controlling fact is in doubt.",
      "you": "Provide requested records and explain the timeline.",
      "ssa": "Verify doubtful information through SSA or probative records; document the prescribed period and controlling date.",
      "route": "FO date development → medical review",
      "next": "The relevant dates guide medical development; they are not processing deadlines.",
      "source": "dwbdates",
      "section": "A; B.1.c; B.2",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411005050",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "disabled-survivor-prior-benefits",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "mother-benefit-suspended",
      "title": "Mother/father benefits are suspended for no child in care",
      "when": "The claimant remains entitled to those benefits.",
      "you": "Explain whether benefits were suspended or terminated.",
      "ssa": "Do not treat that in-care suspension as starting the DWB prescribed period.",
      "route": "FO prescribed-period review",
      "next": "Suspension and termination can have different date consequences.",
      "source": "dwbdates",
      "section": "B.1.a note",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411005050",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "disabled-survivor-prior-benefits",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "dib-dwb-different-periods-both-development",
      "title": "Your own-record and widow(er) disability claims cover different periods",
      "when": "DIB and DWB claims are filed simultaneously and their adjudication periods differ, such as the insured-status period and the widow(er) prescribed period.",
      "you": "Identify both claims and provide accurate work, medical and prior-benefit dates. Ask SSA which periods each claim covers.",
      "ssa": "The field office develops both claims and records onset, date last insured and prescribed-period information on SSA-3367 so DDS knows both need disability determinations. This is the DI 11015.001 B.1 exception to omitting a DWB determination when a higher DIB is allowed; the higher potential own-record amount does not erase a different adjudication period.",
      "route": "Field-office dual-period documentation → DDS determination for both claims",
      "next": "Each claim’s period and requirements need review. This instruction does not calculate the customer’s benefit amounts or establish that either claim is allowed.",
      "source": "dwbgeneral",
      "section": "B.1 note",
      "timing": "Insured and prescribed periods define the medical review; no development-completion duration is specified.",
      "review_status": "Selected simultaneous-claim exception independently checked; full DIB/DWB benefit comparison and prescribed-period calculations remain separate."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0411015001",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected simultaneous-claim exception independently checked; full DIB/DWB benefit comparison and prescribed-period calculations remain separate."
  },
  {
    "journey": "disabled-survivor-near60",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "disabled-survivor-near60-1",
      "title": "Separate the benefit periods",
      "you": "Ask which months depend on disability.",
      "ssa": "For first entitlement at 60 or later, apply regular widow(er) provisions; evaluate eligible pre-60 retroactive disability months separately.",
      "owner": "FO claims technician",
      "route": "Benefit-period evaluation",
      "next": "No personal retroactive entitlement is established here.",
      "source": "dwbnear60",
      "section": "A",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300207009",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "disabled-survivor-near60",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "disabled-survivor-near60-2",
      "title": "Track the pending disability issue",
      "you": "Read the award and the paragraph explaining the pending disability determination.",
      "ssa": "When the section’s age/processing conditions apply, process the regular award unless excluded, mark DWB pending on DW01, send the pending paragraph, diary and refer evidence to DDS.",
      "owner": "FO → DDS",
      "route": "Regular award plus tracked disability issue",
      "next": "A regular survivor award does not mean the disability issue was denied.",
      "source": "dwbnear60",
      "section": "B",
      "systems": [
        "MCS",
        "DW01"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300207009",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "disabled-survivor-near60",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "disabled-survivor-near60-3",
      "title": "Act on a later allowance",
      "you": "Read any later amended award and payment explanation.",
      "ssa": "If disability is established, prepare an amended award for PC to correct entitlement date, rate and disability coding.",
      "owner": "FO → PC",
      "route": "Amended award action",
      "next": "The later decision may require changes to the earlier award.",
      "source": "dwbnear60",
      "section": "B final paragraph",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300207009",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "disabled-survivor-near60",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "prior-ssi-credit",
      "title": "Earlier SSI/SSP may change qualifying dates",
      "when": "The record contains prior qualifying SSI/SSP payment history.",
      "you": "Ask whether prior SSI months were considered.",
      "ssa": "Review the credit provision in the current DI 11015.020.",
      "route": "SSA benefit / Medicare credit review",
      "next": "This current section concerns SSI/SSP credits, not the complete post-DDS award process.",
      "source": "dwbssicredit",
      "section": "A–B",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411015020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "dwb-prior-ssi-credit",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "dwb-prior-ssi-credit-1",
      "title": "Find the payment history",
      "you": "Tell SSA about earlier SSI or federally administered state supplement payments.",
      "ssa": "Review SSR computation history to identify the first qualifying nonzero payment month.",
      "owner": "SSA claims technician",
      "route": "SSI/SSP credit review",
      "next": "Some later suspension or termination months can still count in the period.",
      "source": "dwbssicredit",
      "section": "A; B.1",
      "systems": [
        "SSR"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411015020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "dwb-prior-ssi-credit",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "dwb-prior-ssi-credit-2",
      "title": "Apply credits with other requirements",
      "you": "Ask which dates and conditions limit the result.",
      "ssa": "Apply eligible months toward the DWB waiting and Medicare qualifying periods while checking all other entitlement and retroactivity limits.",
      "owner": "SSA claims technician",
      "route": "Entitlement / Medicare month review",
      "next": "Credit alone does not establish eligibility; Medicare cannot start before DWB entitlement under this provision.",
      "source": "dwbssicredit",
      "section": "B.2–3",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411015020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "dwb-prior-ssi-credit",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "dwb-prior-ssi-credit-3",
      "title": "Record the determination",
      "you": "Read the later benefit and coverage information.",
      "ssa": "Record month/waiting-period reasoning in MCS RPOC and Medicare information on HICL.",
      "owner": "SSA claims technician",
      "route": "Recorded determination",
      "next": "Ask for clarification if benefit and coverage dates differ.",
      "source": "dwbssicredit",
      "section": "B.4",
      "systems": [
        "MCS RPOC",
        "HICL"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411015020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "dwb-prior-ssi-credit",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-credit-start-status-and-amount",
      "title": "SSA needs to identify the first qualifying SSI or SSP payment month",
      "when": "The claims technician reviews the SSI record to establish the start of the credited period for DWB and Medicare.",
      "you": "Tell SSA about earlier SSI/SSP history and any disputed payment dates. Ask staff to check the record if the starting month is unclear.",
      "ssa": "DI 11015.020 B.1 directs review of the SSR computation history. Identify the first instance with payment status C01 or M01 and a nonzero federal or State amount due in the FAM/SAM columns. Both the status and amount conditions matter; status alone does not establish the starting month under this instruction. Later nonpayment or termination months have their own credit rule.",
      "route": "SSA claims technician SSR computation-history review → credit-period start determination",
      "next": "This is an internal evidence check. It does not require a customer-created certificate or by itself establish entitlement or the Medicare start date.",
      "source": "dwbssicredit",
      "section": "B.1",
      "timing": "The first qualifying payment month is a record condition, not a processing deadline.",
      "review_status": "Selected conjunctive status/amount check verified; unpaid eligibility disputes and complete credit calculations remain case-specific."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411015020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected conjunctive status/amount check verified; unpaid eligibility disputes and complete credit calculations remain case-specific."
  },
  {
    "journey": "dwb-prior-ssi-credit",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "dwb-credit-served-midmonth-onset",
      "title": "SSI credits satisfied the waiting period before a new midmonth onset",
      "when": "The cited SSI-credit situation has already satisfied the DWB waiting period, and disability is established during a later month.",
      "you": "Give SSA the accurate onset and earlier-benefit history. Ask how the waiting-period credit and remaining entitlement dates affect the determination.",
      "ssa": "DI 11015.020 C.2 notes that, in its already-served-waiting-period example, disability need not exist throughout the entire onset month. Staff still checks the other entitlement factors, including age, relationship and onset before the prescribed period ends, along with application retroactivity limits. DI 11015.001 A specifically points staff to this exception.",
      "route": "SSA DWB waiting-credit and onset-month entitlement review",
      "next": "The example supports a conditional onset-month rule, not an automatic award for every midmonth onset. Staff must establish that the credited waiting period and all other requirements are satisfied.",
      "source": "dwbssicredit",
      "section": "C.2 note",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "dwbgeneral",
          "section": "A important note"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "The onset month and credited waiting period are entitlement conditions, not claim-processing deadlines.",
      "review_status": "Narrow published example/express cross-reference checked; no individual prescribed-period or award-date calculation."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411015020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Narrow published example/express cross-reference checked; no individual prescribed-period or award-date calculation."
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssn-evidence-hard-to-obtain",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssn-evidence-hard-to-obtain-1",
      "title": "Look for an existing number",
      "you": "Explain the names and records you have used.",
      "ssa": "Search ALPHADENT using spelling variations for an already assigned SSN.",
      "owner": "FO enumeration technician",
      "route": "Existing-number search",
      "next": "This may identify a prior record.",
      "source": "ssnassist",
      "section": "A first bullet",
      "systems": [
        "ALPHADENT"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110210120",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssn-evidence-hard-to-obtain",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssn-evidence-hard-to-obtain-2",
      "title": "Pursue available evidence",
      "you": "Explain which records are unavailable.",
      "ssa": "Work with the applicant/representative on leads; seek agency or parallel-FO help and contact a benefit agency about its existing evidence when pertinent.",
      "owner": "FO ↔ agencies / assisting FO",
      "route": "Evidence development",
      "next": "Ask what evidence is still needed.",
      "source": "ssnassist",
      "section": "A",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110210120",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssn-evidence-hard-to-obtain",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssn-evidence-hard-to-obtain-3",
      "title": "Escalate exhausted leads",
      "you": "Keep the written explanation if processing cannot proceed.",
      "ssa": "When efforts fail, seek Regional Office guidance; if required data/evidence remains unobtainable after all leads, do not process and provide written notice.",
      "owner": "FO → Regional Office",
      "route": "Guidance / written notice",
      "next": "Assistance does not waive required evidence.",
      "source": "ssnassist",
      "section": "A final bullet and note",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110210120",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "child-ssn-parent-information",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "child-ssn-parent-information-1",
      "title": "Explain the missing information",
      "you": "Give the missing SSN or explain why unavailable.",
      "ssa": "Check acceptable reasons; otherwise seek information without requesting parent contact where domestic abuse is known.",
      "owner": "FO enumeration technician",
      "route": "Missing-parent-data review",
      "next": "Unknown and refusal are different.",
      "source": "parentssn",
      "section": "B; C.1",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110205160",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "child-ssn-parent-information",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "child-ssn-parent-information-2",
      "title": "Protect the other parent’s number",
      "you": "Provide information only through official SSA channels.",
      "ssa": "If locating a nonapplicant parent’s number, enter it and hide it on the printed application.",
      "owner": "FO enumeration technician",
      "route": "Protected application data",
      "next": "The applicant need not receive the other parent’s SSN.",
      "source": "parentssn",
      "section": "C.1",
      "systems": [
        "SSNAP"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110205160",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "child-ssn-parent-information",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "child-ssn-parent-information-3",
      "title": "Resolve the discrepancy",
      "you": "Respond to the identified mismatch.",
      "ssa": "Resolve name/number discrepancies; correct the relevant application or parent Numident, or request issuing-agency correction when the birth evidence is wrong.",
      "owner": "FO → applicant / record issuer",
      "route": "Corrected evidence → child application",
      "next": "A source-document error may need correction outside SSA.",
      "source": "parentssn",
      "section": "E",
      "systems": [
        "Numident"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110205160",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "child-ssn-parent-information",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "parent-also-applying",
      "title": "Parent and child both seek original SSNs",
      "when": "The parent applies at the same time.",
      "you": "Identify both applications.",
      "ssa": "Process the parent first, generate the assignment alert, then input the child application.",
      "route": "FO sequential processing",
      "next": "Assignment of the parent’s SSN precedes the child’s input.",
      "source": "parentssn",
      "section": "A",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110205160",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "benefit-application-validity",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "benefit-application-validity-1",
      "title": "Identify what is missing",
      "you": "Ask whether the issue is form, signature, proper applicant or filing.",
      "ssa": "Check prescribed form, proper-applicant signature and filing with SSA, with the applicable alive-at-filing exceptions.",
      "owner": "SSA claims technician",
      "route": "Validity review",
      "next": "An invalid application is not adjudicated as a benefit claim.",
      "source": "validapplication",
      "section": "C.1–2",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200204001",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "benefit-application-validity",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "benefit-application-validity-2",
      "title": "Use an accepted signature method",
      "you": "Follow SSA instructions for the applicable signature.",
      "ssa": "Apply pen-and-ink or allowed signature-proxy methods; a faxed application alone does not meet the cited signature requirement.",
      "owner": "SSA claims technician",
      "route": "Valid application → adjudication",
      "next": "Some online/proxy methods are accepted; a wet signature is not universal.",
      "source": "validapplication",
      "section": "B–C",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200204001",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "benefit-application-validity",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "attestation-not-accepted",
      "title": "You do not agree to every required attestation statement",
      "when": "SSA cannot accept attestation as the signature.",
      "you": "Use wet signature or another permitted method.",
      "ssa": "Obtain the required confirmations or switch to another acceptable method.",
      "route": "Claims signature completion",
      "next": "A phone interview alone is not always a completed signature.",
      "source": "signaturemethods",
      "section": "C.2.b",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200201015",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "benefit-application-validity",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "cpas-faxed-application",
      "title": "A CPAS-signed benefit application was faxed",
      "when": "The fax is SSA-16, SSA-8000 or SSA-8001.",
      "you": "Complete the required valid-application submission.",
      "ssa": "Do not accept the fax as a valid application; assess protective filing under the cited rule.",
      "route": "Claims filing / signature review",
      "next": "An unacceptable application format can still have a filing-protection consequence.",
      "source": "cpas",
      "section": "C.2.b",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411005017",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "duplicate-benefit-application",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "duplicate-benefit-application-1",
      "title": "Identify the earlier claim",
      "you": "Give earlier filing/notice information and any new evidence.",
      "ssa": "Mark the duplicate and develop material new information; retain it as a permanent record.",
      "owner": "Claims technician",
      "route": "Original claim / PC referral",
      "next": "The duplicate is not simply discarded.",
      "source": "duplicateapplication",
      "section": "A; B introduction",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200204028",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "duplicate-benefit-application",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "duplicate-benefit-application-2",
      "title": "Follow the correct review route",
      "you": "Ask which claim is being acted on.",
      "ssa": "Before original adjudication, consider new information with that claim; otherwise send the duplicate to PC to reexamine the prior determination and new evidence.",
      "owner": "Claims office → PC",
      "route": "Prior-decision review",
      "next": "A second form does not automatically create a new entitlement decision.",
      "source": "duplicateapplication",
      "section": "B steps 1–3",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200204028",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "duplicate-benefit-application",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "new-material-evidence",
      "title": "New material evidence or an incorrect prior decision is found",
      "when": "The duplicate changes the issues or evidence.",
      "you": "Provide the relevant information.",
      "ssa": "Reopen when administrative-finality rules permit, or adjudicate the duplicate and notify the claimant.",
      "route": "PC determination / reopening review",
      "next": "Reopening is conditional.",
      "source": "duplicateapplication",
      "section": "B steps 8–9",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200204028",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "duplicate-benefit-application",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-duplicate",
      "title": "The duplicate concerns SSI",
      "when": "The application is Title XVI.",
      "you": "Identify the benefit program.",
      "ssa": "Use the separate SSI duplicate-application instructions.",
      "route": "SSI claims review",
      "next": "This Title II route does not establish all SSI steps.",
      "source": "duplicateapplication",
      "section": "A",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200204028",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "duplicate-benefit-application",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-original-adjudication",
      "title": "The second application duplicates an SSI claim",
      "when": "The SSI duplicate rule applies.",
      "you": "Identify the original claim.",
      "ssa": "Adjudicate the original, mark/annotate duplicate and retain it in the SSI claims folder.",
      "route": "SSI claims technician",
      "next": "The duplicate remains part of the record.",
      "source": "ssiduplicate",
      "section": "B",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0500601048",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "duplicate-benefit-application",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "written-reopening-request-basis-support-later",
      "title": "Explain disagreement when supporting evidence will follow",
      "when": "A written Title II reopening request arrives within the applicable four-year period.",
      "you": "Explain the basis for disagreeing with the prior decision; identify supporting evidence still being obtained.",
      "ssa": "The adjudicator checks for a stated basis for disagreement. A bare request is insufficient under this rule, but supporting documents need not accompany a request that supplies that basis. Later submitted or developed evidence must meet the new-and-material definition before this reopening ground can apply.",
      "route": "SSA adjudicator reviewing the earlier Title II determination; follow the applicable claim ownership rules.",
      "next": "Provide the missing explanation or evidence and ask SSA how it is being considered. The request does not itself establish reopening or entitlement.",
      "source": "newmaterialreopening",
      "section": "E; A–B",
      "timing": "The general four-year measure is from notice of the initial determination; this is not a substitute for appeal deadlines or a decision turnaround promise.",
      "review_status": "Official subsections checked; precise reopening notice and appeal interactions remain pending."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0204010030",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official subsections checked; precise reopening notice and appeal interactions remain pending."
  },
  {
    "journey": "duplicate-benefit-application",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "new-application-written-action-distinction",
      "title": "A new application alone does not establish written reopening action",
      "when": "A later application is being considered alongside an earlier determination.",
      "you": "Identify the earlier decision and explain why it may be incorrect.",
      "ssa": "The adjudicator distinguishes filing a new application from a written statement questioning the earlier decision. Such a statement on the application can constitute written affirmative action; filing alone cannot. If SSA develops additional evidence showing the earlier determination was incorrect, its development request can constitute that action. A computer action alone does not qualify.",
      "route": "Adjudicator with authority over the earlier determination; authority must be checked separately before revision.",
      "next": "Ask how SSA has recorded the disagreement and which determination it is reviewing. A qualifying written action is not itself a reopening award.",
      "source": "reopeningwrittenaction",
      "section": "A–B",
      "timing": "Applicable one- or four-year limits run from notice of the initial determination; no processing duration is specified.",
      "review_status": "Live written-action rules checked; component authority, diligent pursuit and notice consequences require their own rules."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0204001050",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live written-action rules checked; component authority, diligent pursuit and notice consequences require their own rules."
  },
  {
    "journey": "duplicate-benefit-application",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "subsequent-allowance-higher-level-prior-denial",
      "title": "Route a later allowance after an earlier denial on appeal",
      "when": "The earlier application was finally denied above the initial level, and a later application is filed.",
      "you": "Identify the earlier appeal decision and the later application and evidence.",
      "ssa": "The initial claims adjudicator processes the later application first. If it is allowed, staff refer the case to the reconsideration branch. If that branch considers reopening warranted, it reopens or forwards the case to the administrative law judge or Appeals Council according to the earlier final decision level.",
      "route": "Initial claims adjudicator → reconsideration branch after allowance → authorized reopening level where needed.",
      "next": "Ask separately about the current application and the earlier decision. If reopening is unavailable, an allowed current application can still support payment with entitlement based on that application.",
      "source": "reopeningauthority",
      "section": "B opening; B.3–B.4",
      "timing": "This is a processing sequence, not a decision deadline or an individual entitlement-month calculation.",
      "review_status": "Official routing checked. Draft notice promise omitted because this subsection does not establish the precise notice; linked disability rules remain pending."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0204001020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official routing checked. Draft notice promise omitted because this subsection does not establish the precise notice; linked disability rules remain pending."
  },
  {
    "journey": "duplicate-benefit-application",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "titleii-reopening-investigation-six-month-diligence",
      "title": "Review a reopening investigation lasting more than six months",
      "when": "A Title II determination was reopened and investigation began before the applicable reopening limit, but revision occurs afterward.",
      "you": "Keep the earlier notice, investigation correspondence and evidence-submission dates.",
      "ssa": "The adjudicator checks the reopening and investigation-start dates and when investigation and revision concluded. If this takes more than six months, SSA must show diligent pursuit before an unfavorable revision. If pursuit was not diligent, this rule bars an unfavorable revision but permits a favorable revision.",
      "route": "Component authorized to revise the earlier Title II determination → documented investigation and diligence review.",
      "next": "Ask which investigation dates and circumstances support the proposed revision. This review does not itself establish entitlement or a payment amount.",
      "source": "titleiireopeningpursuit",
      "section": "A; B.1–B.2",
      "timing": "Six months runs from investigation start for this analysis; it is not a customer service deadline or an automatic award trigger.",
      "review_status": "Official conditions checked; separate SSI interface/revision branches remain governed by their own cited sources. Detailed notice and case-specific finality review remain pending."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0204001060",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official conditions checked; separate SSI interface/revision branches remain governed by their own cited sources. Detailed notice and case-specific finality review remain pending."
  },
  {
    "journey": "duplicate-benefit-application",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "prior-decision-same-period-preclusion-screen",
      "title": "Check changed facts and periods before applying an earlier decision",
      "when": "A later application appears to repeat a previously decided claim.",
      "you": "Identify new evidence, changed circumstances and any period after the earlier decision.",
      "ssa": "The adjudicator first considers reopening and revision. Staff compare the parties, issues, facts and adjudicated period before applying administrative res judicata. Changed facts, evidence or governing law require adjudication on the merits. Continued disability insured status after the earlier decision prevents applying this rule to the later unadjudicated period, even if the alleged onset and impairment are unchanged.",
      "route": "Claims adjudicator → reopening review and same-claim/period comparison; disability-specific instructions apply separately.",
      "next": "If SSA applies the earlier decision, its second-claim notice explains that result and limits the appeal to whether the person, issue and facts are the same. Review the actual notice for the response instructions.",
      "source": "priorclaimpreclusion",
      "section": "A; B including Important",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "preclusionnotice",
          "section": "C–D"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "No new processing duration or appeal deadline is established here; use the notice and applicable appeal rules.",
      "review_status": "Official general screening and notice scope checked; no conclusion that an individual claim is precluded. Disability-specific DI27516 instructions remain pending."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0203101160",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official general screening and notice scope checked; no conclusion that an individual claim is precluded. Disability-specific DI27516 instructions remain pending."
  },
  {
    "journey": "duplicate-benefit-application",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "disability-prior-denial-exception-dds-transfer",
      "title": "Send a disability prior-denial exception to DDS",
      "when": "An exception to field-office res judicata processing is established for a later Title II disability claim.",
      "you": "Explain new facts, impairments, evidence or periods and any circumstances affecting the earlier appeal.",
      "ssa": "The field office transfers an electronic claim within DDS jurisdiction for determination, records the prior filing and identified exception on SSA-3367, adds the specified DDS-review message to the electronic folder, obtains prior paper folders where applicable, and documents SSI involvement and folder location.",
      "route": "Field office → Disability Determination Services (DDS) for the exception claim.",
      "next": "Supply requested information and ask whether the claim was transferred for DDS review. Transfer does not establish disability or payment.",
      "source": "disabilitypreclusionfo",
      "section": "B.2; D.1–D.5",
      "timing": "No transfer or determination completion period is supplied in these subsections.",
      "review_status": "Official exception handoff checked. Missing-folder, pending Appeals Council, mental-incapacity and misinformation details remain separate candidates."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0427516001",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official exception handoff checked. Missing-folder, pending Appeals Council, mental-incapacity and misinformation details remain separate candidates."
  },
  {
    "journey": "duplicate-benefit-application",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "missing-prior-denial-folder-current-medical-determination",
      "title": "The prior disability denial folder cannot be located",
      "when": "SSA cannot locate the earlier Title II disability folder needed to assess a later claim.",
      "you": "Provide requested application, disability-report and medical-release information; identify earlier claim dates and records you retain.",
      "ssa": "The field office obtains a new application, SSA-3368 and SSA-827 forms, rather than reconstructing the missing prior-denial folder, and records an unsuccessful search in the current folder. If DDS cannot determine whether res judicata applies because the prior folder is missing, DDS documents that reason, develops the period under consideration and makes a medical determination. A medical denial requires consultant signatures and the standard personalized explanation and decision notice.",
      "route": "Field office search/current-claim documentation → DDS medical development and determination.",
      "next": "Respond to evidence requests and review the resulting determination notice. A missing folder alone establishes neither disability nor denial.",
      "source": "disabilitypreclusionfo",
      "section": "D paragraphs after item5",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "disabilitypreclusiondds",
          "section": "C.1 note and following paragraphs"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "No fixed search or medical-decision completion time is established here.",
      "review_status": "Prior-denial folder rule checked. Linked DI81010.242 concerns CDR comparison-point folders; its reconstruction procedures are not automatically imported into this claim."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0427516001",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Prior-denial folder rule checked. Linked DI81010.242 concerns CDR comparison-point folders; its reconstruction procedures are not automatically imported into this claim."
  },
  {
    "journey": "duplicate-benefit-application",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "dds-new-evidence-signed-consultant-review",
      "title": "DDS reviews new evidence against the earlier disability denial",
      "when": "The later Title II claim alleges new and material medical evidence.",
      "you": "Identify and submit new records or tell SSA where they can be obtained; respond to evidence requests.",
      "ssa": "DDS develops missing new evidence and compares it with the earlier final determination to assess whether it would change the outcome. Whenever new evidence is considered in medical evaluation, DDS requires a signed medical assessment documenting medical or psychological consultant review. Evidence that is not new, or is new but not material, may still permit res judicata; new and material evidence requires the substantive determination route.",
      "route": "DDS evidence development → medical or psychological consultant assessment → applicable subsequent-claim determination.",
      "next": "Ask whether the evidence was developed and considered. The consultant assessment is a staff review requirement; new evidence does not automatically establish disability or reopening.",
      "source": "disabilitypreclusiondds",
      "section": "B.3 and evidence table",
      "timing": "No evidence-review or determination turnaround is specified.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection checked; linked substantive determination and notice rules remain separate."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0427516005",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official subsection checked; linked substantive determination and notice rules remain separate."
  },
  {
    "journey": "duplicate-benefit-application",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "disability-preclusion-reconsideration-component",
      "title": "Ask for review of a disability denial based on the earlier claim",
      "when": "The customer appeals an initial Title II disability res judicata determination.",
      "you": "Follow the notice instructions and explain differences in the person, facts, issues or period considered.",
      "ssa": "The field office makes the reconsideration determination if it made the initial res judicata determination; DDS does so if DDS made the initial determination. If DDS finds that the res judicata denial was inappropriate, it makes a substantive initial determination on the evidence.",
      "route": "Initial field-office determination → field-office reconsideration; initial DDS determination → DDS reconsideration.",
      "next": "Ask which component made the initial decision and is handling reconsideration. Removing res judicata leads to an evidence-based determination, not an automatic allowance.",
      "source": "disabilitypreclusionfo",
      "section": "E",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "disabilitypreclusiondds",
          "section": "E opening; E.2"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "Use the actual notice and applicable appeal rules; these subsections do not supply a new deadline or completion duration.",
      "review_status": "Official ownership and DDS reversal outcome checked. Detailed form coding and subsequent medical notice procedures remain separate."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0427516001",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official ownership and DDS reversal outcome checked. Detailed form coding and subsequent medical notice procedures remain separate."
  },
  {
    "journey": "duplicate-benefit-application",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "prior-appeal-mental-capacity-good-cause",
      "title": "Capacity to understand the earlier appeal needs review",
      "when": "Evidence indicates mental incapacity may have prevented a timely request for review of the earlier adverse action.",
      "you": "Explain the earlier circumstances and who, if anyone, was legally responsible for pursuing the claim; provide available supporting evidence.",
      "ssa": "The adjudicator evaluates capacity at the earlier action, including literacy, English facility, education and limiting conditions. Under SSR91-5p, when mental incapacity prevented timely review and no one was legally responsible for pursuing the claim, SSA evaluates good cause. For an unrepresented person with a listed factor, staff assist in obtaining relevant evidence and resolve reasonable doubt favorably.",
      "route": "Adjudicator responsible for the requested review → good-cause determination; field-office res judicata exception review where applicable.",
      "next": "If good cause is established, SSA extends the review time and takes the action appropriate to a timely request. This does not decide benefit eligibility.",
      "source": "mentalcapacitygoodcause",
      "section": "Policy Interpretation, paragraphs beginning When a claimant; If the claimant; In determining; If the adjudicator",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "disabilitypreclusionfo",
          "section": "B.2.a"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "If the ruling’s substantive criteria are met, elapsed reopening limits do not bar establishing good cause for review; no decision turnaround is promised.",
      "review_status": "Official ruling and POMS exception checked; Fourth Circuit exception and adverse good-cause outcome require separate review."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/rulings/oasi/33/SSR91-05-oasi-33.html",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official ruling and POMS exception checked; Fourth Circuit exception and adverse good-cause outcome require separate review."
  },
  {
    "journey": "duplicate-benefit-application",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "missed-appeal-misinformation-statement-review",
      "title": "SSA information may have caused the missed appeal",
      "when": "A later application faces res judicata and the customer alleges good-faith reliance on SSA misinformation about reapplying versus appealing.",
      "you": "Provide a signed statement identifying contact dates, contact method, who supplied information, what was said about reapplying versus appealing, and what questions the employee asked.",
      "ssa": "The field office determines whether misinformation exists before denying on res judicata grounds; for oral inquiries, staff complete a Report of Contact. For an adverse determination on or after July 1, 1991, misinformation found leads to a merits determination with reconsideration rights. If not found and res judicata is applied, the notice explains the finding and the limited appeal rights.",
      "route": "Field office → documented misinformation finding → applicable merits or res judicata determination.",
      "next": "Review the written finding and notice instructions. A merits review does not automatically establish benefit entitlement.",
      "source": "appealinterviewmisinformation",
      "section": "C.3; C.5.a–b",
      "timing": "July 1, 1991 selects the historical procedure; no completion duration is specified.",
      "review_status": "Official evidence and outcome requirements checked. Earlier adverse determinations and misinformation discovered after denial remain separate branches."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0203101120",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official evidence and outcome requirements checked. Earlier adverse determinations and misinformation discovered after denial remain separate branches."
  },
  {
    "journey": "duplicate-benefit-application",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "misinformation-established-after-preclusion-decision",
      "title": "Misinformation is established after the later claim was denied",
      "when": "SSA denied a later application or dismissed an appeal on res judicata grounds, then determines misinformation was given.",
      "you": "Identify the affected denial or dismissal and provide information supporting the misinformation issue.",
      "ssa": "SSA vacates the affected denial or dismissal and issues a determination or decision on the merits of the later application. The administrative review level that first denied or dismissed on res judicata grounds makes that merits determination or decision.",
      "route": "Review level responsible for the original res judicata denial or dismissal → merits adjudication of the later application.",
      "next": "Ask which denial or dismissal was vacated and which review level will decide the merits. Vacating the earlier action does not itself establish an allowance.",
      "source": "appealinterviewmisinformation",
      "section": "C.6 and note",
      "timing": "No completion or payment date is specified.",
      "review_status": "Official corrective action and review-level ownership checked; detailed effectuation and further appeal instructions depend on the resulting decision."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0203101120",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official corrective action and review-level ownership checked; detailed effectuation and further appeal instructions depend on the resulting decision."
  },
  {
    "journey": "duplicate-benefit-application",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "pre1991-adverse-action-good-cause-review",
      "title": "The earlier adverse determination predates July 1, 1991",
      "when": "The new-application-instead-of-appeal procedure concerns an adverse determination before July 1, 1991 and reopening rules cannot apply.",
      "you": "Provide the earlier notice and a written explanation of why review was not requested on time; request help preparing the statement if needed.",
      "ssa": "Staff assess good cause to extend the appeal time rather than assuming reopening is the only route. The component with appeal jurisdiction makes the good-cause determination; staff obtain and evaluate the explanation and relevant evidence. Field-office staff forward a statement to the processing center when that center has jurisdiction.",
      "route": "Field office intake → component with jurisdiction over the requested appeal for good-cause determination.",
      "next": "Ask which component will decide the late-review request. Good cause is assessed from the facts and does not automatically establish entitlement.",
      "source": "appealinterviewmisinformation",
      "section": "C.4",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "appealgoodcauseprocedure",
          "section": "A; D opening; D.1"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "The historical adverse-action date selects this branch; no completion duration is established.",
      "review_status": "Official historical fork and written-statement/jurisdiction procedure checked; detailed adverse good-cause notices and protective-writing closeout remain separate."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0203101120",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official historical fork and written-statement/jurisdiction procedure checked; detailed adverse good-cause notices and protective-writing closeout remain separate."
  },
  {
    "journey": "duplicate-benefit-application",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "prior-disability-past-work-policy-change",
      "title": "The earlier disability denial relied on past work under older rules",
      "when": "An applicable later Title II claim follows a pre-June 22, 2024 denial after non-disability requirements were last met, based on ability to perform past relevant work.",
      "you": "Identify the earlier denial and the dates and duration of the work it relied on.",
      "ssa": "The field office routes applicable cases to DDS with the potential-res-judicata review message. DDS checks prior documentation under the specific benefit and denial-basis criteria. A new substantive determination is required if the relied-on work was before the applicable five-year relevant period or began and ended in fewer than 30 calendar days. Work within that period spanning at least 30 days may still permit res judicata if all usual conditions are met.",
      "route": "Field office → DDS prior-denial and work-policy review.",
      "next": "Ask whether the earlier work finding requires a new determination under the changed rule; this does not establish disability or payment.",
      "source": "disabilitypreclusionpolicychanges",
      "section": "B opening; B.1–B.2",
      "timing": "June 22, 2024 is the policy-change date; the work-period tests are not processing deadlines.",
      "review_status": "Official benefit/denial-basis scope checked. Other-work findings, CDB coding distinctions and listing changes remain separate candidates."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0427516010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official benefit/denial-basis scope checked. Other-work findings, CDB coding distinctions and listing changes remain separate candidates."
  },
  {
    "journey": "duplicate-benefit-application",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "prior-other-work-experience-category-change",
      "title": "Changed work-experience categories affect the earlier other-work denial",
      "when": "DDS reviews an applicable earlier Title II disability denial based on ability to adjust to other work.",
      "you": "Provide accurate work dates and duties; SSA determines the vocational categories and applicable rule.",
      "ssa": "DDS compares the prior finding, prior vocational rule and current category under the changed past-work definition. Res judicata does not apply where prior skilled or semiskilled transferable work used rule 201.03, 201.07, 201.11, 201.15, 202.03 or 202.07 and the current category is nontransferable skilled/semiskilled, unskilled or none; or where prior unskilled work used 203.03 or 203.11 and the current category is none.",
      "route": "DDS vocational comparison under the published table → substantive determination where the exception applies.",
      "next": "Ask whether the prior rule and current work category satisfy the table. A new determination is not an automatic allowance.",
      "source": "disabilitypreclusionpolicychanges",
      "section": "B.3 opening; B.3.a table",
      "timing": "No vocational-review completion time is specified.",
      "review_status": "Exact table rows checked; age55/no-work profile in B3b remains separate and requires linked ruling review."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0427516010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Exact table rows checked; age55/no-work profile in B3b remains separate and requires linked ruling review."
  },
  {
    "journey": "duplicate-benefit-application",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "digestive-skin-2023-listing-change-review",
      "title": "Digestive or skin criteria changed after the earlier denial",
      "when": "A later Title II disability claim involves a digestive disorder, or a skin disorder other than Xeroderma Pigmentosum, and the earlier denial predates October 6, 2023.",
      "you": "Identify the earlier decision and the condition being evaluated; provide requested medical evidence.",
      "ssa": "DDS compares the earlier decision date and impairment with the listing-change table. For these specified rows, staff prepare a new substantive determination rather than denying the later claim on res judicata grounds. The skin row expressly excludes Xeroderma Pigmentosum; that exclusion does not by itself decide whether other exceptions apply.",
      "route": "Field-office exception handoff → DDS impairment/date comparison → new substantive determination where this condition applies.",
      "next": "Ask whether the relevant listing-change row applies. New medical adjudication does not automatically establish disability or reopen the earlier decision.",
      "source": "disabilitypreclusionpolicychanges",
      "section": "C opening; Digestive Disorders and Skin Disorders rows",
      "timing": "October 6, 2023 is the comparison date for these rows, not a processing deadline.",
      "review_status": "Official rows and skin exclusion checked; other impairment rows require their own dates and conditions."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0427516010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official rows and skin exclusion checked; other impairment rows require their own dates and conditions."
  },
  {
    "journey": "duplicate-benefit-application",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "sensory-respiratory-listing-change-prior-denial",
      "title": "Hearing, vision or respiratory criteria changed after the denial",
      "when": "A later Title II disability claim involves hearing loss, vision or a respiratory impairment and an earlier denial predates the corresponding listing change.",
      "you": "Identify the prior decision and relevant condition; provide requested evidence.",
      "ssa": "DDS checks the impairment-specific date: hearing loss, August 2, 2010; vision, April 29, 2013; respiratory impairment, October 7, 2016. If the earlier denial predates the applicable date, staff prepare a new substantive determination under the table rather than applying res judicata to deny the later claim.",
      "route": "Field-office exception handoff → DDS listing-date comparison → substantive medical determination.",
      "next": "Ask which row and prior decision date apply. The new determination can still be favorable or unfavorable on the evidence.",
      "source": "disabilitypreclusionpolicychanges",
      "section": "C Special Senses and Speech; Respiratory Disorders rows",
      "timing": "The dates select the listing-change exception; no completion duration is supplied.",
      "review_status": "Exact three dates checked. Musculoskeletal exclusion wording has a separately recorded unresolved conflict."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0427516010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Exact three dates checked. Musculoskeletal exclusion wording has a separately recorded unresolved conflict."
  },
  {
    "journey": "duplicate-benefit-application",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "cardiovascular-hematological-listing-change-review",
      "title": "Heart, vascular or blood-disorder criteria changed after the denial",
      "when": "A later Title II disability claim involves a cardiovascular or hematological disorder with an earlier denial before the applicable listing-change date.",
      "you": "Identify the earlier decision and condition; supply requested medical evidence.",
      "ssa": "DDS compares the exact impairment and denial date: all cardiovascular disorders, February 10, 1994; chronic heart failure, ischemic heart disease or peripheral arterial disease, April 13, 2006; all hematological disorders, May 18, 2015. If the earlier denial predates the applicable row date, DDS prepares a new substantive determination instead of denying the later claim on res judicata grounds.",
      "route": "Field-office exception handoff → DDS impairment/date comparison → substantive determination.",
      "next": "Ask which impairment-specific row applies and review the resulting determination. The changed criteria do not themselves establish entitlement.",
      "source": "disabilitypreclusionpolicychanges",
      "section": "C Cardiovascular System and Hematological Disorders rows",
      "timing": "These are listing-change comparison dates, not processing deadlines.",
      "review_status": "Three official date/scope conditions checked; reopening and benefit-payment effects remain separate."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0427516010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Three official date/scope conditions checked; reopening and benefit-payment effects remain separate."
  },
  {
    "journey": "duplicate-benefit-application",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "neurological-mental-adult-down-listing-change",
      "title": "Neurological, mental or adult Down syndrome criteria changed",
      "when": "The later Title II disability claim involves one of these listing-table conditions and an earlier denial predates its specified change.",
      "you": "Identify the earlier decision and condition; provide requested records.",
      "ssa": "DDS checks the relevant row and date: non-mosaic Down syndrome in an individual age 18 or older, June 19, 2000; ALS, August 28, 2003; other neurological disorders, September 29, 2016; mental disorders, January 17, 2017. If the earlier denial predates the applicable change, DDS prepares a new substantive determination rather than denying the later claim on res judicata grounds.",
      "route": "Field-office exception handoff → DDS impairment, age-scope and date comparison → substantive determination.",
      "next": "Ask which row applies and review the resulting decision. This route does not independently establish onset, eligibility or payment.",
      "source": "disabilitypreclusionpolicychanges",
      "section": "C Congenital, Neurological and Mental Disorders rows",
      "timing": "The dates select the listing-change exception; no processing duration is specified.",
      "review_status": "Four row conditions checked, including adult non-mosaic scope and separate ALS date. Current medical eligibility remains an individual determination."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0427516010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Four row conditions checked, including adult non-mosaic scope and separate ALS date. Current medical eligibility remains an individual determination."
  },
  {
    "journey": "duplicate-benefit-application",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "immune-subgroup-listing-change-prior-denial",
      "title": "Immune-disorder criteria changed after the earlier denial",
      "when": "A later Title II disability claim involves an immune-system disorder and the prior denial predates the applicable subgroup change.",
      "you": "Identify the prior decision and condition; supply requested medical evidence.",
      "ssa": "DDS distinguishes the table subgroups: June 16, 2008 for immune disorders other than HIV infection, systemic sclerosis, polymyositis, dermatomyositis and inflammatory arthritis; January 17, 2017 for symptomatic HIV infection; April 2, 2021 for systemic sclerosis, polymyositis, dermatomyositis and inflammatory arthritis. If the prior denial predates the applicable change, DDS prepares a new substantive determination rather than applying res judicata to deny the later claim.",
      "route": "Field-office exception handoff → DDS exact impairment/date comparison → substantive determination.",
      "next": "Ask which subgroup applies and review the resulting decision. A changed listing does not by itself establish benefit entitlement.",
      "source": "disabilitypreclusionpolicychanges",
      "section": "C Immune System Disorders rows and action paragraphs",
      "timing": "These are subgroup comparison dates, not processing deadlines.",
      "review_status": "Official subgroup exclusions and symptomatic-HIV qualifier checked. No clinical diagnosis or individual eligibility conclusion is made."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0427516010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official subgroup exclusions and symptomatic-HIV qualifier checked. No clinical diagnosis or individual eligibility conclusion is made."
  },
  {
    "journey": "duplicate-benefit-application",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "cancer2009-subgroup-listing-change",
      "title": "A specified cancer subgroup has an older denial before November 2009",
      "when": "A later Title II claim involves malignant neoplastic disease of the skin, thyroid gland, breast, lungs or female genital tract, with an earlier denial before November 5, 2009.",
      "you": "Identify the earlier decision and condition; provide requested evidence.",
      "ssa": "DDS compares the prior decision date and exact cancer subgroup with the November 2009 listing-change row. For the listed conditions with a denial before that date, DDS prepares a new substantive determination instead of denying the later claim on res judicata grounds.",
      "route": "Field-office exception handoff → DDS cancer-subgroup/date comparison → substantive determination.",
      "next": "Ask whether the listed subgroup and date apply; review the resulting decision. This is not an automatic allowance or reopening of the prior claim.",
      "source": "disabilitypreclusionpolicychanges",
      "section": "C Cancer row dated November 5, 2009",
      "timing": "The date selects this row; no processing duration is specified.",
      "review_status": "Official five cancer subgroups checked. Other cancer dates and conflicting gallbladder/bile-duct wording require separate disposition."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0427516010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official five cancer subgroups checked. Other cancer dates and conflicting gallbladder/bile-duct wording require separate disposition."
  },
  {
    "journey": "duplicate-benefit-application",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "cancer2004-subgroup-listing-change",
      "title": "A specified cancer subgroup has a denial before December 2004",
      "when": "A later Title II disability claim involves a condition in the December 15, 2004 cancer row and the prior denial predates that date.",
      "you": "Identify the earlier decision and condition; provide requested evidence.",
      "ssa": "DDS checks the row covering malignant neoplastic disease of soft tissue of the head and neck, skin, breast, skeletal system, lungs, small intestine, kidneys/adrenals/ureters or female genital tract; malignancy treated by bone marrow or stem cell transplantation; leukemia; multiple myeloma; or unknown primary site after appropriate search. For that scope and earlier date, DDS prepares a new substantive determination instead of applying res judicata to deny the later claim.",
      "route": "Field-office exception handoff → DDS exact cancer-row/date comparison → substantive determination.",
      "next": "Ask whether the exact condition meets this row and review the new decision. The route does not automatically establish entitlement.",
      "source": "disabilitypreclusionpolicychanges",
      "section": "C Cancer row dated December 15, 2004",
      "timing": "December 15, 2004 is the comparison date, not a decision deadline.",
      "review_status": "Official subgroup list checked; other cancer rows remain separately scoped."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0427516010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official subgroup list checked; other cancer rows remain separately scoped."
  },
  {
    "journey": "duplicate-benefit-application",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "cancer2015-listing-scope-change",
      "title": "The earlier cancer denial predates the July 2015 listing changes",
      "when": "A later Title II claim involves a cancer listing specified in the July 20, 2015 table row and the earlier denial predates that date.",
      "you": "Identify the prior decision and condition; provide requested medical evidence.",
      "ssa": "DDS checks the row’s listing scope: 13.02, 13.03, 13.05, 13.06, 13.10, 13.12, 13.13, 13.15, 13.16, 13.17, 13.18, 13.20, 13.22, 13.23, 13.24 and 13.29. For the specified conditions and earlier date, DDS prepares a new substantive determination rather than denying the later claim on res judicata grounds.",
      "route": "Field-office exception handoff → DDS exact listing/date comparison → substantive determination.",
      "next": "Ask whether the condition falls within the listed scope; review the new determination. This does not automatically establish disability or reopen the earlier claim.",
      "source": "disabilitypreclusionpolicychanges",
      "section": "C Cancer row dated July 20, 2015",
      "timing": "July 20, 2015 is the comparison date; no processing duration is supplied.",
      "review_status": "Exact sixteen identifiers checked against the official row; current medical criteria and historical numbering require individual staff review."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0427516010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Exact sixteen identifiers checked against the official row; current medical criteria and historical numbering require individual staff review."
  },
  {
    "journey": "protect-intent-to-file",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "protect-intent-to-file-1",
      "title": "State the intent to apply",
      "you": "Say which benefits you intend to claim.",
      "ssa": "For phone/in-person contact, verify identity, check existing protective records and schedule, take the application or issue closeout as applicable.",
      "owner": "SSA intake technician",
      "route": "Documented intent / appointment",
      "next": "Asking for information without intent is different; SSI oral inquiries have separate rules.",
      "source": "protectivewriting",
      "section": "B.1; D.1",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200204010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "protect-intent-to-file",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "protect-intent-to-file-2",
      "title": "Complete the required application",
      "you": "Read the closeout notice and file through the proper applicant.",
      "ssa": "Apply the valid-application requirement within the applicable protective filing period.",
      "owner": "SSA claims technician",
      "route": "Valid application review",
      "next": "The cited periods are six months for Title II and 60 days for Title XVI; check the notice and exceptions.",
      "source": "protectivewriting",
      "section": "B.2–4",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200204010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "protect-intent-to-file",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "protect-intent-to-file-3",
      "title": "Identify family members seeking benefits",
      "you": "Say whether eligible family members also intend to apply.",
      "ssa": "Ask for intent rather than relying on names alone; record applicable family protective filing and follow the disability-auxiliary exception.",
      "owner": "SSA intake / claims technician",
      "route": "Family filing development",
      "next": "Naming a spouse or child alone is insufficient under the current rule.",
      "source": "protectivewriting",
      "section": "A; D.1",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200204010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "protect-intent-to-file",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-redetermination",
      "title": "You discuss Title II during an SSI redetermination",
      "when": "The current policy applies from April 27, 2026.",
      "you": "Clearly express any intent to apply for Title II.",
      "ssa": "Use the date of intent; starting/completing the SSI redetermination alone does not establish Title II protective filing.",
      "route": "SSI interview → Title II filing development",
      "next": "Earlier redeterminations require the historical rule.",
      "source": "protectivewriting",
      "section": "A note",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200204010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "protect-intent-to-file",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "notice-starts-period",
      "title": "You receive a closeout notification",
      "when": "The notice starts the protective filing closeout period.",
      "you": "Follow its date and application instructions.",
      "ssa": "Apply six months for Title II or 60 days for Title XVI from notification; move a nonworkday endpoint to the next workday.",
      "route": "SSA filing-date review",
      "next": "These are filing periods, not processing promises.",
      "source": "closeout",
      "section": "A",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200204012",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "protect-intent-to-file",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "dib-auxiliary-deferred",
      "title": "A family member’s claim depends on a pending DIB claim",
      "when": "Intent to file for the auxiliary was recorded.",
      "you": "Keep the family filing information.",
      "ssa": "Record intent but defer auxiliary application/closeout until DIB allowance at any adjudication level.",
      "route": "DIB claims → auxiliary development",
      "next": "The cited intent continues through the claim and appeal period.",
      "source": "closeout",
      "section": "B.1 important and note",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200204012",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "benefit-upload-signature",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "benefit-upload-signature-1",
      "title": "Complete the supported upload signature",
      "you": "Use the authenticated service and its signature checkbox/submission process.",
      "ssa": "Treat the supported form as signed upon submission and review for missing information.",
      "owner": "SSA claims technician",
      "route": "Application review",
      "next": "This applies to supported forms, not every document or application.",
      "source": "signaturemethods",
      "section": "C.4; C.4.a",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200201015",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "benefit-upload-signature",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "benefit-upload-signature-2",
      "title": "Record and develop the claim",
      "you": "Keep the mailed summary, responsibilities and receipt.",
      "ssa": "Load MCS/CCE, record the submitted date and actual upload-signature method, then adjudicate after required proofs and development.",
      "owner": "SSA claims technician",
      "route": "Claims system → evidence / adjudication",
      "next": "Submission does not mean immediate approval.",
      "source": "signaturemethods",
      "section": "C.4.a",
      "systems": [
        "MCS",
        "CCE"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200201015",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-oral-inquiry",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-oral-inquiry-1",
      "title": "Document the inquiry",
      "you": "Ask about the potential claimant’s SSI eligibility.",
      "ssa": "Record the oral inquiry in the appropriate SSA system; check whether an unexpired protective record already exists.",
      "owner": "SSA intake technician",
      "route": "SSI protective-filing record",
      "next": "SSI oral inquiries differ from a Title II information request without intent.",
      "source": "ssioralinquiry",
      "section": "A–B",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0500601025",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-oral-inquiry",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-oral-inquiry-2",
      "title": "Finish with a proper application",
      "you": "Read the closeout notification and complete a valid application.",
      "ssa": "Use the inquiry date only when the stated eligibility, alive-at-inquiry and timely proper-applicant requirements are met.",
      "owner": "SSI claims technician",
      "route": "Application / eligibility review",
      "next": "The deadline is tied to the closeout notification, not an assumed decision date.",
      "source": "ssioralinquiry",
      "section": "A",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0500601025",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-oral-inquiry",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "titleii-ssi-question",
      "title": "SSI is discussed during a Title II claim",
      "when": "The age/blindness/disability conditions apply.",
      "you": "Tell SSA whether you want to apply for SSI.",
      "ssa": "Explain SSI and document the filing choice; assess use of the Title II filing date under the SSI oral-inquiry rules.",
      "route": "Title II interview → SSI application development",
      "next": "The SSI application is still required.",
      "source": "ssioralinquiry",
      "section": "C; D chart",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0500601025",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "return-titleii-paper-application",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "return-titleii-paper-application-1",
      "title": "Read and complete the package",
      "you": "Answer marked questions, correct and initial errors, sign/date and follow return instructions.",
      "ssa": "Send the Title II cover notice with the application, requested evidence and applicable closeout dates.",
      "owner": "FO claims technician",
      "route": "Applicant signature / evidence response",
      "next": "The cover letter asks for return within ten days of receipt.",
      "source": "applicationcover",
      "section": "A; B; D exhibit",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200204014",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "return-titleii-paper-application",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "return-titleii-paper-application-2",
      "title": "Return without waiting for every record",
      "you": "Follow the application-return instructions even if evidence is still missing.",
      "ssa": "Record the cover-notice issue date and preserve the notice/filing documentation in the applicable record.",
      "owner": "FO claims technician",
      "route": "Signed application → evidence development",
      "next": "Prompt-return language and protective-filing dates are different.",
      "source": "applicationcover",
      "section": "C; D exhibit",
      "systems": [
        "MCS",
        "ORS",
        "EP"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200204014",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "return-titleii-paper-application",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "late-signed-application",
      "title": "The signed application arrives after closeout",
      "when": "A valid signed application was not returned within the existing period.",
      "you": "Ask which filing date SSA used.",
      "ssa": "Apply the receipt-date rule; do not assume good cause or mailing time extends this protective period.",
      "route": "SSA filing-date review",
      "next": "This is distinct from good-cause rules for appeals.",
      "source": "closeout",
      "section": "C",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200204012",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "commercial-signature-defect",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "commercial-signature-defect-1",
      "title": "Check form and signature requirements",
      "you": "Review whether the form and signer qualify.",
      "ssa": "Check the approved form, appropriate signer, name in the signature area and date/time on the form or its attached certificate.",
      "owner": "FO / payment center",
      "route": "CPAS review",
      "next": "This is not blanket approval of every digitally signed form.",
      "source": "cpas",
      "section": "B.1; C.1; D",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411005017",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "commercial-signature-defect",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "commercial-signature-defect-2",
      "title": "Correct and resubmit",
      "you": "Resubmit the complete compliant form as instructed.",
      "ssa": "If deficient, do not process; explain the failure and obtain a compliant signature. Preserve an attached certificate with the form.",
      "owner": "FO / payment center",
      "route": "Corrected form → normal processing",
      "next": "A missing required certificate cannot be cured by sending it separately later.",
      "source": "cpas",
      "section": "C.1.b–d; C.3",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411005017",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "commercial-signature-defect",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "bundle-one-certificate",
      "title": "A bundle needs more than one certificate",
      "when": "Several forms lack their own date/time information.",
      "you": "Attach a separate required certificate to each form when submitting.",
      "ssa": "Evaluate each form individually; reject reliance on one shared certificate for multiple forms needing one.",
      "route": "FO / payment-center signature review",
      "next": "A bundle does not merge separate signature requirements.",
      "source": "cpas",
      "section": "C.1.b.iii; C.5",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411005017",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-other-benefit-referral",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-other-benefit-referral-1",
      "title": "Read the referral",
      "you": "Identify the benefit and notice date.",
      "ssa": "Give a dated written notice of potential other-benefit eligibility.",
      "owner": "SSI claims technician",
      "route": "Other-benefit referral",
      "next": "The rule generally requires appropriate steps within 30 days of receipt.",
      "source": "ssiotherbenefits",
      "section": "B.1–4",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0500510001",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-other-benefit-referral",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-other-benefit-referral-2",
      "title": "Pursue the application",
      "you": "Apply and provide the information the other program needs.",
      "ssa": "Evaluate pursuit and any good reason for inability to comply.",
      "owner": "SSI claims technician ↔ other program",
      "route": "Pursuit / exception review",
      "next": "Illness or an unchanged prior denial may be relevant.",
      "source": "ssiotherbenefits",
      "section": "B.4–5",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0500510001",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-other-benefit-referral",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-other-benefit-referral-3",
      "title": "Keep SSI informed",
      "you": "Report your filing progress or obstacles.",
      "ssa": "Evaluate the SSI consequence if pursuit fails, distinguishing initial eligibility from a recipient’s ongoing eligibility.",
      "owner": "SSI claims technician",
      "route": "SSI determination",
      "next": "A missed requirement can affect SSI; a personal decision requires the full facts.",
      "source": "ssiotherbenefits",
      "section": "B.6–7",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0500510001",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-other-benefit-referral",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "appeal-not-required",
      "title": "The other program denies the claim",
      "when": "The requirement to pursue other benefits is being assessed.",
      "you": "Tell SSA about the decision.",
      "ssa": "Do not require an appeal of the other program’s denial solely to meet this SSI pursuit requirement.",
      "route": "SSI pursuit review",
      "next": "Whether to appeal for your own interests is a separate question.",
      "source": "ssiotherbenefits",
      "section": "C.2",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0500510001",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-other-benefit-referral",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "needs-filing-assistance",
      "title": "You need help pursuing the other benefit",
      "when": "Physical or mental limitations impede filing.",
      "you": "Explain the barrier.",
      "ssa": "Assist with filing/pursuit; consider ability and assistance provided before a noncompliance finding.",
      "route": "FO assistance / compliance review",
      "next": "An unexplained missing response is not the whole determination.",
      "source": "otherbenefitmonitor",
      "section": "A; D",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0500510025",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-other-benefit-referral",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "other-program-still-pending",
      "title": "You filed but the other agency has not decided",
      "when": "You continue cooperating.",
      "you": "Keep SSA informed of progress.",
      "ssa": "Confirm pursuit and continue follow-up while not at fault; adjust follow-up to known agency processing times.",
      "route": "FO ↔ benefit source",
      "next": "Other-agency delay is not itself failure to pursue.",
      "source": "otherbenefitmonitor",
      "section": "C.4–6.a",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0500510025",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-other-benefit-referral",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "provider-wont-respond",
      "title": "The benefit source will not cooperate",
      "when": "The provider will not complete the request or provide information.",
      "you": "Tell SSA what happened.",
      "ssa": "Document attempts and refer to Regional Office program staff for coordination.",
      "route": "FO → Regional Office ↔ benefit source",
      "next": "The source’s nonresponse needs its own handling.",
      "source": "otherbenefitmonitor",
      "section": "C.6.b",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0500510025",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-other-benefit-referral",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "reminder-control",
      "title": "SSA has not received filing confirmation",
      "when": "The initial follow-up date arrives.",
      "you": "Respond to the reminder.",
      "ssa": "Contact the individual, remind them to file and document contact; use the applicable internal diary.",
      "route": "FO reminder / follow-up",
      "next": "A 15-day hand-delivered or 20-day mailed-notice diary is internal monitoring, not a shorter filing deadline.",
      "source": "otherbenefitmonitor",
      "section": "C.2–3",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0500510025",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-other-benefit-referral",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "n06-restoration",
      "title": "SSI was suspended for failure to pursue benefits",
      "when": "The N06 reason is being resolved.",
      "you": "Show when you took the necessary steps or the benefit became unavailable.",
      "ssa": "Evaluate N06 reinstatement timing and proration together with the reinstatement/new-application requirements.",
      "route": "FO SSI reinstatement review",
      "next": "The status row alone does not establish every reinstatement condition.",
      "source": "ssistatuschart",
      "section": "A; B N06 row",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0502301215",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-titleii-application-review",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-titleii-application-review-1",
      "title": "Screen possible Social Security benefits",
      "you": "Explain work history, existing benefits and family relationships.",
      "ssa": "Review current entitlement/earnings and possible other-record benefits; take a separate Title II application unless a listed exception applies.",
      "owner": "SSI / Title II claims adjudicators",
      "route": "Title II development",
      "next": "The valid SSI filing also creates a Title II application obligation.",
      "source": "ssititleii",
      "section": "A; B.1–2; C.1",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0500601035",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-titleii-application-review",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-titleii-application-review-2",
      "title": "Adjudicate both programs",
      "you": "Read both program determinations, including any Title II paragraph on the SSI notice.",
      "ssa": "Process both applications; under a no-separate-application exception, issue the Title II adjudicative paragraph with the SSI determination.",
      "owner": "Appropriate claims adjudicator(s) under local instructions",
      "route": "Program-specific determinations",
      "next": "That Title II paragraph is a formal determination with appeal rights.",
      "source": "ssititleii",
      "section": "A; B.3",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0500601035",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-titleii-application-review",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "existing-titleii",
      "title": "You already receive Title II",
      "when": "SSA must check whether a higher benefit is available.",
      "you": "Identify current and possible other-record benefits.",
      "ssa": "Do not solicit another Title II application under the exception if no higher Title II benefit is available.",
      "route": "SSI / Title II screening",
      "next": "Current receipt alone is not the complete exception test.",
      "source": "ssititleii",
      "section": "B.2; C.1.a",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0500601035",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-titleii-application-review",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "retro-payment-offset",
      "title": "Both programs have retroactive amounts",
      "when": "Concurrent adjudication requires offset handling.",
      "you": "Read the payment explanations before assuming both gross awards will be released.",
      "ssa": "Enter the windfall-offset control; develop offset under the linked procedures.",
      "route": "Title II / SSI offset coordination",
      "next": "This branch does not calculate offset or promise a payment date.",
      "source": "ssititleii",
      "section": "B.3.a note",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0500601035",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-return-after-suspension",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-return-after-suspension-1",
      "title": "Identify the suspension and change",
      "you": "Give the notice and explain when eligibility changed.",
      "ssa": "Review whether eligibility was reestablished within the applicable suspension period.",
      "owner": "FO SSI technician",
      "route": "Reinstatement review",
      "next": "The usual period is 12 consecutive months, with specified exceptions.",
      "source": "ssireinstate",
      "section": "A; B.1",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0502301205",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-return-after-suspension",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-return-after-suspension-2",
      "title": "Check the record and appeal history",
      "you": "Explain any pending appeal or favorable decision.",
      "ssa": "Do not rely solely on a T31 display; check actual period and appeal/reopening exceptions.",
      "owner": "FO SSI technician",
      "route": "Record / appeal review",
      "next": "A system termination display can precede the end of the reinstatement period.",
      "source": "ssireinstate",
      "section": "B.1–2",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0502301205",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-return-after-suspension",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-return-after-suspension-3",
      "title": "Use the appropriate application route",
      "you": "Complete any required new application.",
      "ssa": "Take a new application when reinstatement is unavailable under the section’s rules.",
      "owner": "FO SSI technician",
      "route": "New application if needed",
      "next": "The decision depends on more than contact date alone.",
      "source": "ssireinstate",
      "section": "C",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0502301205",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-return-after-suspension",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "military-related",
      "title": "A military-related exception may apply",
      "when": "Active duty/overseas facts fit the statutory conditions.",
      "you": "Explain the family and military circumstances.",
      "ssa": "Check the specified 24-month period and any further exceptions.",
      "route": "FO military-related reinstatement review",
      "next": "Not every military association qualifies.",
      "source": "ssireinstate",
      "section": "A; B.2",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0502301205",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-return-after-suspension",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "appeal-or-reopening",
      "title": "The ordinary suspension period has ended",
      "when": "Appeal or reopening may permit reinstatement.",
      "you": "Provide the decision or appeal information.",
      "ssa": "Evaluate pending/favorable appeals and permissible reopening before requiring a new application.",
      "route": "FO appeal / reopening review",
      "next": "Expiry alone does not resolve every case.",
      "source": "ssireinstate",
      "section": "B.2; C",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0502301205",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "concurrent-retroactive-offset",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "concurrent-retroactive-offset-1",
      "title": "Identify overlapping months",
      "you": "Compare the program names and months on the notices.",
      "ssa": "Apply the offset framework to overlapping retroactive benefits so combined amounts reflect timely-payment treatment.",
      "owner": "SSA Title II / SSI adjudication",
      "route": "Offset review",
      "next": "This is not simply adding both gross retroactive awards.",
      "source": "windfallintro",
      "section": "A; B.1–7",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0202610005",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "concurrent-retroactive-offset",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "concurrent-retroactive-offset-2",
      "title": "Separate current and retroactive payments",
      "you": "Ask which payment is current and which is held for coordination.",
      "ssa": "Control Title II retroactive release until after SSI payment even if current Title II payments start first.",
      "owner": "SSA payment processing",
      "route": "Coordinated retroactive release",
      "next": "A current payment does not prove the back-payment review is finished.",
      "source": "windfallintro",
      "section": "A.3",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0202610005",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "concurrent-retroactive-offset",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "manual-offset",
      "title": "The system cannot compute every offset month",
      "when": "One or more months need manual computation.",
      "you": "Ask which office is handling the outstanding calculation.",
      "ssa": "FO computes affected months and posts results to SSR under the linked manual procedures.",
      "route": "FO manual computation → record update",
      "next": "This identifies ownership, not the full calculation method.",
      "source": "windfallintro",
      "section": "B.11–12",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0202610005",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "concurrent-retroactive-offset",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "manual-result-handoff",
      "title": "The FO completes a manual offset calculation",
      "when": "The automated calculation could not finish.",
      "you": "Ask whether the calculation reached the payment office.",
      "ssa": "Record monthly results and NCI, preserve worksheets, post SSR data or send results to PC when full posting is unavailable.",
      "route": "FO → PC via e4345",
      "next": "Calculation and payment release are separate actions.",
      "source": "manualoffset",
      "section": "B steps 1–11",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0202610035",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "concurrent-retroactive-offset",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "pc-release-after-calculation",
      "title": "PC receives manual offset results",
      "when": "The FO computation is available for payment action.",
      "you": "Read the resulting payment explanation.",
      "ssa": "Post MBR offset data, subtract offset and applicable collectible SSI debt, then release remaining Title II benefits.",
      "route": "PC payment action",
      "next": "The gross award may differ from the remaining payment.",
      "source": "manualoffset",
      "section": "B step 12",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0202610035",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "concurrent-retroactive-offset",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "current-payment-temporarily-held",
      "title": "Current Title II payment is held for temporary development",
      "when": "For example, payee or whereabouts development remains.",
      "you": "Respond to the outstanding development request.",
      "ssa": "Apply the special offset-period handling for temporary development, rather than the no-current-payment entitlement-factor rule.",
      "route": "Claims/benefit authorizer → offset review",
      "next": "The reason no current payment is due affects the offset period.",
      "source": "offsetperiod",
      "section": "A.2; B",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0202610022",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "concurrent-retroactive-offset",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-rsdi-retroactive-definition-different-months",
      "title": "Check which payment is retroactive for SSI resource review",
      "when": "SSI resource review involves SSI or RSDI payments issued after their benefit month.",
      "you": "Keep notices identifying the benefit months, payment amounts and when the money arrived.",
      "ssa": "The field office applies different definitions: January SSI issued in February is retroactive, while January RSDI issued in February is not; January RSDI issued in March is retroactive. Staff retain payment-amount evidence and accept the reported receipt month absent contrary evidence.",
      "route": "Field office SSI resource review; this classification is separate from calculating concurrent-benefit offset.",
      "next": "Ask SSA which part of the payment qualifies for the limited resource exclusion and review the written exclusion notice. The issue month identifies retroactivity; actual receipt month controls the exclusion clock.",
      "source": "retroactivepaymentresources",
      "section": "A.1-2; B.1; B.4; B.6; C.2-3.a",
      "timing": "For current qualifying unspent retroactive benefits, the exclusion lasts nine calendar months following receipt month. A routine next-month RSDI payment does not become retroactive merely because it arrives after its benefit month.",
      "review_status": "Live definitions verified; no individual resource or eligibility conclusion."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0501130600",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live definitions verified; no individual resource or eligibility conclusion."
  },
  {
    "journey": "concurrent-retroactive-offset",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "retroactive-excluded-funds-general-tracing",
      "title": "Trace excluded retroactive benefits mixed with other funds",
      "when": "Otherwise excluded retroactive benefits are mixed with other money in an ordinary account and SSA must identify the remaining excluded amount.",
      "you": "Provide transaction records back to the initial excluded deposit, including deposits and withdrawals.",
      "ssa": "The field office obtains the complete history, using the customer’s records when possible. Staff accept a stated deposit date and amount when consistent with receipt evidence, and document excluded deposits and withdrawals reducing excluded funds. Nonexcluded money is assumed withdrawn first; time-limited excluded money is withdrawn before permanently excluded money.",
      "route": "Field office SSI resource development under the general tracing rule. Dedicated accounts require their separate deposit and commingling rules.",
      "next": "Keep records identifying the source of later deposits. Adding ordinary money does not restore an excluded amount already spent; only qualifying later excluded funds or eligible excluded interest can add to it.",
      "source": "excludedfundtracing",
      "section": "A; B.1-3; C.1-2",
      "timing": "Tracing begins with the initial deposit and follows subsequent transactions; the underlying exclusion’s duration still applies.",
      "review_status": "Verified live general tracing; dedicated-account permission and individual eligibility not inferred."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0501130700",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Verified live general tracing; dedicated-account permission and individual eligibility not inferred."
  },
  {
    "journey": "concurrent-retroactive-offset",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "retroactive-resource-exclusion-manual-notice-cases",
      "title": "Receive a notice explaining the limited resource exclusion",
      "when": "SSA issues retroactive SSI or RSDI benefits, including a payment requiring a manual notice.",
      "you": "Keep the notice with payment and receipt records, and ask SSA to explain missing or inconsistent exclusion dates.",
      "ssa": "Staff ensure written notice of the exclusion and its limited duration. SI 01130.600C.1 requires a manual notice for force-due or one-time payments, sponsor-to-alien deeming when the sponsor receives the payment, and IAR cases involving a payment of $10,000 or more.",
      "route": "Field office payment and notice preparation. The cited older notice paragraphs require currency review; the current resource-duration policy remains SI 01130.600B.1.",
      "next": "Review the stated exclusion end date. Ask the field office to reconcile a six-month statement on a current qualifying payment with the current nine-month policy. This notice rule does not decide SSI eligibility.",
      "source": "retroactivepaymentresources",
      "section": "B.1; B.4; C.1",
      "timing": "The notice explains a limited resource period; this subsection sets no notice delivery guarantee. The $10,000 notice condition is separate from other large-underpayment review thresholds.",
      "review_status": "Live manual-notice conditions verified; NL00804.180 obsolete1496 and .125IARM01 inconsistent6/9 fill-ins recorded, exact current template deferred."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0501130600",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live manual-notice conditions verified; NL00804.180 obsolete1496 and .125IARM01 inconsistent6/9 fill-ins recorded, exact current template deferred."
  },
  {
    "journey": "concurrent-retroactive-offset",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "interest-income-resource-exclusion-scope",
      "title": "Check income and resource treatment of account interest separately",
      "when": "Interest or dividends appear on an account holding benefit money and may affect SSI review.",
      "you": "Identify the account and source of funds, keeping the statement and any exclusion notice.",
      "ssa": "For benefits payable from July 2004 onward, staff distinguish the source resource: interest on countable resources is excluded income, as is interest on resources excluded under other Federal statutes. For resources excluded under Social Security Act section1613(a), staff use the particular exclusion’s interest rule. Once interest is determined excluded under this policy, staff need not develop it as income and remove affected income entries under normal reopening procedures.",
      "route": "Field office SSI income and resource review; dedicated-account interest retained in the account follows its separate exclusion rule.",
      "next": "Ask SSA to explain both income treatment and later resource treatment. Excluded income may still become a countable resource if retained into the following month. The retroactive-payment exclusion alone does not settle every interest question.",
      "source": "ssiinterestdividends",
      "section": "C; E including note",
      "timing": "The described income policy applies to benefits payable on or after July1,2004. No reopening outcome or processing deadline is promised.",
      "review_status": "Live source verified; individual source-resource classification and reopening grounds remain case-specific."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500830500",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live source verified; individual source-resource classification and reopening grounds remain case-specific."
  },
  {
    "journey": "concurrent-retroactive-offset",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "interest-dividend-discrepancy-explanation",
      "title": "Explain a disputed interest or dividend amount",
      "when": "The customer disagrees with the amount or frequency shown in account records or an IRS interface alert.",
      "you": "Explain the discrepancy and provide available statements or payment records.",
      "ssa": "The field office first checks whether the income is totally excludable; if so, the income discrepancy needs no resolution under this provision. If it is not totally excludable and the explanation is reasonable, staff accept the allegation and document a signed statement or Report of Contact when the new allegation changes the payment amount.",
      "route": "Field office income review; without a reasonable explanation, SI 00830.500F points to SI 02310.048B.12 for further evidence development.",
      "next": "Provide the explanation and available evidence SSA requests. Staff record the Report of Contact; the customer is not required to create an internal record. Separate underlying-resource questions can still require review.",
      "source": "ssiinterestdividends",
      "section": "F; C",
      "timing": "The subsection gives no fixed discrepancy-resolution time. A mismatch alone does not decide fraud, ownership or payment liability.",
      "review_status": "Verified live .500; linked .048B12 evidence collection read and queued for detailed development/currency mapping."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500830500",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Verified live .500; linked .048B12 evidence collection read and queued for detailed development/currency mapping."
  },
  {
    "journey": "concurrent-retroactive-offset",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "excluded-interest-proportional-account-tracing",
      "title": "Allocate interest only after verifying its exclusion",
      "when": "An ordinary commingled account earns interest and the applicable fund rule also excludes that interest.",
      "you": "Provide account transactions through the interest posting date and evidence identifying the excluded funds.",
      "ssa": "The field office obtains the account history, verifies the applicable interest exclusion, and uses the excluded share of account funds at posting to determine the excluded share of that interest payment. Staff record the calculation and add excluded interest to the traced excluded balance. The source example has $800 excluded disaster assistance in a $1000 account: 80 percent of $10 interest is $8, making the excluded balance $808.",
      "route": "Field office SSI resource tracing and source-specific interest review.",
      "next": "Ask which interest exclusion applies before relying on the calculation. The example does not establish that every assistance payment or every interest credit is excluded.",
      "source": "excludedfundtracing",
      "section": "B.4; C.1-C.2; D.3",
      "timing": "Use the account composition when interest is posted; no decision turnaround is specified.",
      "review_status": "Conditional live worked example verified; this does not override dedicated-account commingling restrictions."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0501130700",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Conditional live worked example verified; this does not override dedicated-account commingling restrictions."
  },
  {
    "journey": "disability-earnings-discrepancy",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "disability-earnings-discrepancy-1",
      "title": "Explain the work and payments",
      "you": "Give work dates, hours, pay and any sick/vacation or special pay.",
      "ssa": "Develop what was earned for work and document the applicable employee work report.",
      "owner": "SSA work-review technician",
      "route": "Earnings development",
      "next": "Not every payment represents work performed that month.",
      "source": "disabilityearnings",
      "section": "A–B",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0410505005",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "disability-earnings-discrepancy",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "disability-earnings-discrepancy-2",
      "title": "Resolve the disputed evidence",
      "you": "Provide pay-period details and explain discrepancies.",
      "ssa": "Use the applicable initial/post-entitlement source priority; seek more accurate evidence when a source is unreliable.",
      "owner": "SSA work-review technician",
      "route": "Evidence reconciliation",
      "next": "Initial-claim and post-entitlement verification priorities differ.",
      "source": "disabilityearnings",
      "section": "D.2; E.1–2",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0410505005",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "disability-earnings-discrepancy",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "disability-earnings-discrepancy-3",
      "title": "Clarify when wages were earned",
      "you": "Respond if pay-month assumptions are wrong.",
      "ssa": "For post-entitlement review, use earned-period evidence when available; otherwise apply the paid-month presumption and due-process opportunity to clarify.",
      "owner": "SSA work-review technician",
      "route": "Documented work finding",
      "next": "This does not itself correct the permanent earnings record.",
      "source": "disabilityearnings",
      "section": "D.1",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0410505005",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "work-history-query-mismatch",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "work-history-query-mismatch-1",
      "title": "Describe the actual job",
      "you": "Explain dates, employer and duties.",
      "ssa": "Use queries as optional general earnings evidence, not proof of work type.",
      "owner": "Disability examiner",
      "route": "Vocational evidence development",
      "next": "DEQY/SEQY is not mandatory for every vocational review.",
      "source": "vocationalquery",
      "section": "A",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0422515020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "work-history-query-mismatch",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "work-history-query-mismatch-2",
      "title": "Reconcile the relevant difference",
      "you": "Clarify any year/job mismatch.",
      "ssa": "Match reports to earnings, retain any query used and explain material inconsistencies.",
      "owner": "Disability examiner",
      "route": "Documented reconciliation",
      "next": "Questions should relate to a material issue.",
      "source": "vocationalquery",
      "section": "D.1–3",
      "systems": [
        "DEQY",
        "SEQY"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0422515020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "work-history-query-mismatch",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "work-history-query-mismatch-3",
      "title": "Request FO assistance if unresolved",
      "you": "Respond to requests about the work activity.",
      "ssa": "Refer material work questions the FO may resolve to that office.",
      "owner": "Disability examiner → FO",
      "route": "FO work development → disability review",
      "next": "An unresolved issue requires further development or the applicable evidence-in-file policy.",
      "source": "vocationalquery",
      "section": "E.1",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0422515020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "work-history-query-mismatch",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "corporate-employer-name",
      "title": "The query shows a different corporate name",
      "when": "The official name differs from the employer name reported.",
      "you": "Explain the workplace and business relationship.",
      "ssa": "Do not treat the corporate/subsidiary name difference alone as a material inconsistency.",
      "route": "Vocational evidence review",
      "next": "The query does not identify job duties.",
      "source": "vocationalquery",
      "section": "D.4.b–c",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0422515020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "consultative-exam-report-correction",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "consultative-exam-report-correction-1",
      "title": "Check the report",
      "you": "Tell DDS about a suspected error.",
      "ssa": "Check identification, completeness, consistency, signature and supplied records.",
      "owner": "DDS examiner",
      "route": "Report review",
      "next": "Attendance alone does not complete evidence review.",
      "source": "cecorrection",
      "section": "A.2",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0422510020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "consultative-exam-report-correction",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "consultative-exam-report-correction-2",
      "title": "Request missing information",
      "you": "Answer any follow-up request.",
      "ssa": "Explain deficiencies to the examination source, request correction and document contact.",
      "owner": "DDS examiner",
      "route": "DDS → examination source → DDS",
      "next": "The examiner, rather than the customer, corrects the report.",
      "source": "cecorrection",
      "section": "A.3",
      "systems": [
        "DCPS",
        "CDW"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0422510020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "consultative-exam-report-correction",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "consultative-exam-report-correction-3",
      "title": "Review the correction",
      "you": "Keep responding to DDS.",
      "ssa": "Review revised reports for required information.",
      "owner": "DDS examiner",
      "route": "Evidence review → determination",
      "next": "No fixed completion time is specified.",
      "source": "cecorrection",
      "section": "A.2",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0422510020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "consultative-exam-report-correction",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "unsigned-unfavorable",
      "title": "Unsigned report: decision not fully favorable",
      "when": "A required signature is missing or improper.",
      "you": "Attend a replacement examination if requested.",
      "ssa": "Wait for a proper signature; document attempts. If unavailable, arrange another qualified examiner.",
      "route": "DDS → original or replacement examiner",
      "next": "The case cannot be closed on this basis yet.",
      "source": "cecorrection",
      "section": "B.1",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0422510020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "consultative-exam-report-correction",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "unsigned-favorable",
      "title": "Unsigned report: fully favorable decision",
      "when": "Other evidence and report content support the determination.",
      "you": "Read the resulting notice.",
      "ssa": "Document signature attempts; adjudicate and close. File the later signed report; consult Regional Office if unobtainable.",
      "route": "DDS → post-adjudication report follow-up",
      "next": "Signature follow-up may continue after adjudication.",
      "source": "cecorrection",
      "section": "B.2",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0422510020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "respond-death-verification-letter",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "respond-death-verification-letter-1",
      "title": "Check the pending development",
      "you": "Contact SSA about the inquiry.",
      "ssa": "Review records and queries before acting on the alert.",
      "owner": "SSA death-alert technician",
      "route": "DATS → development review",
      "next": "An alert requires investigation.",
      "source": "deathalerts",
      "section": "C",
      "systems": [
        "DATS"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0202602070",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "respond-death-verification-letter",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "respond-death-verification-letter-2",
      "title": "Resolve the report",
      "you": "Respond to the requested contact.",
      "ssa": "If the person is verified alive, document and clear the erroneous-report alert.",
      "owner": "SSA death-alert technician",
      "route": "Verification → DATS clearance",
      "next": "Existing death postings may need separate correction.",
      "source": "deathalerts",
      "section": "C",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0202602070",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "respond-death-verification-letter",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "respond-death-verification-letter-3",
      "title": "Understand the follow-up",
      "you": "Use the letter’s contact instructions promptly.",
      "ssa": "When initial contact fails or is insufficient, send SSA-2708 and diary 45 days.",
      "owner": "SSA death-alert technician",
      "route": "SSA-2708 → follow-up",
      "next": "This is a development interval, not a completion promise.",
      "source": "deathalerts",
      "section": "C",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0202602070",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "respond-death-verification-letter",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "no-response",
      "title": "No response or death verification arrives",
      "when": "45 days have passed since the letter.",
      "you": "Contact SSA promptly if you are alive.",
      "ssa": "After the specified nonresponse period, process the alleged death through DIPS.",
      "route": "DATS → DIPS",
      "next": "Ignoring the inquiry can result in a death posting.",
      "source": "deathalerts",
      "section": "C",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0202602070",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeal-evidence-attachments",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "appeal-evidence-attachments-1",
      "title": "Review the attachment",
      "you": "Keep your submission confirmation.",
      "ssa": "Review document content and matching SSN.",
      "owner": "FO EDCS user",
      "route": "Uploaded evidence → review",
      "next": "Submission does not itself establish folder placement.",
      "source": "appealattachments",
      "section": "A.3; B.2",
      "systems": [
        "EDCS"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0481010137",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeal-evidence-attachments",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "appeal-evidence-attachments-2",
      "title": "Retain and transfer",
      "you": "Respond to evidence questions.",
      "ssa": "Resolve document edits and retention decisions before transfer; retained evidence reaches the electronic folder.",
      "owner": "FO EDCS user",
      "route": "EDCS → electronic folder",
      "next": "Documents still processing prevent transfer.",
      "source": "appealattachments",
      "section": "C.1–2",
      "systems": [
        "EDCS"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0481010137",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeal-evidence-attachments",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "appeal-evidence-attachments-3",
      "title": "Handle later association",
      "you": "Ask whether later-submitted material reached the appeal office.",
      "ssa": "Review newly listed documents, associate retained evidence and notify the office with jurisdiction.",
      "owner": "FO EDCS user",
      "route": "Late documents → electronic folder → appeal office",
      "next": "Later association requires staff action.",
      "source": "appealattachments",
      "section": "C.3",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0481010137",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeal-evidence-attachments",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "failed-file",
      "title": "The attachment failed",
      "when": "The document shows a failed status.",
      "you": "Ask SSA how to provide a usable copy.",
      "ssa": "Check the failure reason; failed documents carry a fixed discard action.",
      "route": "FO attachment review",
      "next": "A listed filename does not prove usable evidence arrived.",
      "source": "appealattachments",
      "section": "A.8",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0481010137",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "appeal-evidence-attachments",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "wrong-type",
      "title": "The document was labeled incorrectly",
      "when": "A submitted document has the wrong type.",
      "you": "Explain what you submitted.",
      "ssa": "Correct the type and commit it to the electronic folder.",
      "route": "EDCS → electronic folder",
      "next": "The type change is not official before commitment.",
      "source": "appealattachments",
      "section": "A.6; B.5",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0481010137",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "exam-report-to-medical-source",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "exam-report-to-medical-source-1",
      "title": "Authorize the recipient",
      "you": "Return the signed, dated authorization with recipient name and address.",
      "ssa": "Check completion and receipt within 90 days of signature.",
      "owner": "DDS technician",
      "route": "Authorization review",
      "next": "This form is for a medical source or its records custodian.",
      "source": "ceconsent",
      "section": "B",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0422510065",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "exam-report-to-medical-source",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "exam-report-to-medical-source-2",
      "title": "Send the report",
      "you": "Identify the provider who should receive it.",
      "ssa": "Send the report with a cover letter; record the letter and disclosure.",
      "owner": "DDS technician",
      "route": "DDS → medical source",
      "next": "This is separate from deciding disability.",
      "source": "ceconsent",
      "section": "C.1",
      "systems": [
        "DCPS",
        "CDW"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0422510065",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "exam-report-to-medical-source",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "exam-report-to-medical-source-3",
      "title": "Keep the claim moving",
      "you": "Respond if authorization details are missing.",
      "ssa": "Do not delay an otherwise ready adjudication while awaiting authorization; release after receipt.",
      "owner": "DDS technician",
      "route": "Adjudication / later authorized release",
      "next": "Report-sharing development need not hold the decision.",
      "source": "ceconsent",
      "section": "C.1–2",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0422510065",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "exam-report-to-medical-source",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "incomplete-authorization",
      "title": "The authorization is incomplete",
      "when": "Required authorization information is missing.",
      "you": "Return a newly completed signed form.",
      "ssa": "Request a complete authorization before release.",
      "route": "DDS → claimant → medical source",
      "next": "A phone request alone does not complete this authorization.",
      "source": "ceconsent",
      "section": "C.2",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0422510065",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "exam-report-to-medical-source",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "urgent-medical-source",
      "title": "New findings meet the imminent-harm disclosure criteria",
      "when": "DDS determines that the report meets the referenced health-and-safety criteria.",
      "you": "Read the notice about disclosure.",
      "ssa": "Send promptly to the current medical source, call that source and document disclosure; notify the claimant.",
      "route": "DDS → medical source / claimant",
      "next": "This narrow emergency exception can permit disclosure without consent.",
      "source": "ceurgent",
      "section": "A–C",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0422510070",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "exam-report-to-medical-source",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "urgent-no-provider",
      "title": "Urgent findings but no medical source",
      "when": "The report indicates an emergency and no medical source is available.",
      "you": "Follow the medical-evaluation advice received.",
      "ssa": "Send a letter advising evaluation/treatment, attempt phone contact and identify low/no-cost local options as applicable.",
      "route": "DDS → claimant",
      "next": "The agency’s contact is not a treatment appointment.",
      "source": "ceurgent",
      "section": "D",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0422510070",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "exam-report-to-medical-source",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "privacy-question",
      "title": "Concern does not clearly meet the emergency criteria",
      "when": "Disclosure appropriateness is uncertain.",
      "you": "Ask which report-release route applies.",
      "ssa": "Contact the regional Privacy Act Coordinator; do not assume every concern allows nonconsensual disclosure.",
      "route": "DDS → regional Privacy Act Coordinator",
      "next": "Separate consent and emergency rules remain distinct.",
      "source": "ceurgent",
      "section": "B",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0422510070",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "child-in-care-living-apart",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "child-in-care-living-apart-1",
      "title": "Explain the arrangement",
      "you": "Describe who cares for the child and why you live apart.",
      "ssa": "Obtain SSA-781 and SSA-788, subject to school/living-alone exceptions.",
      "owner": "FO claims technician",
      "route": "Care evidence development",
      "next": "Physical separation does not answer the care question alone.",
      "source": "careapart",
      "section": "E.1–2",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0301310030",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "child-in-care-living-apart",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "child-in-care-living-apart-2",
      "title": "Document responsibility",
      "you": "Explain supervision, decisions and the expected separation length.",
      "ssa": "Corroborate the reason and submit an FO report and recommendation.",
      "owner": "FO claims technician",
      "route": "Evidence → recommendation",
      "next": "Different separation types have different conditions.",
      "source": "careapart",
      "section": "C–D; E.2–3",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0301310030",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "child-in-care-living-apart",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "child-in-care-living-apart-3",
      "title": "Report the child’s return",
      "you": "Notify PC in writing when the ending date is known; report return immediately.",
      "ssa": "Monitor temporary-separation follow-up.",
      "owner": "FO / PC",
      "route": "PC follow-up",
      "next": "Failure to report return can affect continued payments.",
      "source": "careapart",
      "section": "E.3–5",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0301310030",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "child-in-care-living-apart",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "joint-custody",
      "title": "Parents alternate custody",
      "when": "The child is staying with the other parent.",
      "you": "Explain your continuing supervision and decision-making.",
      "ssa": "Assess parental control while apart; otherwise consider the qualifying 30-consecutive-day period together.",
      "route": "FO care review",
      "next": "Joint custody alone does not establish care for every month.",
      "source": "careapart",
      "section": "D.6",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0301310030",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "child-in-care-living-apart",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "regular-home",
      "title": "The child normally lives with you",
      "when": "The child is under 16 and regularly shares your home.",
      "you": "State the living arrangement.",
      "ssa": "Generally accept the statement unless doubtful; contrary evidence or claimant mental disability requires care development.",
      "route": "FO living-arrangement review",
      "next": "Regular co-residence supports an assumption, with exceptions.",
      "source": "careunder16",
      "section": "A.1; B–C",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0301310020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "child-in-care-living-apart",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "temporary-visit",
      "title": "The child is visiting or alternating homes",
      "when": "Living together is temporary.",
      "you": "Give the dates and describe parental responsibility.",
      "ssa": "Check care while apart or at least 30 consecutive days together with parental responsibility; apply first-month exceptions.",
      "route": "FO temporary-care review",
      "next": "A short visit alone does not establish the temporary-co-residence rule.",
      "source": "caretemporary",
      "section": "Policy; note",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0301310025",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "child-in-care-living-apart",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "school-evidence",
      "title": "The child is away at school",
      "when": "School attendance separates you from the under-16 child.",
      "you": "Describe supervision and vacations.",
      "ssa": "Obtain SSA-781 and the school official’s SSA-788; use the child’s statement instead for college attendance. Apply the school-specific care conditions.",
      "route": "FO → school / child evidence",
      "next": "School absence is not automatically loss of care.",
      "source": "careapart",
      "section": "D.1; E.6",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0301310030",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "child-in-care-living-apart",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "court-order",
      "title": "A court order removed the child",
      "when": "You allege continued control despite separation.",
      "you": "Provide the certified court order requested.",
      "ssa": "Review custody versus control and develop actual supervision and important decisions.",
      "route": "FO → certified order / care evidence",
      "next": "Custody removal alone does not settle whether control remains.",
      "source": "careapart",
      "section": "A; D.5; E",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0301310030",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "child-in-care-living-apart",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "illness-separation",
      "title": "Illness or physical disability causes separation",
      "when": "Either you or the child has a physical illness or disability.",
      "you": "Explain ongoing supervision and decisions.",
      "ssa": "Evaluate parental control through supervision and participation in important decisions, with the general exclusions.",
      "route": "FO care review",
      "next": "Living apart for illness does not alone determine the result.",
      "source": "careapart",
      "section": "A; D.3; E",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0301310030",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "refugee-ssn-evidence",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "refugee-ssn-evidence-1",
      "title": "Present status evidence",
      "you": "Provide the immigration evidence available.",
      "ssa": "Review the published refugee evidence categories, including qualifying I-94 or category-A3 I-766 evidence.",
      "owner": "SSA enumeration technician",
      "route": "Refugee evidence review",
      "next": "Different document combinations have specific requirements.",
      "source": "refugeessn",
      "section": "B",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211185",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "refugee-ssn-evidence",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "refugee-ssn-evidence-2",
      "title": "Verify status",
      "you": "Respond to requests for clarification.",
      "ssa": "Request SAVE initial verification; no ten-day arrival wait is required for this request.",
      "owner": "SSA enumeration technician",
      "route": "SSA → SAVE",
      "next": "Submitting evidence does not bypass verification.",
      "source": "refugeessn",
      "section": "C",
      "systems": [
        "SAVE"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211185",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "refugee-ssn-evidence",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "refugee-ssn-evidence-3",
      "title": "Resolve an unconfirmed response",
      "you": "Ask whether verification remains pending.",
      "ssa": "Immediately request additional verification when initial verification does not confirm refugee status.",
      "owner": "SSA enumeration technician",
      "route": "SAVE additional verification",
      "next": "The discontinued WRAPS fax process is not the verification route.",
      "source": "refugeessn",
      "section": "D",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211185",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "refugee-ssn-evidence",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "printout-and-letter",
      "title": "You have a CBP I-94 website printout",
      "when": "The refugee evidence uses the website-printout route.",
      "you": "Bring the transportation boarding letter with refugee admission stamp too.",
      "ssa": "Check the combined documents under the published evidence requirements.",
      "route": "SSA combined-evidence review",
      "next": "The website printout is not the entire specified combination.",
      "source": "refugeessn",
      "section": "B.2",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211185",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "refugee-ssn-evidence",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "single-document-exception",
      "title": "Only the immigration document is available",
      "when": "An original/new SSN applicant falls within the specified protected-status categories.",
      "you": "Explain what documents you have.",
      "ssa": "Apply the limited one-document exception when no other documents are available; record both if two acceptable documents are supplied.",
      "route": "SSA age / identity / status evidence review",
      "next": "This exception does not apply to every immigration-status applicant.",
      "source": "ssncount",
      "section": "D",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110210020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "deemed-marriage-development",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "deemed-marriage-development-1",
      "title": "Document the ceremony",
      "you": "Provide the requested marriage evidence.",
      "ssa": "Develop ceremony proof; a license alone is insufficient.",
      "owner": "SSA claims technician",
      "route": "Ceremony evidence",
      "next": "Federal deemed marriage differs from state putative marriage.",
      "source": "deemedmarriage",
      "section": "A.1; B.1; C.2",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200305055",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "deemed-marriage-development",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "deemed-marriage-development-2",
      "title": "Explain the belief at marriage",
      "you": "Describe what you knew when the ceremony occurred.",
      "ssa": "Seek signed statements from involved parties where possible; document unsuccessful prior-spouse searches and doubtful-case rationale.",
      "owner": "SSA claims technician",
      "route": "Good-faith development",
      "next": "The relevant belief is at the ceremony.",
      "source": "deemedmarriage",
      "section": "B.2; C.3",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200305055",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "deemed-marriage-development",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "deemed-marriage-development-3",
      "title": "Check household requirements",
      "you": "Explain addresses and any separation.",
      "ssa": "Apply the relevant household rule, including the divorced-claimant exception.",
      "owner": "SSA claims technician",
      "route": "Household / relationship review",
      "next": "Other benefit requirements still apply.",
      "source": "deemedmarriage",
      "section": "A.1.c; C.4",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200305055",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "deemed-marriage-development",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "procedural-defect-question",
      "title": "It is unclear whether the defect is procedural",
      "when": "The impediment may fall outside the permitted categories.",
      "you": "Provide the requested facts and records.",
      "ssa": "Submit doubtful procedural-defect questions to OGC.",
      "route": "SSA → OGC",
      "next": "Not every invalid marriage qualifies under federal deemed-marriage policy.",
      "source": "deemedmarriage",
      "section": "B.3",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200305055",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "deemed-marriage-development",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "legal-request-route",
      "title": "An initial claim needs a legal opinion",
      "when": "The RSI or disability nonmedical issue requires legal referral.",
      "you": "Provide the requested pertinent records.",
      "ssa": "Describe the issue and send copies to the appropriate state ARC-MOS or ODO Operations Support Branch, following regional supplements.",
      "route": "FO / PC → regional support or ODO OSB",
      "next": "The published referral has an operational review stage.",
      "source": "legalrequest",
      "section": "B note; B.1",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0201010815",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "deemed-marriage-development",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "unaffected-claimants",
      "title": "The legal question affects only some claimants",
      "when": "Other claimants’ entitlement is not affected by the unresolved issue.",
      "you": "Ask which claim actions can proceed.",
      "ssa": "Take possible adjudicative actions for unaffected claimants under partial-award rules; evaluate delayed-claimant treatment separately.",
      "route": "FO / PC → partial adjudication / legal review",
      "next": "One legal question need not hold every claimant’s action.",
      "source": "legalrequest",
      "section": "A",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0201010815",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "deemed-marriage-development",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "changed-precedent",
      "title": "An older legal opinion may no longer apply",
      "when": "A law change or court decision affects the precedent.",
      "you": "Identify relevant new records if requested.",
      "ssa": "FO/PC may resubmit the legal issue under the legal-request procedures.",
      "route": "FO / PC → renewed legal request",
      "next": "An older opinion is not automatically controlling after material legal changes.",
      "source": "legalrequest",
      "section": "C",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0201010815",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "lump-sum-death-household",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "lump-sum-death-household-1",
      "title": "Explain the shared residence",
      "you": "Describe where you lived as a married couple.",
      "ssa": "Ask whether the couple shared a household at death and review contrary evidence.",
      "owner": "SSA claims technician",
      "route": "Household review",
      "next": "A shared address is evidence, with exceptions.",
      "source": "lsdphousehold",
      "section": "A.2; C.1",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300210035",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "lump-sum-death-household",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "lump-sum-death-household-2",
      "title": "Explain the absence",
      "you": "Give dates, reasons and plans to resume living together.",
      "ssa": "Apply the absence-specific rules and record the supported household finding.",
      "owner": "SSA claims technician",
      "route": "Absence evidence → finding",
      "next": "Not every separation is temporary under this policy.",
      "source": "lsdphousehold",
      "section": "B; C.2–3",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300210035",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "lump-sum-death-household",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "lump-sum-death-household-3",
      "title": "Check alternative qualification",
      "you": "Answer questions about monthly survivor benefits.",
      "ssa": "If household requirements fail, check the listed monthly-survivor entitlement route before denying; document the reason if denial applies.",
      "owner": "SSA claims technician",
      "route": "LSDP entitlement review",
      "next": "Other lump-sum requirements still need review.",
      "source": "lsdphousehold",
      "section": "C.4",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300210035",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "lump-sum-death-household",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "long-medical-absence",
      "title": "A medical institution caused a long separation",
      "when": "Confinement exceeded six months.",
      "you": "Explain residence before illness and why separation continued.",
      "ssa": "Check prior co-residence and whether the medical condition was the sole reason for continued separation.",
      "route": "SSA medical-absence household review",
      "next": "Medical separation has conditions beyond its length.",
      "source": "lsdphousehold",
      "section": "B.5.b",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300210035",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "lump-sum-death-household",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "monthly-claim-includes-lump",
      "title": "You already applied for monthly survivor benefits",
      "when": "A widow(er) or child has filed for monthly benefits.",
      "you": "Tell SSA about that application.",
      "ssa": "Treat the monthly application as an LSDP application; do not require a separate SSA-8-F4 in that situation.",
      "route": "FO / PSC application-scope review",
      "next": "An application link is not itself a payment award.",
      "source": "lsdpevidence",
      "section": "B.5.a",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300210005",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "lump-sum-death-household",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "lump-only-relationship",
      "title": "You seek only the lump sum as a household spouse",
      "when": "The relationship is a ceremonial marriage and no monthly claim is filed.",
      "you": "State when and where the marriage occurred.",
      "ssa": "Apply the ceremonial-marriage statement rule; develop additional evidence for questioned, deemed, common-law or other specified relationships.",
      "route": "FO / PSC relationship development",
      "next": "Monthly-benefit relationship evidence can be different.",
      "source": "lsdpevidence",
      "section": "B.2",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300210005",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "lump-sum-death-household",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "filing-time-review",
      "title": "A required application may be late",
      "when": "The ordinary filing period is relevant.",
      "you": "Give the filing and death dates and explain any delay.",
      "ssa": "Check the second-anniversary limit, federal non-workday rule and applicable good-cause/military exceptions.",
      "route": "FO / PSC filing review",
      "next": "The general deadline has exceptions requiring separate development.",
      "source": "lsdpevidence",
      "section": "B.5.a",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300210005",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "lump-sum-death-household",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "priority-and-no-ssn",
      "title": "Other survivors may qualify or you lack an SSN",
      "when": "An LSDP-only application needs priority review.",
      "you": "Identify the survivor relationship and other potential applicants.",
      "ssa": "Check insured status and spouse/child priority. LSDP-only applicants need not have an SSN.",
      "route": "SSA LSDP entitlement review",
      "next": "Surviving divorced-spouse status alone does not qualify for this payment.",
      "source": "lsdprequirements",
      "section": "Introduction note; A.1–3",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300210001",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "lump-sum-death-household",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "late-domestic",
      "title": "You live in the U.S. and filed late",
      "when": "A required application missed the ordinary period.",
      "you": "Explain why you did not file in time.",
      "ssa": "Check other entitlement requirements; explain good cause when they are met and ask the reason for delay.",
      "route": "SSA eligibility → good-cause review",
      "next": "Late filing requires evaluation, not automatic acceptance.",
      "source": "lsdpgoodcause",
      "section": "B.1",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300210030",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "lump-sum-death-household",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "late-foreign",
      "title": "You live outside the U.S. and filed late",
      "when": "The LSDP filing period was missed abroad.",
      "you": "Tell SSA if you believe there was good cause.",
      "ssa": "Explain good-cause provisions; initiate development only when the individual alleges such a belief.",
      "route": "SSA foreign-residence good-cause review",
      "next": "Foreign residence has a distinct development trigger.",
      "source": "lsdpgoodcause",
      "section": "B.2",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300210030",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "lump-sum-death-household",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "good-cause-statement",
      "title": "SSA is developing your reason for delay",
      "when": "The circumstances need a documented finding.",
      "you": "Provide your explanation for the SSA-795 statement.",
      "ssa": "Record pertinent circumstances and evaluate supporting/conflicting evidence, including prior deadline information.",
      "route": "SSA statement / evidence → good-cause finding",
      "next": "Illness, misinformation or evidence-gathering delays can matter; no listed circumstance guarantees approval.",
      "source": "lsdpgoodcause",
      "section": "A; C",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300210030",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "lump-sum-death-household",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "disability-only-lump",
      "title": "Disability eligibility matters even though you want only the lump sum",
      "when": "The DWB/CDB-based monthly-eligibility route is needed.",
      "you": "Explain that you are not applying for monthly benefits and supply requested evidence.",
      "ssa": "Develop the LSDP claim, checking other monthly-entitlement factors without taking a monthly DWB/CDB application; obtain DDS determination when required.",
      "route": "FO technical review → DDS → LSDP action",
      "next": "A disability determination may be needed for this one-time payment.",
      "source": "lsdpdisability",
      "section": "A–C",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411025020",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "mixed-paper-electronic-disability",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "mixed-paper-electronic-disability-1",
      "title": "Identify the official folder",
      "you": "Ask whether a related paper claim exists.",
      "ssa": "Create the exclusion’s paper folder; establish nonexcluded claims electronically. The official folder is paper.",
      "owner": "FO disability technician",
      "route": "Paper MDF / EDCS",
      "next": "An electronic claim does not mean every related claim is electronic.",
      "source": "edcsexclusions",
      "section": "Introduction; C",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0481010030",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "mixed-paper-electronic-disability",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "mixed-paper-electronic-disability-2",
      "title": "Coordinate the transfer",
      "you": "Keep responding to evidence requests.",
      "ssa": "File exclusion-only documents on paper, upload shared evidence, add the related-claim message and mail the paper folder the transfer day.",
      "owner": "FO disability technician",
      "route": "FO → adjudicating office",
      "next": "Paper and electronic portions need coordinated handling.",
      "source": "edcsexclusions",
      "section": "C FO actions",
      "systems": [
        "EDCS",
        "eView"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0481010030",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "mixed-paper-electronic-disability",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "mixed-paper-electronic-disability-3",
      "title": "Return the developed portions",
      "you": "Ask which component owns follow-up.",
      "ssa": "Process each portion appropriately and return electronic and paper portions after determination.",
      "owner": "DDS → FO",
      "route": "DDS → FO adjudication",
      "next": "A medical determination still needs applicable claim action.",
      "source": "edcsexclusions",
      "section": "C DDS actions",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0481010030",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "mixed-paper-electronic-disability",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "later-exclusion",
      "title": "A paper-excluded claim is added after transfer",
      "when": "An electronic case has already left the FO.",
      "you": "Identify the related pending claim when contacting SSA.",
      "ssa": "Create the paper folder, update the electronic message and inform DDS to update the paper-folder indicator.",
      "route": "FO → DDS association",
      "next": "Later association requires staff follow-through.",
      "source": "edcsexclusions",
      "section": "C note",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0481010030",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "capability-evidence-record",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "capability-evidence-record-1",
      "title": "Develop the medical evidence",
      "you": "Identify recent treatment and provide requested authorization.",
      "ssa": "When capability is questioned, seek medical evidence; SSA-787 is preferred but qualifying dated summaries can be used.",
      "owner": "FO technician",
      "route": "Medical source → FO",
      "next": "Medical evidence alone does not decide capability.",
      "source": "capabilitymedical",
      "section": "A; A.1–3",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200502040",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "capability-evidence-record",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "capability-evidence-record-2",
      "title": "Consider the complete evidence",
      "you": "Explain how you manage or direct management of benefits.",
      "ssa": "Evaluate lay and available medical evidence; record facts, contacts and the basis for the conclusion.",
      "owner": "FO technician",
      "route": "Evidence → capability finding",
      "next": "The finding needs a reasoned explanation.",
      "source": "capabilityrecord",
      "section": "A–B",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200502065",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "capability-evidence-record",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "capability-evidence-record-3",
      "title": "Preserve the determination",
      "you": "Ask which determination and next action were recorded.",
      "ssa": "Store supporting evidence and record the conclusion in eRPS or the applicable MCS/CCE contact record; use SSA-5002 if necessary.",
      "owner": "FO technician",
      "route": "Beneficiary-linked determination record",
      "next": "Capability documentation is distinct from selecting a particular payee.",
      "source": "capabilityrecord",
      "section": "B; C",
      "systems": [
        "eRPS",
        "MCS",
        "CCE"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200502065",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "capability-evidence-record",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "no-medical-evidence",
      "title": "Medical evidence cannot be obtained",
      "when": "There is no available medical evidence for the review.",
      "you": "Provide other relevant information requested.",
      "ssa": "Document attempts and develop other capability evidence; do not compel an examination solely for capability.",
      "route": "FO other-evidence development",
      "next": "No medical report does not itself establish incapability.",
      "source": "capabilitymedical",
      "section": "A.3; B",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200502040",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "capability-evidence-record",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "dds-opinion",
      "title": "DDS suggested that a payee may be needed",
      "when": "The disability file contains a DDS capability opinion.",
      "you": "Explain your actual ability to manage benefits.",
      "ssa": "Treat the DDS opinion as lay evidence; FO makes the final capability determination.",
      "route": "DDS opinion → FO capability review",
      "next": "A DDS opinion is not the final capability finding.",
      "source": "capabilitymedical",
      "section": "A.8",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200502040",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "capability-evidence-record",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "beneficiary-interview",
      "title": "SSA asks about everyday money management",
      "when": "A capability interview is needed.",
      "you": "Explain how you meet daily needs or direct someone helping you.",
      "ssa": "Interview the beneficiary unless disability prevents participation; use phone when an in-person interview is impractical and document it.",
      "route": "FO beneficiary interview → capability evidence",
      "next": "Receiving help does not by itself establish incapability.",
      "source": "capabilitylay",
      "section": "A; B",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200502030",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "capability-evidence-record",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "independent-third-party",
      "title": "The payee applicant is not the only evidence source",
      "when": "Third-party capability evidence is being developed.",
      "you": "Identify someone with direct knowledge of your daily financial management.",
      "ssa": "Seek a source other than the payee applicant; document unsuccessful attempts. Do not delay solely for a preferred signature.",
      "route": "FO → knowledgeable third party → record",
      "next": "A custodian different from the applicant requires SSA-788.",
      "source": "capabilitylay",
      "section": "C; C.2",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200502030",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "capability-evidence-record",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "payment-development-safeguard",
      "title": "Capability development is still pending",
      "when": "SSA has not finished deciding the capability issue.",
      "you": "Ask what happens to payments during development.",
      "ssa": "Do not suspend or delay benefits for development unless the specific published exception criteria apply; evaluate direct payment under those rules.",
      "route": "FO capability / interim-payment review",
      "next": "The full payment-delay exceptions need separate review.",
      "source": "capabilitylay",
      "section": "A caution",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200502030",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "capability-evidence-record",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "medical-authenticity",
      "title": "SSA needs to confirm the medical report",
      "when": "Recent evidence was delivered through the beneficiary or its authenticity is questioned.",
      "you": "Identify the medical source if asked.",
      "ssa": "Contact the source or authorized representative to confirm authenticity/content; document the contact and evidence location.",
      "route": "FO → medical source → documented confirmation",
      "next": "Verification is separate from accepting the medical opinion’s conclusion.",
      "source": "capabilitymedical",
      "section": "A.4–5",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200502040",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "capability-evidence-record",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "medical-incomplete",
      "title": "The medical capability report is incomplete",
      "when": "Recent evidence arrived directly from the source but lacks required information.",
      "you": "Respond to any authorization request.",
      "ssa": "Confirm the source supplied it; redevelop with SSA-787 and SSA-827 and document the contact.",
      "route": "FO → medical-source redevelopment",
      "next": "An incomplete form calls for evidence development.",
      "source": "capabilitymedical",
      "section": "A.6",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200502040",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "capability-evidence-record",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "medical-fee-request",
      "title": "The provider requires payment for capability evidence",
      "when": "The evidence would be used solely to decide capability.",
      "you": "Tell SSA if the provider will not supply it.",
      "ssa": "Do not pay solely for capability evidence. If the provider refuses and no other medical evidence is available, develop other evidence.",
      "route": "FO → alternative capability evidence",
      "next": "This rule concerns capability-only evidence, not every SSA medical request.",
      "source": "capabilitymedical",
      "section": "A.7; B",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200502040",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "payments-during-payee-search",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "payments-during-payee-search-1",
      "title": "Check the payment route",
      "you": "Ask whether current payments can continue.",
      "ssa": "Evaluate interim direct payment and all applicable exceptions before delaying current benefits.",
      "owner": "FO technician",
      "route": "Current-payment review",
      "next": "Age, legal incompetence and other specified exceptions matter.",
      "source": "payeedirect",
      "section": "A.1–3",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200504105",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "payments-during-payee-search",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "payments-during-payee-search-2",
      "title": "Document interim payment",
      "you": "Complete the requested application or SSA-11 as applicable.",
      "ssa": "Initiate required direct payment and document the payee issue on benefit records and eRPS.",
      "owner": "FO technician",
      "route": "Payment records / eRPS",
      "next": "Initial cases have a separate application qualification.",
      "source": "payeedirect",
      "section": "B.1; B.2 step 1",
      "systems": [
        "eRPS"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200504105",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "payments-during-payee-search",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "payments-during-payee-search-3",
      "title": "Continue payee follow-up",
      "you": "Explain whether payments meet current needs.",
      "ssa": "Continue payee development and diary/reassess interim direct payment.",
      "owner": "FO technician",
      "route": "Follow-up → payee or continuing direct payment",
      "next": "Current payments do not automatically release all retroactive benefits.",
      "source": "payeedirect",
      "section": "B.2 steps 3–8",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200504105",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "payments-during-payee-search",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "second-tier-approval",
      "title": "SSA proposes suspension for a payee issue",
      "when": "The reason is other than payee death or refusal to continue.",
      "you": "Ask which reason and review apply.",
      "ssa": "Obtain second-tier approval; the deciding FO/PC owns the suspension action.",
      "route": "FO / PC → technical or management approval",
      "next": "An unresolved payee issue alone is not sufficient.",
      "source": "payeesuspension",
      "section": "A–B",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200504110",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "payments-during-payee-search",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "concurrent-payment-records",
      "title": "You receive both Title II and SSI",
      "when": "A payee-related suspension is under consideration.",
      "you": "Identify both benefits when asking about payment status.",
      "ssa": "Check both benefit records and pending eRPS applications; take appropriate action on each.",
      "route": "FO / PC → MBR / SSR / eRPS",
      "next": "One record’s status does not establish the other’s.",
      "source": "payeesuspension",
      "section": "C.3–4",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200504110",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "payments-during-payee-search",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "mandatory-payee",
      "title": "Direct payment is legally barred",
      "when": "The beneficiary is legally incompetent or younger than 15.",
      "you": "Ask about payee selection progress.",
      "ssa": "Suspend pending selection; the ordinary one-month cap does not apply. Expedite development.",
      "route": "FO → payee development",
      "next": "Age 15–18 has a different interim-payment rule.",
      "source": "payeedirect",
      "section": "A.2.b",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200504105",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "payments-during-payee-search",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "held-retroactive-benefits",
      "title": "Past-due benefits remain held",
      "when": "Interim current payments have started.",
      "you": "Explain unmet basic needs.",
      "ssa": "Release only the needed retroactive portion and document it. Send Title II withholding cases to the PC; for SSI, withhold and issue the manual notice.",
      "route": "FO → PC (Title II) / SSI payment action",
      "next": "Current payment does not release every past-due dollar.",
      "source": "payeedirect",
      "section": "B.2 step 3",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200504105",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "payments-during-payee-search",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "interim-followups",
      "title": "No payee has been found yet",
      "when": "Interim direct payment continues.",
      "you": "Discuss whether basic needs are met.",
      "ssa": "Review at 90 days and successive 90-day follow-ups; document use of funds. Apply step 5 before ending follow-ups.",
      "route": "FO → recorded reassessment",
      "next": "This review interval is not a payee-selection deadline.",
      "source": "payeedirect",
      "section": "B.2 steps 4–5",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200504105",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "payments-during-payee-search",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "resume-three-to-five",
      "title": "Payments stopped for three to five months",
      "when": "A representative payee remains on the case.",
      "you": "Provide current whereabouts and contact information.",
      "ssa": "Unless the payee is a parent or spouse with custody or a legal guardian, contact beneficiary and custodian to verify continued suitability before payment. Verify entitlement and document findings.",
      "route": "FO → suitability and entitlement review",
      "next": "SSI nonpayment exceeding one calendar month also requires an unscheduled redetermination.",
      "source": "payeeresumption",
      "section": "B.2.a; C.1",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200504160",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "payments-during-payee-search",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "resume-six-plus",
      "title": "Payments stopped for six months or longer",
      "when": "SSA is considering resumption with a payee.",
      "you": "Respond to the contact and advance notice.",
      "ssa": "Contact the payee in every case; verify custody or continuing guardianship and suitability. Send advance notice; verify entitlement and consider continued payee need.",
      "route": "FO → contact, notice and resumption review",
      "next": "Payment resumption depends on the applicable findings, not elapsed time alone.",
      "source": "payeeresumption",
      "section": "B.2.b; C.1",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200504160",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "payments-during-payee-search",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "short-interruption",
      "title": "Payments stopped for fewer than three consecutive months",
      "when": "The current payee may remain suitable.",
      "you": "Report changes affecting the payee.",
      "ssa": "Presume continuing qualification unless contrary evidence exists; check other resumption requirements. For delayed awards, measure from the latest suitability finding, ordinarily advance notice; document any later date.",
      "route": "FO → payee qualification and resumption review",
      "next": "A short interruption does not waive other payment conditions.",
      "source": "payeeresumption",
      "section": "A; B.1; C.1",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200504160",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "payments-during-payee-search",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "erroneous-titleii-termination",
      "title": "Title II was terminated by mistake",
      "when": "The same representative payee will continue.",
      "you": "Ask whether both payment and payee records have been restored.",
      "ssa": "Route reinstatement to the PC. After the resulting eRPS alert, the FO restores the active payee relationship using the questionnaire process.",
      "route": "FO → PC reinstatement → FO eRPS reconciliation",
      "next": "Correcting payment status and correcting the payee record are separate actions.",
      "source": "payeeresumption",
      "section": "C.2.a.3",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200504160",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "payments-during-payee-search",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "direct-pay-suspension-error",
      "title": "Direct payment was suspended in error",
      "when": "No advance notice explaining payee appeal rights was received.",
      "you": "Tell SSA about the missing notice and disputed payee need.",
      "ssa": "Apply the S8/S08 notice exception providing appeal rights on the need for a payee. Distinguish that issue from the administrative suspension itself.",
      "route": "FO / PC → corrected notice and payee-need review",
      "next": "This exception does not make every payee-development suspension formally appealable.",
      "source": "payeesuspensionnotice",
      "section": "A exception",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200503150",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "payments-during-payee-search",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "under15-suspension-notice",
      "title": "A child younger than 15 has a payee-development suspension",
      "when": "SSA must send suspension notice copies.",
      "you": "Identify current guardian or parent contact information.",
      "ssa": "Notify the current payee; copy the guardian, parent or person acting as parent when different. Check eRPS addresses in the specified preference order; copy the authorized representative.",
      "route": "FO / PC → payee and required notice recipients",
      "next": "Notice routing is separate from choosing a suitable replacement payee.",
      "source": "payeesuspensionnotice",
      "section": "C introduction; C.2",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200503150",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "payments-during-payee-search",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "child-social-agency-payee-referral",
      "title": "No qualified payee has been found for a child who needs one",
      "when": "SSA determines the child is incapable and the payee search has not succeeded.",
      "you": "Tell SSA about possible caregivers and the child’s current needs.",
      "ssa": "Refer for a state social-service welfare investigation and payee recommendation. Diary agency assistance for 20 working days; resume or continue field-office development if no payee is located. Investigate any recommended applicant and document findings. SSA retains appointment and monitoring responsibility. Review permitted direct payment or suspension safeguards while waiting.",
      "route": "Field office → social agency assistance → SSA applicant investigation and decision",
      "next": "The agency recommends; SSA decides. The follow-up diary does not guarantee a payee or payment by that date.",
      "source": "childcapability",
      "section": "C",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "socialagencypayeehelp",
          "section": "B.1"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "20 working days from referral is the staff follow-up diary interval.",
      "review_status": "Child referral and national follow-up gates checked; regional referral and disclosure procedures separately scoped"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200502070",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Child referral and national follow-up gates checked; regional referral and disclosure procedures separately scoped"
  },
  {
    "journey": "uncashed-check-notice",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "uncashed-check-notice-1",
      "title": "Ask about the letter",
      "you": "Have the notice available.",
      "ssa": "800-number staff answer general questions; the FO reviews queries.",
      "owner": "800-number / FO technician",
      "route": "General explanation / FO review",
      "next": "Detailed payment inquiry follows the appropriate component.",
      "source": "limitedpaynotice",
      "section": "B.1",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0202401905",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "uncashed-check-notice",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "uncashed-check-notice-2",
      "title": "Compare payment records",
      "you": "Review whether the check was received and cashed.",
      "ssa": "PC checks MBR and PHUS and asks about the listed checks.",
      "owner": "PC technician",
      "route": "Payment-record comparison",
      "next": "If already received and cashed, disregard the letter.",
      "source": "limitedpaynotice",
      "section": "B.2",
      "systems": [
        "MBR",
        "PHUS"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0202401905",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "uncashed-check-notice",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "uncashed-check-notice-3",
      "title": "Return the response",
      "you": "Circle disputed dates, sign and return the notice.",
      "ssa": "PC processes the completed response under the payment instructions.",
      "owner": "PC technician",
      "route": "Completed notice → payment review",
      "next": "Uncertainty is not itself proof that payment remains due.",
      "source": "limitedpaynotice",
      "section": "B.2; C",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0202401905",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "uncashed-check-notice",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "missing-signature",
      "title": "You forgot to sign",
      "when": "A check was circled.",
      "you": "Sign and return the notice.",
      "ssa": "Return it with an envelope requesting signature.",
      "route": "PC → customer correction",
      "next": "A signature is required before a new payment.",
      "source": "limitedpaynotice",
      "section": "D",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0202401905",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "uncashed-check-notice",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "missing-check-selection",
      "title": "No check was identified",
      "when": "The returned notice is signed.",
      "you": "Explain which check is disputed.",
      "ssa": "Contact the beneficiary to resolve the omission.",
      "route": "PC → clarification",
      "next": "Clarification precedes processing.",
      "source": "limitedpaynotice",
      "section": "D",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0202401905",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "uncashed-check-notice",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-direct-contact",
      "title": "The uncashed payment concerns SSI",
      "when": "SSA receives an SSI limited-payability credit.",
      "you": "Respond to the direct inquiry.",
      "ssa": "Contact the recipient directly; this SSI process does not generate the Title II automated notice.",
      "route": "SSA → SSI recipient contact",
      "next": "The Title II mailed-letter workflow should not be assumed for SSI.",
      "source": "limitedpaynotice",
      "section": "A.2",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0202401905",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "uncashed-check-notice",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "unsigned-unselected",
      "title": "The return has no signature or circled check",
      "when": "The notice is incomplete in both respects.",
      "you": "Provide a signed, specific response if disputing a check.",
      "ssa": "File the response in paperless; do not repay based on this return.",
      "route": "PC → filed incomplete response",
      "next": "This return alone does not initiate repayment.",
      "source": "limitedpaynotice",
      "section": "D",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0202401905",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "uncashed-check-notice",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "uncertain-cashing",
      "title": "You cannot remember whether the check was cashed",
      "when": "A listed payment remains uncertain.",
      "you": "Circle the dates in question, sign and return the notice.",
      "ssa": "Compare Treasury and SSA records. Repay when the signed response is received and payment remains due; request signature if missing.",
      "route": "PC → payment-record verification",
      "next": "Uncertainty does not automatically prevent repayment or establish entitlement.",
      "source": "limitedpaynotice",
      "section": "B.2; D",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0202401905",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "urgent-titleii-payment",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "urgent-titleii-payment-1",
      "title": "Explain the urgent need",
      "you": "Describe the missing payment and emergency.",
      "ssa": "Check established entitlement, completed development, payment delay and applicable critical-need criteria.",
      "owner": "FO technician",
      "route": "Immediate-payment screening",
      "next": "Community resources and other ways to resolve the emergency matter.",
      "source": "titleiiip",
      "section": "B.1; C.1 steps 1–3",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0302801010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "urgent-titleii-payment",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "urgent-titleii-payment-2",
      "title": "Review payment authority",
      "you": "Respond to the requested checks.",
      "ssa": "Obtain FO management approval; determine the payable amount and program for concurrent cases.",
      "owner": "FO technician / management",
      "route": "Approval → payment processing",
      "next": "Approval is required; this is not an automatic advance.",
      "source": "titleiiip",
      "section": "C.1 step 4",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0302801010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "urgent-titleii-payment",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "urgent-titleii-payment-3",
      "title": "Receive payment documentation",
      "you": "Sign the required receipt copies if approved.",
      "ssa": "Process through CPS/TPPS; cashier issues the US Debit Card and claimant receipt. Preserve file and cashier copies.",
      "owner": "FO technician / cashier",
      "route": "Approved payment → receipt and records",
      "next": "The source specifies debit-card issuance from February 9, 2026.",
      "source": "titleiiip",
      "section": "A; C.2",
      "systems": [
        "CPS",
        "TPPS"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0302801010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "urgent-titleii-payment",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "critical-screening-exclusions",
      "title": "The problem may use another route",
      "when": "You ask for critical payment handling.",
      "you": "Explain what payment is due and why the matter is urgent.",
      "ssa": "Check entitlement, unpaid due benefits, dire need or adverse public-relations potential, and exclusions. A payment-amount-only recomputation or a non-adjudicated claim does not qualify under this route.",
      "route": "FO / TSC / PC → critical-case screening",
      "next": "Exclusion from this route does not resolve the underlying claim or dispute.",
      "source": "criticalcriteria",
      "section": "B; B.2",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0302801001",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "urgent-titleii-payment",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "critical-pc-handoff",
      "title": "The field office needs PC action",
      "when": "Routine direct input cannot resolve an eligible critical case.",
      "you": "Ask which component has the next action.",
      "ssa": "Evaluate routine input first, then applicable CPS processing. When PC action is required, send an MDW 2560HP high-priority request.",
      "route": "FO → PC high-priority payment request",
      "next": "The source distinguishes Treasury critical payments from faster FO immediate payments; this is not an individual delivery guarantee.",
      "source": "criticalcriteria",
      "section": "C",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0302801001",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "disability-dire-need",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "disability-dire-need-1",
      "title": "Explain the hardship",
      "you": "Describe the immediate threat or payment-interruption hardship.",
      "ssa": "FO or DDS evaluates dire need; accept allegations absent contrary evidence.",
      "owner": "FO / DDS technician",
      "route": "Dire-need identification",
      "next": "A priority designation is not a disability allowance.",
      "source": "direneed",
      "section": "A–B",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0423020030",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "disability-dire-need",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "disability-dire-need-2",
      "title": "Flag and assign",
      "you": "Keep contact information current.",
      "ssa": "Flag the electronic or excluded paper case. DDS checks flags and expedites assignment no later than the next business day after receipt.",
      "owner": "FO / DDS",
      "route": "Flagged case → examiner",
      "next": "This is an assignment standard, not a decision deadline.",
      "source": "direneed",
      "section": "C–D",
      "systems": [
        "eView",
        "DCPS"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0423020030",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "disability-dire-need",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "disability-dire-need-3",
      "title": "Continue priority development",
      "you": "Respond to evidence requests.",
      "ssa": "Examiner develops and adjudicates as priority and expedites consultant review.",
      "owner": "DDS examiner",
      "route": "Evidence development → consultant review",
      "next": "Necessary evidence and eligibility checks still apply.",
      "source": "direneed",
      "section": "F",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0423020030",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "disability-dire-need",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "hardship-after-transfer",
      "title": "Hardship begins after transfer to DDS",
      "when": "The case is already being developed.",
      "you": "Tell DDS about the changed circumstances.",
      "ssa": "Add the appropriate flag and notify the FO for simultaneous development.",
      "route": "DDS → FO coordination",
      "next": "New hardship can be identified during development.",
      "source": "direneed",
      "section": "E",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0423020030",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "disability-dire-need",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "paper-allowance-return",
      "title": "DDS allows an excluded paper case",
      "when": "The case has a dire-need designation.",
      "you": "Continue responding to field-office requests.",
      "ssa": "Return the paper folder to the FO by priority mail and identify dire need on the envelope.",
      "route": "DDS → FO paper-folder handoff",
      "next": "The disability allowance handoff does not itself complete every payment action.",
      "source": "direneed",
      "section": "G",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0423020030",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "disability-dire-need",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "priority-flag-removal",
      "title": "DDS removes the dire-need flag",
      "when": "Evidence shows circumstances do not meet the definition.",
      "you": "Tell SSA about any changed hardship.",
      "ssa": "Document the reason clearly in the official file; use DCPS case notes when documenting there. Retain the designation absent evidence warranting removal.",
      "route": "DDS → documented priority-status review",
      "next": "Removal concerns priority handling, not by itself the disability decision.",
      "source": "direneed",
      "section": "F; H",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0423020030",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "disability-dire-need",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "disability-statutory-expedite-exclusion-other-priority",
      "title": "Keep statutory payment exclusions separate from disability dire-need review",
      "when": "A disability-related payment problem is being considered for statutory expedited payment under205(q).",
      "you": "Identify the benefit and describe any immediate health, safety or payment-related hardship.",
      "ssa": "Staff check the statutory exclusion:205(q) does not cover section223 disability benefits, specified auxiliary benefits on that disability record, disabled adult-child benefits, disabled widow or widower benefits, or a benefit check already negotiated. Separately, the field office or DDS assesses dire need underDI23020.030; payment-related hardship can be relevant to that assessment. Exclusion from205(q) does not decide that separate priority assessment.",
      "route": "Applicable benefit/payment review and separate field-office or DDS dire-need assessment.",
      "next": "Ask which procedure applies and provide the facts needed for the hardship review; no automatic priority or payment result is inferred.",
      "source": "act205expedited",
      "section": "q(5)",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "direneed",
          "section": "A; B"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "No205(q) payment clock is applied to an excluded benefit by this branch; dire-need processing uses its own instructions.",
      "review_status": "Live statutory exclusion and separate dire-need criteria checked; not a denial of every form of urgent assistance."
    },
    "source_url": "https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/ssact/title02/0205.htm",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live statutory exclusion and separate dire-need criteria checked; not a denial of every form of urgent assistance."
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-household-redetermination",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-household-redetermination-1",
      "title": "Describe the household",
      "you": "Explain who moved, relationships and ages.",
      "ssa": "Compare allegations with existing records; no further household-change development is needed when no change is alleged and records agree.",
      "owner": "FO interviewer",
      "route": "Allegations → consistency check",
      "next": "Conflicting information needs development.",
      "source": "rzhousehold",
      "section": "D; F.1–2",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0502305088",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-household-redetermination",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-household-redetermination-2",
      "title": "Develop affected issues",
      "you": "Provide requested details.",
      "ssa": "Develop relevant marital, deeming, living-arrangement, supplement and child-status issues.",
      "owner": "FO technician",
      "route": "Relevant eligibility/payment issue review",
      "next": "A household change does not imply a particular payment result.",
      "source": "rzhousehold",
      "section": "F.2",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0502305088",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-household-redetermination",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-household-redetermination-3",
      "title": "Document the facts",
      "you": "Review requested form information.",
      "ssa": "Record material facts on appropriate forms or the Household Expenses and Contributions page.",
      "owner": "FO technician",
      "route": "Evidence → SSI review record",
      "next": "Additional paper living-arrangement forms may be needed.",
      "source": "rzhousehold",
      "section": "G",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0502305088",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-household-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "new-household-member-filing",
      "title": "A new household member may need SSI",
      "when": "The person is aged 65, blind or disabled.",
      "you": "Mention the person and any inquiry about benefits.",
      "ssa": "Determine whether a protective filing exists under the cited filing rules.",
      "route": "FO → protective-filing review",
      "next": "Household membership alone does not establish a filing date or eligibility.",
      "source": "rzhousehold",
      "section": "H",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0502305088",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-household-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "institution-question-skip",
      "title": "Your permanent residence is an institution",
      "when": "The review uses SSA-8203-BK.",
      "you": "Explain the residence accurately.",
      "ssa": "Skip household-composition question 6 under this instruction. Continue other applicable review issues.",
      "route": "FO interviewer → applicable RZ questions",
      "next": "Skipping this question does not exempt the person from the whole SSI review.",
      "source": "rzhousehold",
      "section": "C; E",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0502305088",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-household-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ineligible-child-student",
      "title": "An ineligible household child has student status or earnings",
      "when": "SSA is developing household changes.",
      "you": "Report the child’s age, student status and earnings when asked.",
      "ssa": "Generally accept ineligible-child status absent doubt. Do not apply automatic acceptance of student status when the child is under 21 and alleges earnings; consider allocation changes and develop applicable child/student issues.",
      "route": "FO → child/student and allocation development",
      "next": "This is a household-development rule, not a finding that earnings are excluded.",
      "source": "rzhousehold",
      "section": "F.2 note",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0502305088",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-household-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "separation-divorce-review",
      "title": "You or a child’s parents separated or divorced",
      "when": "The change falls within the review period.",
      "you": "Give the event date and requested financial information.",
      "ssa": "Document the separated person’s income/resources through the separation month; develop marital status under the linked rules and correct SSR record composition.",
      "route": "FO → marital/deeming development → SSR correction",
      "next": "The source limits deeming through the separation month; detailed application still requires the relevant rules.",
      "source": "rzmarital",
      "section": "G",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0502305083",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-household-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "widowed-review",
      "title": "You or a child’s parent became widowed",
      "when": "SSA is reviewing household and marital changes.",
      "you": "Provide requested death evidence and financial details.",
      "ssa": "Secure death proof; document deceased person’s income/resources through the death month. Consider possible Title II survivor benefits on that record.",
      "route": "FO → death evidence / deeming / survivor screening",
      "next": "Survivor screening is not an eligibility finding.",
      "source": "rzmarital",
      "section": "D; I",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0502305083",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-household-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "unchanged-marriage-new-spouse-potential",
      "title": "Marital status is unchanged but your spouse’s circumstances changed",
      "when": "An ineligible spouse became 65, blind or disabled during the review period.",
      "you": "Tell the interviewer whether the spouse wants to apply.",
      "ssa": "Ask about intent to file under protective-writing instructions despite otherwise consistent unchanged marital status.",
      "route": "FO → filing-intent review",
      "next": "Unchanged marital status does not eliminate this filing inquiry.",
      "source": "rzmarital",
      "section": "D.1 exception",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0502305083",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-household-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "marriage-ssi-spouse",
      "title": "Your new spouse also receives SSI",
      "when": "The marriage is being developed at review.",
      "you": "Provide the marriage date and requested financial details.",
      "ssa": "Obtain the SSI record; document the event and income/resources. Convert both to couple membership only when appropriate under the linked rule.",
      "route": "FO → record comparison → couple-status review",
      "next": "Marriage reporting does not itself determine the couple payment amount.",
      "source": "rzmarital",
      "section": "E.1",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0502305083",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-household-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "institutional-spouse-allocation",
      "title": "Your spouse enters a Medicaid institution",
      "when": "The absence is not temporary.",
      "you": "Report allocated income received for your support.",
      "ssa": "Explain the reporting requirement for income allocated through the Medicaid determination; apply the linked income-counting rules.",
      "route": "FO → allocation/income development",
      "next": "This branch does not calculate Medicaid or SSI eligibility.",
      "source": "rzmarital",
      "section": "H",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0502305083",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-household-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "new-spouse-not-on-ssi",
      "title": "Your new spouse does not receive SSI",
      "when": "SSA is developing the marriage at review.",
      "you": "Provide requested spouse identification and benefit information to SSA.",
      "ssa": "Document SSN, birth date, SSI eligibility or potential eligibility, and allegations about other benefits. If the spouse wants SSI, complete the appropriate application and required record-start procedures.",
      "route": "FO → spouse information / application and record setup",
      "next": "Potential eligibility is a screening question, not an award.",
      "source": "rzmarital",
      "section": "E.2–3",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0502305083",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-household-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "possible-holding-out",
      "title": "SSA needs to clarify how a household relationship is represented",
      "when": "A recipient or parent began sharing a household with an unrelated person, or alleges holding out not recorded on SSR.",
      "you": "Explain the actual relationship and circumstances.",
      "ssa": "Develop possible holding out for applicable review months under SI 00501.152 B; do not treat household sharing alone as the final marital finding.",
      "route": "FO → relationship development",
      "next": "Further evidence and the substantive holding-out rule are needed.",
      "source": "rzmarital",
      "section": "F",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0502305083",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-household-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "expense-sharing-only",
      "title": "You share housing only to split expenses",
      "when": "There is an obvious non-couple reason for the arrangement.",
      "you": "Explain the actual household arrangement.",
      "ssa": "Apply the B exception to obtaining a signed holding-out allegation. If holding out is denied and no contrary evidence exists, accept the allegation and annotate the file.",
      "route": "FO → recorded allegation",
      "next": "Sharing an address alone does not establish holding out.",
      "source": "ssiholdingout",
      "section": "B; C.1.a",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0500501152",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-household-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "conflicting-holding-out-evidence",
      "title": "Statements or records conflict about the relationship",
      "when": "Either person denies holding out but contrary evidence exists.",
      "you": "Explain the records and how you describe the relationship.",
      "ssa": "Obtain both signed responses, using SSA-4178 if appropriate. When answers indicate possible holding out, gather evidence and make a written determination considering its age, weight, creation and explanations.",
      "route": "FO → signed statements / evidence → written determination",
      "next": "The website does not decide anyone’s relationship status.",
      "source": "ssiholdingout",
      "section": "C.1.c; C.2–4",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0500501152",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-household-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "both-allege-holding-out",
      "title": "Both people say they present themselves as married",
      "when": "SSA is developing the SSI household relationship.",
      "you": "Provide the requested signed statement.",
      "ssa": "Obtain the other person’s signed statement. If both allege holding out without contrary evidence, accept and annotate the allegation; otherwise develop the conflict.",
      "route": "FO → signed allegations / conflict development",
      "next": "SSA’s documented finding, not merely shared residence, drives this issue.",
      "source": "ssiholdingout",
      "section": "C.1.b–c",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0500501152",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-household-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "relationship-ended-same-home",
      "title": "The relationship changed but you still share a home",
      "when": "You report that you no longer present yourselves as married.",
      "you": "Explain the changed circumstances and relevant records.",
      "ssa": "Evaluate both accounts and supporting evidence under the holding-out development rules. The published example illustrates that continued residence alone does not require continuing the prior finding.",
      "route": "FO → changed-relationship evidence review",
      "next": "The example is illustrative and does not determine an individual outcome.",
      "source": "ssiholdingout",
      "section": "C.1–4; D.4",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0500501152",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-household-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "paper-rz-fallback",
      "title": "SSA cannot complete the review in the SSI Claims System",
      "when": "An SSI redetermination still needs to be completed.",
      "you": "Complete the requested SSA-8203-BK information.",
      "ssa": "Use the paper form regardless of profile code. Update the appropriate record; enter and upload the documentation for an electronic folder, or retain forms in the official paper development section.",
      "route": "FO → paper intake → record update and evidence filing",
      "next": "A system limitation does not eliminate the redetermination.",
      "source": "rzpaper",
      "section": "A.1–2",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0502305032",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-household-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "limited-issue-not-rz",
      "title": "SSA is checking a limited issue",
      "when": "The action is not a full redetermination.",
      "you": "Respond to the specific information request.",
      "ssa": "Complete the limited issue in the SSI Claims System rather than on redetermination paper forms.",
      "route": "FO → limited-issue processing",
      "next": "A limited issue and a full redetermination use different processing paths.",
      "source": "rzpaper",
      "section": "A.3",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0502305032",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-household-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-deeming-family-age-student-events",
      "title": "Family, age or student-status changes need reporting",
      "when": "A relevant change occurs in an SSI deeming case.",
      "you": "Report household births, deaths or adoptions; marriage, separation, divorce or resumed living together; a child reaching 18; a student child reaching 22; or student-status changes under 22.",
      "ssa": "Instruct the claimant, recipient or acting person to report relevant changes for themselves and the people within the cited deeming scope. Apply current reporting instructions and review the facts under the applicable substantive policy.",
      "route": "Recipient/acting person → SSA household and income review",
      "next": "These are reporting events, not automatic determinations of deeming or eligibility. The prior age-21 student rule is historical.",
      "source": "ssideemingreportevents",
      "section": "A; B",
      "timing": "Use SI02301.005 reporting due-date guidance; no adjudication completion interval specified.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection and current2026 cross-reference checked; substantive deeming consequences require separate review"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0501310030",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official subsection and current2026 cross-reference checked; substantive deeming consequences require separate review"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-household-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-tanf-deemor-wage-verification",
      "title": "A parent or spouse received TANF and wages during the review period",
      "when": "SSA reviews a public-income-maintenance payment allegation.",
      "you": "Identify the program and provide requested records about continued inclusion.",
      "ssa": "Ordinarily accept a spouse or parent’s allegation consistent with SSR review-period information. For TANF with wages during the review period, verify continued eligibility/inclusion with the agency before continuing the wage exclusion; verify continued eligibility, not the grant amount, for this deeming question. Follow applicable regional instructions.",
      "route": "Field office → TANF agency verification → deeming review",
      "next": "The evidence determines whether the deeming exclusion continues; this is separate from calculating an SSI claimant’s own TANF share.",
      "source": "ssipimdeeming",
      "section": "C.5.a-b",
      "timing": "No agency-response completion period specified.",
      "review_status": "Selected C5 exception checked; .00830.403 C1 reviewed for cross-reference context"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0501320141",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected C5 exception checked; .00830.403 C1 reviewed for cross-reference context"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-household-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-pim-eligible-without-payment",
      "title": "A parent or spouse reports assistance eligibility but no payment",
      "when": "Public-income-maintenance eligibility is alleged despite nonpayment.",
      "you": "Identify the agency and explain the missing payment.",
      "ssa": "Contact the paying agency and verify/document why it did not pay. Exclude the deemor’s income when program eligibility exists; if the agency says there is no eligibility, apply the appropriate spouse/parent deeming rules.",
      "route": "Field office → paying agency eligibility evidence → deeming determination",
      "next": "A missing payment alone does not settle whether the exclusion applies.",
      "source": "ssipimdeeming",
      "section": "C.2",
      "timing": "No agency-verification duration specified.",
      "review_status": "C2 selected gate checked; special SSI application-month note separately scoped"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0501320141",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "C2 selected gate checked; special SSI application-month note separately scoped"
  },
  {
    "journey": "authorized-titleii-fee-payment",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "authorized-titleii-fee-payment-1",
      "title": "Identify the payment route",
      "you": "Ask whether the fee is authorized and eligible for direct payment.",
      "ssa": "Check the applicable direct-payment and valid-assignment requirements before using this route.",
      "owner": "Benefit authorizer",
      "route": "Authorized fee → direct-payment eligibility",
      "next": "This page does not establish fee authorization or eligibility.",
      "source": "titleiifeepayment",
      "section": "A; linked GN 03920.016 B / .021",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0203930065",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "authorized-titleii-fee-payment",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "authorized-titleii-fee-payment-2",
      "title": "Process the fee",
      "you": "Ask where the authorized payment stands.",
      "ssa": "Complete SPS APAY for the eligible representative or entity; the screen supports payment and assessment calculation.",
      "owner": "Benefit authorizer",
      "route": "SPS APAY → fee payment",
      "next": "Information is largely propagated from other SSA records.",
      "source": "titleiifeepayment",
      "section": "A",
      "systems": [
        "SPS",
        "MCS",
        "RASR",
        "MADCAP"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0203930065",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "authorized-titleii-fee-payment",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "authorized-titleii-fee-payment-3",
      "title": "Check the recorded payment",
      "you": "Keep the fee notice for questions.",
      "ssa": "Review fee-payment information in PHUS and assessment information in SPS. Do not make these manual adjustments through MACADE.",
      "owner": "Benefit authorizer",
      "route": "Payment history / assessment review",
      "next": "This describes records, not a payment deadline.",
      "source": "titleiifeepayment",
      "section": "A",
      "systems": [
        "PHUS",
        "SPS"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0203930065",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "authorized-titleii-fee-payment",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "withdrawn-representative",
      "title": "The representative withdrew or the appointment was revoked",
      "when": "An authorized fee may still require payment review.",
      "you": "Ask which authorization date and payment conditions apply.",
      "ssa": "For fees authorized on or after December 9, 2024, evaluate direct payment despite withdrawal/revocation if all other conditions are met. Apply the different historical rule for earlier authorizations.",
      "route": "SSA fee/payment review → date-specific conditions",
      "next": "Ending the appointment does not by itself settle whether an authorized fee is payable.",
      "source": "repfeepayment",
      "section": "B.6",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0203920016",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "authorized-titleii-fee-payment",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "assessment-source",
      "title": "You ask who pays the direct-payment assessment",
      "when": "SSA certifies a fee payment.",
      "you": "Ask for the fee and assessment explanation.",
      "ssa": "Deduct the processing assessment from the representative/entity/court-attorney fee, rather than the claimant’s past-due benefits. Apply the separate assessment instructions.",
      "route": "SSA payment processing → assessment accounting",
      "next": "This does not state a current assessment amount or calculate the fee.",
      "source": "repfeepayment",
      "section": "D.1",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0203920016",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "authorized-titleii-fee-payment",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "representative-direct-pay-check",
      "title": "SSA checks the representative’s direct-payment status",
      "when": "A fee is authorized but not yet certified for payment.",
      "you": "Ask whether registration or eligibility is unresolved.",
      "ssa": "Check registration and attorney or active eligible nonattorney status at certification, including final suspension/disqualification. Review the RASR eligibility message where applicable.",
      "route": "SSA payment technician → representative eligibility review",
      "next": "An authorized fee does not alone establish direct-payment eligibility.",
      "source": "repfeepayment",
      "section": "B.1",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0203920016",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "authorized-titleii-fee-payment",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "entity-direct-pay-check",
      "title": "The fee is assigned to an organization",
      "when": "SSA is evaluating direct payment to the entity.",
      "you": "Ask whether the assignment and entity eligibility were verified.",
      "ssa": "Check entity registration, electronic-transfer acceptance and absence from the ineligible-entity list at certification. Verify assignment timing and both parties’ eligibility when assigned and paid.",
      "route": "SSA payment technician → assignment / entity review",
      "next": "Detailed assignment rules require GN 03920.021.",
      "source": "repfeepayment",
      "section": "B.2; B.3.a; C",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0203920016",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "authorized-titleii-fee-payment",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "failed-assignment-not-appointment",
      "title": "The entity assignment cannot be processed",
      "when": "An SSA-1696 includes both appointment and assignment.",
      "you": "Ask whether the appointment and fee assignment have separate statuses.",
      "ssa": "Continue processing the otherwise valid appointment; notify the representative that assignment failed. An unregistered entity cannot receive the assignment; evaluate direct payment to the eligible representative instead.",
      "route": "SSA appointment processing → failed-assignment notice / payment review",
      "next": "A failed assignment does not itself cancel representation.",
      "source": "feeassignment",
      "section": "B.2.b; B.3.b",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0203920021",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "authorized-titleii-fee-payment",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "wrong-entity-payment",
      "title": "The fee went to the wrong organization",
      "when": "SSA is determining how the error occurred.",
      "you": "Identify the disputed assignment information.",
      "ssa": "Distinguish SSA processing error from representative-provided wrong EIN. For SSA error, pursue recovery and process payment to the correct entity; representative error follows the separate exclusion.",
      "route": "SSA → error-origin review → appropriate correction",
      "next": "The error’s origin changes SSA’s direct-payment responsibility.",
      "source": "feeassignment",
      "section": "C.1–2",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0203920021",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "authorized-titleii-fee-payment",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "rescind-assignment",
      "title": "The representative wants to cancel an entity assignment",
      "when": "A rescission request reaches SSA.",
      "you": "Ask whether SSA received a valid updated request before favorable-decision notification.",
      "ssa": "Check required information, receipt date and claim decision status. Process a valid timely rescission in RASR; otherwise notify the representative that the latest valid assignment remains.",
      "route": "SSA → rescission validation → RASR / notice",
      "next": "Cancellation of fee assignment is different from ending representation.",
      "source": "feeassignment",
      "section": "B.4",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0203920021",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "authorized-titleii-fee-payment",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "entity-contact-disclosure",
      "title": "An entity’s contact asks about the claim",
      "when": "The person acts as the entity point of contact, not necessarily as appointed representative.",
      "you": "Clarify the person’s role and any valid disclosure consent.",
      "ssa": "Limit disclosure to the minimum needed for entity fee issues unless separately authorized through appointment or valid written consent. Do not treat POC status as general claim access.",
      "route": "SSA → role/consent check → limited fee information",
      "next": "Entity fee administration does not confer full representative authority.",
      "source": "feeassignment",
      "section": "B.2.c; D.1",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0203920021",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "workers-comp-offset-notice",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "workers-comp-offset-notice-1",
      "title": "Identify the notice action",
      "you": "Ask which adjustment the notice explains.",
      "ssa": "CR/CA/CTE supplies the applicable WC/PDB data and notice information in ICF for award or post-entitlement action.",
      "owner": "Claims technician",
      "route": "ICF notice preparation",
      "next": "This journey describes notice processing, not the offset amount.",
      "source": "wcpdbnotice",
      "section": "A",
      "systems": [
        "ICF"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0452165030",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "workers-comp-offset-notice",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "workers-comp-offset-notice-2",
      "title": "Handle an incomplete system notice",
      "you": "Ask about a missing or incomplete explanation.",
      "ssa": "If T2R fails to produce a complete notice, PC uses the coded notice information to issue it through Aurora.",
      "owner": "PC notice staff",
      "route": "T2R limitation → PC notice",
      "next": "Automatic processing can require a separate notice action.",
      "source": "wcpdbnotice",
      "section": "A.1",
      "systems": [
        "T2R",
        "Aurora"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0452165030",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "workers-comp-offset-notice",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "workers-comp-offset-notice-3",
      "title": "Route a manual computation",
      "you": "Keep the adjustment notice for questions.",
      "ssa": "For OREO limitations, transmit FO action to the jurisdictional PC; BA/BTE incorporates notice data in MACADE for MADCAP processing.",
      "owner": "FO / PC BA or BTE",
      "route": "OREO → PC processing",
      "next": "Manual computation and notice preparation have linked handoffs.",
      "source": "wcpdbnotice",
      "section": "A.2",
      "systems": [
        "ICF",
        "MACADE",
        "MADCAP"
      ],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0452165030",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "workers-comp-offset-notice",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "custom-notice-needed",
      "title": "Standard paragraphs do not fully explain the action",
      "when": "The required WC/PDB notice exceeds standard paragraph capabilities or the notice-block limit.",
      "you": "Ask SSA for the complete explanation.",
      "ssa": "Use appropriate dictated language or SSA-573 instructions for PC preparation, not both for the stated limitation. Include necessary primary and auxiliary notice information.",
      "route": "Claims technician → PC notice preparation",
      "next": "A system text limit does not remove the need for a complete explanation.",
      "source": "wcpdbnotice",
      "section": "C.1–2",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0452165030",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "workers-comp-offset-notice",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "pc-proof-request",
      "title": "The processing center requests WC/PDB information",
      "when": "SSA needs proof for the adjustment.",
      "you": "Respond to the actual requested information and retain a copy.",
      "ssa": "Use appropriate Aurora development notices or local direct-contact letters. Aurora posts notices to ORS for staff viewing.",
      "route": "PC → evidence request → customer response",
      "next": "The specific evidence requested depends on the unresolved issue.",
      "source": "wcpdbnotice",
      "section": "F–G",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0452165030",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "medical-records-authorization",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "medical-records-authorization-1",
      "title": "Identify the authorization",
      "you": "Review the requested SSA-827.",
      "ssa": "Generally obtain one signed authorization at each adjudicative level for the covered claims or reviews.",
      "owner": "FO technician",
      "route": "Authorization intake",
      "next": "Additional originals or state-specific requirements can apply.",
      "source": "ssa827signature",
      "section": "A; A.1",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411005056",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "medical-records-authorization",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "medical-records-authorization-2",
      "title": "Check signature and date",
      "you": "Use an allowed signature method and include the date.",
      "ssa": "Check the appropriate signer and signature method; accept a legible properly completed pen-and-ink form by permitted delivery methods.",
      "owner": "FO technician",
      "route": "Signature/authority validation",
      "next": "Internet and attestation methods have specific conditions.",
      "source": "ssa827signature",
      "section": "A.1–2; B",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411005056",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "medical-records-authorization",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "medical-records-authorization-3",
      "title": "Send requests to sources",
      "you": "Respond if another authorization is needed.",
      "ssa": "Adjudicating component copies the signed form for records sources and obtains another original if needed.",
      "owner": "DDS / hearing office",
      "route": "Authorization → source requests",
      "next": "This does not guarantee a source’s response time.",
      "source": "ssa827signature",
      "section": "A.1",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411005056",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "medical-records-authorization",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "undated-authorization",
      "title": "The form has no signing date",
      "when": "SSA receives an undated SSA-827.",
      "you": "Date and return the form.",
      "ssa": "Return it for dating; never request an undated authorization.",
      "route": "FO → customer correction",
      "next": "A missing date requires correction.",
      "source": "ssa827signature",
      "section": "A.3",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411005056",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "medical-records-authorization",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "payee-not-signing-authority",
      "title": "A payee or appointed representative wants to sign",
      "when": "They claim authority solely from that designation.",
      "you": "Explain any separate legal authority.",
      "ssa": "Do not treat payee or appointment status alone as authority to authorize disclosure as personal representative.",
      "route": "FO → signer-authority review",
      "next": "State-law authority must be separately established where required.",
      "source": "ssa827signature",
      "section": "B.3",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411005056",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "medical-records-authorization",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "physically-unable-sign",
      "title": "You agree to disclosure but cannot physically sign",
      "when": "No permissible signing method can be used.",
      "you": "Tell SSA about the physical barrier and whether you agree to disclosure.",
      "ssa": "FO annotates physical inability on SSA-827 and alerts DDS in EDCS 3367 Remarks. DDS sends the annotated authorization and an explanatory cover letter to the medical source.",
      "route": "FO → DDS → medical source",
      "next": "Physical inability and agreement to disclosure are separate facts.",
      "source": "ssa827signature",
      "section": "C.1.a–b",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411005056",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "medical-records-authorization",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "minor-age12-signatures",
      "title": "The claimant is 12 or older and still a minor",
      "when": "SSA is checking the record-release authorization.",
      "you": "Ask which signatures and date are required.",
      "ssa": "Generally obtain the child’s and authorized adult’s signatures and date. Apply C.3 exceptions separately: documented strong-objection/source-acceptance waiver, or confidential treatment under state law.",
      "route": "FO → signer and exception review",
      "next": "Do not combine the waiver and confidential-treatment exceptions or invent a separate review office.",
      "source": "ssa827signature",
      "section": "C.3",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411005056",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "medical-records-authorization",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "child-under12",
      "title": "The claimant is younger than 12",
      "when": "SSA needs authorization for the child’s records.",
      "you": "The child’s applicant signs and identifies their relationship or authority.",
      "ssa": "Check applicant signature in the individual disclosure box and the relationship selection. If signing as other personal representative, obtain the authority explanation. Attestation is permitted subject to its applicable procedures.",
      "route": "FO → authorization check → records development",
      "next": "The website does not determine anyone’s legal authority to sign.",
      "source": "ssa827signature",
      "section": "C.4; B",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411005056",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "medical-records-authorization",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "review-before-attestation",
      "title": "You have not reviewed SSA-827 before attestation",
      "when": "SSA proposes an in-office or telephone attestation.",
      "you": "Ask for an opportunity to read the form; you can choose paper signing.",
      "ssa": "Do not continue attestation without review. Offer access to the form or a copy; proceed after review under permitted conditions, or obtain a pen-and-ink signed and dated paper authorization.",
      "route": "SSA / DDS → form review → chosen valid signature process",
      "next": "Paper is an alternative, not the only next step after a missed review opportunity.",
      "source": "ssa827signature",
      "section": "D.2.b; D.2.d.1",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411005056",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "medical-records-authorization",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "adult-court-incompetence-signer",
      "title": "A court has deemed the adult claimant incompetent",
      "when": "An authorized guardian or other state-law representative is available.",
      "you": "Provide the requested authority information to SSA.",
      "ssa": "Obtain the authorized person’s signature in the individual disclosure box and relationship selection. If signing as other personal representative, document the basis of authority; the claimant should not sign in this situation.",
      "route": "FO → authorized signer check → evidence development",
      "next": "SSA must establish authority; this website makes no individual competence finding.",
      "source": "ssa827signature",
      "section": "C.2.a",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411005056",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "medical-records-authorization",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "no-appointed-adult-representative",
      "title": "An adult cannot sign and no legally appointed representative is available",
      "when": "The special situation in C.2.b applies.",
      "you": "Identify the proper applicant who signed the benefit application.",
      "ssa": "Obtain that proper applicant’s signature, relationship entry and any required personal-representative authority explanation. Apply linked proper-applicant policy.",
      "route": "FO → proper applicant / signing authority review",
      "next": "Inability to sign alone does not authorize any helper to sign.",
      "source": "ssa827signature",
      "section": "C.2.b; GN 00204.003 reference",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411005056",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "medical-records-authorization",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "electronic-attestation-copy",
      "title": "You complete permitted electronic attestation",
      "when": "You reviewed the form and agree to authorize disclosure.",
      "you": "Keep the printed signed-form copy supplied by the employee.",
      "ssa": "Confirm intent and complete attestation. The system adds the signed authorization to the electronic folder; no separate fax or scan is needed for this process. Provide the printed copy.",
      "route": "SSA / DDS → electronic folder and customer copy",
      "next": "The instruction requires a copy; it does not promise a separate folder-upload confirmation.",
      "source": "ssa827signature",
      "section": "D.2.c; D.2.d.3–5",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411005056",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "medical-records-authorization",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "dual-or-excluded-attestation",
      "title": "Two signatures are required, or the excluded claim has no electronic folder",
      "when": "The special paper attestation procedure applies.",
      "you": "Review the form and retain the completed copy.",
      "ssa": "Verify identity, allow review, print the form and read the script. Record agreement and required signer/witness details; document attestation electronically and associate the completed form with the applicable folder or system.",
      "route": "Responsible component → attestation record / applicable folder",
      "next": "Either condition triggers this route; both conditions are not required together.",
      "source": "ssa827signature",
      "section": "D.2.f.1–11",
      "timing": "No completion duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0411005056",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected branch checked; detailed exceptions remain"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-age18-disability-redetermination",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-age18-disability-redetermination-1",
      "title": "Identify the workload",
      "you": "Ask which review applies.",
      "ssa": "Initiate/control age-18 cases in DCF; FO identifies paper cases to DDS. DDS may identify missed cases during a CDR.",
      "owner": "FO / DDS",
      "route": "DCF identification → DDS",
      "next": "Identification does not decide disability.",
      "source": "age18dds",
      "section": "A.1; A.2.a",
      "systems": [
        "DCF"
      ],
      "timing": "See journey notice-sequencing qualification",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked 2026-10-16"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0423570010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-age18-disability-redetermination",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-age18-disability-redetermination-2",
      "title": "Check prior adult-standard decisions",
      "you": "Identify relevant earlier decisions.",
      "ssa": "DDS checks pre-18 SSI eligibility and prior adult-standard review. Childhood no-improvement continuance is insufficient; qualifying favorable adult decisions can exclude this workload. Collateral-estoppel determinations are excluded from the cited Title II example.",
      "owner": "DDS examiner",
      "route": "Folder review → applicable workload",
      "next": "Do not assume every prior award resolves this check.",
      "source": "age18dds",
      "section": "A.2.a–b",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "See journey notice-sequencing qualification",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked 2026-10-16"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0423570010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-age18-disability-redetermination",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-age18-disability-redetermination-3",
      "title": "Send the correct notices",
      "you": "Read the notice and retain a copy.",
      "ssa": "FO sends initiation notices for cases identified at age 18. DDS-discovered cases require separate individual/payee notices explaining the adult initial standard before determination.",
      "owner": "FO / DDS by identification route",
      "route": "Individual and representative payee",
      "next": "DDS must notify as soon as possible after recognition.",
      "source": "age18dds",
      "section": "A.2.a; B",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "See journey notice-sequencing qualification",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked 2026-10-16"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0423570010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-age18-disability-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "age18-recent-review-duplicate-cdr",
      "title": "A new CDR follows a recent completed age-18 review",
      "when": "Age-18 redetermination completed within 12 months and a new CDR is pending.",
      "you": "Identify the earlier review and keep both notices.",
      "ssa": "DDS applies no-determination to the CDR if the medical diary has not matured and will not mature within three months; return the folder to FO requesting the age-18 diary record update.",
      "route": "DDS CDR screen-out → FO diary-record update",
      "next": "These conditions concern a later CDR, not permission to skip a required age-18 redetermination. They are not customer appeal deadlines.",
      "source": "age18dds",
      "section": "A.2.c",
      "timing": "12-month prior-review and three-month diary conditions; no processing-duration guarantee",
      "review_status": "Specific post-age18 CDR condition checked; not general future-diary screen-out authority"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0423570010",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Specific post-age18 CDR condition checked; not general future-diary screen-out authority"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-age18-disability-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "age18-conversion-notice-outcome",
      "title": "The notice changes a CDR to adult-standard review",
      "when": "You receive the illustrated conversion notice.",
      "you": "Read the notice; distinguish it from a later decision.",
      "ssa": "The exhibit explains adult initial standards, excluding its working-denial rule, and says a decision letter will explain the result and appeal rights.",
      "route": "DDS conversion notice → later decision notice",
      "next": "SSI may continue or stop after the decision. The exhibit mentions payment continuation on appeal; detailed election conditions and deadlines require separate review. Ask SSA about work incentives.",
      "source": "age18notice",
      "section": "Notice body; We Will Let You Know What We Decide; Information About Work",
      "timing": "No decision or election day count established by this exhibit",
      "review_status": "Expected notice content checked; no individual disability or appeal-entitlement conclusion"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0423570100",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Expected notice content checked; no individual disability or appeal-entitlement conclusion"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-age18-disability-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-age18-nonmedical-review-referrals",
      "title": "The age-18 review also checks nonmedical SSI issues",
      "when": "SSA selects the KB-diary redetermination.",
      "you": "Provide student, work, household and other-benefit information.",
      "ssa": "Review student status, living arrangements, other benefits and direct payment. If work may establish special Title II insured status, refer to a Claims Specialist for a disability claim. For a Title II child beneficiary without a disabled-adult-child claim, make the required claim referral. Monitor other-benefit filing compliance.",
      "route": "Field office nonmedical redetermination → Claims Specialist referrals and payment/living-arrangement review",
      "next": "The nonmedical review and medical disability redetermination are distinct, coordinated activities.",
      "source": "ssiage18kb",
      "section": "A; B",
      "timing": "The current KB procedure selects the scheduled redetermination in the month age 18 is attained.",
      "review_status": "September2026 specific procedure checked; older .00502.075 month-before wording recorded as conflicting"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502309003",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "September2026 specific procedure checked; older .00502.075 month-before wording recorded as conflicting"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-age18-disability-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-kb-wrong-birthdate-under18",
      "title": "The age-18 diary is based on a wrong birth date",
      "when": "The SSR birth date is incorrect and the recipient is not yet 18.",
      "you": "Tell SSA which birth information is wrong and provide requested evidence.",
      "ssa": "Correct the birth date on the SSI record. Under this specific KB procedure, that resolves the diary and clears the profile K redetermination in the next monthly merge run.",
      "route": "Field office → SSI birth-date correction → KB diary/profile clearance",
      "next": "This does not replace separate identity or Numident correction procedures.",
      "source": "ssiage18kb",
      "section": "C.2",
      "timing": "Next monthly merge describes diary clearance after the correction; no evidence-correction completion guarantee.",
      "review_status": "Incorrect-DOB and under18 conditions checked; documentary correction requirements separately scoped"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502309003",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Incorrect-DOB and under18 conditions checked; documentary correction requirements separately scoped"
  },
  {
    "journey": "ssi-age18-disability-redetermination",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "ssi-age18-record-medical-coordination",
      "title": "SSA completes the nonmedical review and coordinates the disability review",
      "when": "The KB-diary redetermination is ready for completion.",
      "you": "Provide requested student and household facts and respond separately to medical-review requests.",
      "ssa": "Complete the redetermination and birthday-dated living-arrangement update in the SSI Claims system, recording student status; use the prescribed paper-input route for cases outside that system. Check DCF and PE ODS for the medical-redetermination schedule and coordinate where appropriate.",
      "route": "Field office → SSI record completion → coordinated medical-redetermination workload",
      "next": "Closing the nonmedical review does not substitute for the medical disability determination.",
      "source": "ssiage18kb",
      "section": "C.1",
      "timing": "The procedure calls for disability redetermination within the year after age 18; this is not a guaranteed individual decision/payment date.",
      "review_status": "Selected completion/coordination gates checked; detailed input codes remain in the linked staff source"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502309003",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected completion/coordination gates checked; detailed input codes remain in the linked staff source"
  },
  {
    "journey": "child-ssi-online-report",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "child-ssi-online-report-1",
      "title": "Keep the report closeout notice",
      "you": "Retain the initial online notice.",
      "ssa": "The initial i3820 partial issues webpage closeout language; determine the protective filing under applicable rules.",
      "owner": "Online report / FO",
      "route": "Report partial → closeout review",
      "next": "A report is not the signed formal application.",
      "source": "childonlinereport",
      "section": "B",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "See closeout qualification; no adjudication-duration guarantee",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked 2026-10-16"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0481007040",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "child-ssi-online-report",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "child-ssi-online-report-2",
      "title": "Complete the formal application",
      "you": "Follow the closeout instructions promptly.",
      "ssa": "Check a valid formal application within the applicable closeout period; a second partial during the first period does not extend it.",
      "owner": "FO intake",
      "route": "Formal SSI application review",
      "next": "The original date governs the first period; SSA determines the case-specific filing date.",
      "source": "childonlinereport",
      "section": "B",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "See closeout qualification; no adjudication-duration guarantee",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked 2026-10-16"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0481007040",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "child-ssi-online-report",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "child-ssi-online-report-3",
      "title": "Reconcile paper and online reports",
      "you": "Identify both submissions and conflicting information.",
      "ssa": "If both reports arrive, check an earlier paper protective date, propagate i3820 into EDCS and resolve discrepancies.",
      "owner": "FO technician",
      "route": "Paper/i3820 → EDCS reconciliation",
      "next": "Submitting online does not make conflicting paper information irrelevant.",
      "source": "childonlinereport",
      "section": "D",
      "systems": [
        "EDCS"
      ],
      "timing": "See closeout qualification; no adjudication-duration guarantee",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked 2026-10-16"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0481007040",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "child-ssi-online-report",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "second-i3820-partial-lock",
      "title": "A second online partial locks the first",
      "when": "Another i3820 partial begins during the original closeout period.",
      "you": "Keep the original notice and tell SSA about both attempts.",
      "ssa": "Use the original protective date/period; the first partial becomes inaccessible to the online user.",
      "route": "FO filing/report reconciliation",
      "next": "A fresh partial is not an extension of the original closeout period.",
      "source": "childonlinereport",
      "section": "B",
      "timing": "Original 60-day period applies, subject to applicable closeout rules",
      "review_status": "Selected duplicate-partial behavior checked; actual filing date requires SSA review"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0481007040",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected duplicate-partial behavior checked; actual filing date requires SSA review"
  },
  {
    "journey": "payroll-data-authorization",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "payroll-data-authorization-1",
      "title": "Review who can authorize",
      "you": "Ask about signing authority.",
      "ssa": "Request authorization from the legally authorized person. Explain scope, duration and Privacy Act information first.",
      "section": "B.2-3; C.2.a-b",
      "owner": "FO interviewer",
      "route": "Authority review",
      "next": "Payee status alone cannot authorize for a competent adult.",
      "source": "payrollauthorization",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No processing duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked2026-10-16"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200204150",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "payroll-data-authorization",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "payroll-data-authorization-2",
      "title": "Record the voluntary response",
      "you": "Give your response.",
      "ssa": "Record and attest the response in WEIA; request each program separately for concurrent SSDI/SSI. Refusal cannot itself deny or suspend benefits; verify wages by other methods.",
      "section": "A; B.1; C.2.c-e",
      "owner": "FO technician",
      "route": "WEIA response recording",
      "next": "Authorization is optional.",
      "source": "payrollauthorization",
      "systems": [
        "WEIA"
      ],
      "timing": "No processing duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked2026-10-16"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200204150",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "payroll-data-authorization",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "payroll-data-authorization-3",
      "title": "Keep the receipt and reporting instructions",
      "you": "Keep reporting under current instructions.",
      "ssa": "Hand or mail the authorization receipt. Reduced reporting requires later SSA notice that employer information is received through PIE.",
      "section": "A; B.6.a; C.2.f",
      "owner": "FO technician",
      "route": "Receipt → customer",
      "next": "Signing alone does not reduce reporting.",
      "source": "payrollauthorization",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No processing duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked2026-10-16"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200204150",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "payroll-data-authorization",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "weia-unavailable",
      "title": "The authorizing person is unavailable",
      "when": "Interview lacks the authorized person.",
      "you": "Respond to SSA correspondence.",
      "ssa": "Try telephone; if unreachable, record unavailable and mail SSA-8240 with L-8240.",
      "route": "FO → authorizing person",
      "next": "Review the voluntary request.",
      "source": "payrollauthorization",
      "section": "C.3.a-c",
      "timing": "No fixed processing duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected official conditional procedure checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200204150",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected official conditional procedure checked"
  },
  {
    "journey": "payroll-data-authorization",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "weia-incomplete-unreturned",
      "title": "The authorization form is incomplete or unreturned",
      "when": "SSA-8240 is incomplete or absent.",
      "you": "Tell SSA your intended response.",
      "ssa": "Incomplete return: telephone to confirm; if unreachable, record refusal and upload form to EP. No return: no follow-up or nonreceipt notation; adjudication unaffected.",
      "route": "FO response review / EP",
      "next": "An unanswered optional request does not itself decide benefits.",
      "source": "payrollauthorization",
      "section": "C.3.d",
      "timing": "No fixed processing duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected official conditional procedure checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200204150",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected official conditional procedure checked"
  },
  {
    "journey": "payroll-data-authorization",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "weia-revoke",
      "title": "You revoke payroll-data authorization",
      "when": "Revocation requested.",
      "you": "Keep the revocation receipt; report wages.",
      "ssa": "Accept written or attested revocation; record and give/mail receipt. Applies to both programs when processed. For non-SSI Claims system cases, upload to EP and issue DPS receipt.",
      "route": "FO → WEIA; specified paper case → EP/DPS",
      "next": "SSA may receive data during processing and use previously obtained data.",
      "source": "payrollauthorization",
      "section": "B.5.c; D opening; D.1-2",
      "timing": "No fixed processing duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected official conditional procedure checked"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200204150",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected official conditional procedure checked"
  },
  {
    "journey": "payroll-data-authorization",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "weia-age18",
      "title": "A parent authorized before the person turned18",
      "when": "Person turns18, is not legally incompetent, and prior authorization came from parent/guardian.",
      "you": "Discuss your own voluntary response with SSA.",
      "ssa": "Prior authorization ends at18 in this condition. Request authorization from the competent adult; payee status alone provides no authority.",
      "route": "FO authority review → WEIA",
      "next": "An SSA payee does not automatically sign for a competent adult.",
      "source": "payrollauthorization",
      "section": "B.2; B.5.a-b",
      "timing": "Age18 is the specified terminating event; no processing-duration promise",
      "review_status": "Selected official conditions checked; no individual capacity determination"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200204150",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected official conditions checked; no individual capacity determination"
  },
  {
    "journey": "payroll-data-authorization",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "weia-paper-outage",
      "title": "The authorization needs a paper route",
      "when": "Systems outage or non-SSI Claims system case.",
      "you": "Keep your form and receipt.",
      "ssa": "Outage: use SSA-8240, enter after restoration. Non-SSI Claims system: obtain signed paper form, upload EP, issue manual DPS receipt; enter response when seeding into SSI Claims system.",
      "route": "FO → paper form / EP / DPS",
      "next": "The non-SSI Claims system case does not use WEIA to request/record authorization at this stage.",
      "source": "payrollauthorization",
      "section": "C.3 note; C.5",
      "timing": "After system availability or case seeding as applicable; no fixed duration",
      "review_status": "Selected official conditions checked; no individual capacity determination"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200204150",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected official conditions checked; no individual capacity determination"
  },
  {
    "journey": "employer-anomalous-wage-report",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "employer-anomalous-wage-report-1",
      "title": "Identify held reports",
      "you": "Review the notice identifiers.",
      "ssa": "Hold some/all reports while investigating accuracy; issue notice identifying WFID, EIN and tax year.",
      "owner": "SSA wage-report investigation",
      "route": "SSA → submitter",
      "next": "Held reports are not processed.",
      "source": "anomalouswages",
      "section": "C",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "See first/second-notice response periods; no processing-duration guarantee",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked2026-10-16"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0101101004",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "employer-anomalous-wage-report",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "employer-anomalous-wage-report-2",
      "title": "Respond with evidence or corrections",
      "you": "Supply the requested response and evidence; request extension if needed.",
      "ssa": "Review supporting evidence; process verified legitimate reports. If submitter confirms erroneous submission, delete those reports.",
      "owner": "SSA investigation",
      "route": "Submitter → SSA evidence review",
      "next": "A submission is not automatic acceptance.",
      "source": "anomalouswages",
      "section": "C",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "See first/second-notice response periods; no processing-duration guarantee",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked2026-10-16"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0101101004",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "employer-anomalous-wage-report",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "employer-anomalous-wage-report-3",
      "title": "Address remaining concerns",
      "you": "Follow a second notice promptly.",
      "ssa": "If concerns remain, send a second investigative notice. If unresolved, reject or notify nonprocessing and identify affected reports.",
      "owner": "SSA investigation",
      "route": "SSA → submitter / BSO status",
      "next": "Keep the disposition information.",
      "source": "anomalouswages",
      "section": "C",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "See first/second-notice response periods; no processing-duration guarantee",
      "verification": "Selected official subsection checked2026-10-16"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0101101004",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "employer-anomalous-wage-report",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "submitter-suspension-review",
      "title": "Electronic filing access is suspended for noncompliance",
      "when": "SSA issues a Suspension Notice under subsection D.",
      "you": "Request review with specific reasons the stated basis is incorrect.",
      "ssa": "Send written reasons and review instructions. Review the request and issue a final response within30 calendar days of receipt. Without timely review request, suspension becomes final.",
      "route": "Submitter → SSA suspension review",
      "next": "Access suspension prevents filing but permits prior-submission status checks; credential deactivation blocks all online wage-service access.",
      "source": "anomalouswages",
      "section": "A definitions; D",
      "timing": "Review request:10 calendar days from Suspension Notice issuance; SSA review/final response:within30 calendar days of receipt, as specified by source",
      "review_status": "Selected2026 source conditions checked; no actual account action performed"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0101101004",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected2026 source conditions checked; no actual account action performed"
  },
  {
    "journey": "employer-anomalous-wage-report",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "submitter-reactivation",
      "title": "The submitter seeks access after a final suspension",
      "when": "Final suspension and possible credential deactivation apply.",
      "you": "Submit a reactivation request documenting good-faith corrective actions.",
      "ssa": "Review remedial documentation under the reactivation process; SSA retains discretion to reinstate or decline. A credential deactivation has its own notice.",
      "route": "Submitter → SSA reactivation process",
      "next": "A request does not guarantee restored access.",
      "source": "anomalouswages",
      "section": "D",
      "timing": "Reactivation request may be made at any time; no restoration duration specified",
      "review_status": "Selected2026 source conditions checked; no actual account action performed"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0101101004",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected2026 source conditions checked; no actual account action performed"
  },
  {
    "journey": "employer-anomalous-wage-report",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "submitter-immediate-misuse",
      "title": "SSA suspends access immediately for alleged misuse",
      "when": "SSA has reliable information of wage-service misuse.",
      "you": "Provide a clear specific explanation why the incident was not misuse.",
      "ssa": "May suspend submitter and affiliated access without an investigative notice. Issue a Misuse Suspension Notice on the suspension date, explaining reasons and reinstatement process.",
      "route": "SSA misuse notice → submitter explanation",
      "next": "This is the subsection E route; do not assume the subsection D investigation or30-day response applies.",
      "source": "anomalouswages",
      "section": "E first three paragraphs",
      "timing": "Submitter explanation:10 calendar days from Misuse Suspension Notice issuance; notice issued on suspension date",
      "review_status": "Selected unambiguous2026 paragraphs checked; duplicated later fragment excluded"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0101101004",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected unambiguous2026 paragraphs checked; duplicated later fragment excluded"
  },
  {
    "journey": "death-before-disability-hearing",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "death-before-disability-hearing-1",
      "title": "Notify the responsible offices",
      "you": "Tell SSA about the death and pending hearing.",
      "ssa": "Inform DDS if it holds the folder; call FO immediately if not notified.",
      "owner": "DHU",
      "route": "DHU → DDS / FO",
      "next": "The death does not automatically dismiss this process.",
      "source": "deathbeforedhu",
      "section": "A.1-2",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "See conditional immediate notification; no overall duration",
      "verification": "Direct official currentTN subsection checked2026-10-16"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0433010060",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "death-before-disability-hearing",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "death-before-disability-hearing-2",
      "title": "Coordinate substitute-party development",
      "you": "Respond to FO requests.",
      "ssa": "Review DHU folder for substitute leads, advise FO, flag decision pending SSA-770 and consider postponement.",
      "owner": "DHU / FO",
      "route": "DHU leads → FO substitution review",
      "next": "SSA determines who may act.",
      "source": "deathbeforedhu",
      "section": "A.2",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "See conditional immediate notification; no overall duration",
      "verification": "Direct official currentTN subsection checked2026-10-16"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0433010060",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "death-before-disability-hearing",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "death-before-disability-hearing-3",
      "title": "Continue through the applicable notice route",
      "you": "If recognized as substitute, state whether you wish to continue.",
      "ssa": "Continue from SSA-770; explain a fully favorable decision without hearing may be possible. If FO cannot locate a substitute, use its Report of Contact, process as waived appearance and notify known next of kin, or next of kin at last known address.",
      "owner": "DHU",
      "route": "FO report / SSA-770 → DHU determination notice",
      "next": "A favorable outcome is not promised.",
      "source": "deathbeforedhu",
      "section": "A.3.a; A.4",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "See conditional immediate notification; no overall duration",
      "verification": "Direct official currentTN subsection checked2026-10-16"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0433010060",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "death-before-disability-hearing",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "substitute-signature",
      "title": "Complete the substitute-party signature",
      "when": "SSA recognizes a substitute party.",
      "you": "Provide the requested relationship and contact details.",
      "ssa": "Complete identity, relationship, applicable child-in-care and proceed choices; obtain signature, printed name, address, phone and date. If signing by X, obtain two witnesses and their addresses.",
      "route": "FO form completion → pending reconsideration",
      "next": "Return the completed form.",
      "source": "substitutepartyform",
      "section": "A.1-5",
      "timing": "No processing duration specified in cited subsection.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection checked2026-10-16"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0412026027",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Official subsection checked2026-10-16"
  },
  {
    "journey": "death-before-disability-hearing",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "substitute-attendance",
      "title": "Choose attendance or request a hearing change",
      "when": "The recognized substitute proceeds with reconsideration.",
      "you": "Choose attendance, a change request or waiver of appearance.",
      "ssa": "Record box 1 and applicable a/b/c choice. For a time/place change, attach SSA-769 with deceased and substitute details; DHU approval controls change notification. For waived appearance, explain consequences, obtain signed SSA-773 and attach it with deceased name/SSN; explain determination notice will follow.",
      "route": "FO forms → DHU hearing / determination",
      "next": "A change request awaits approval; waiving appearance differs from withdrawing the appeal.",
      "source": "substitutepartyform",
      "section": "B.1-3",
      "timing": "No processing duration specified in cited subsection.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection checked2026-10-16"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0412026027",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Official subsection checked2026-10-16"
  },
  {
    "journey": "death-before-disability-hearing",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "dds-death-hold",
      "title": "Death during DDS prehearing review",
      "when": "DDS holds the case for prehearing review.",
      "you": "Respond to FO development requests.",
      "ssa": "DDS notifies FO to develop a qualified substitute and may hold pending resolution; FO sends completed SSA-770 for the folder. If none is located, FO sends DDS and DHU an SSA-5002 with that finding and known next-of-kin details. The reviewer continues: warranted continuance uses SSA-832/833 and a next-of-kin notice; otherwise send to DHU.",
      "route": "DDS → FO → DDS reviewer / DHU",
      "next": "No located substitute does not itself end review.",
      "section": "A.1; A.3",
      "source": "prehearingdeath",
      "timing": "No overall duration specified.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection checked2026-10-16"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0429005025",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Official subsection checked2026-10-16"
  },
  {
    "journey": "death-before-disability-hearing",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "dds-substitute-withdrawal",
      "title": "Substitute requests withdrawal during DDS review",
      "when": "A recognized substitute indicates withdrawal on SSA-770.",
      "you": "Tell SSA your choice and retain the resulting notice.",
      "ssa": "DDS explains a favorable determination without hearing may be possible; process one if warranted, or return the case to FO for withdrawal approval. FO sends its approval letter.",
      "route": "DDS → FO withdrawal review",
      "next": "The request alone is not an approved withdrawal.",
      "section": "A.2.b",
      "source": "prehearingdeath",
      "timing": "No overall duration specified.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection checked2026-10-16"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0429005025",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-16",
    "review": "Official subsection checked2026-10-16"
  },
  {
    "journey": "death-before-disability-hearing",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "fo-death-proof",
      "title": "FO death evidence and affected-party leads",
      "when": "Death occurs before reconsideration determination.",
      "you": "Respond to requests for death evidence and possible affected-party information.",
      "ssa": "Record death, associate proof with the folder and review leads to affected parties. Family or estate examples are leads, not automatic substitute qualifications.",
      "route": "FO → appeal folder / substitute development",
      "next": "SSA reviews who may act.",
      "section": "E.6 opening",
      "source": "focdrappealdeath",
      "timing": "No overall completion time specified.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0412026025",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "death-before-disability-hearing",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "fo-substitute-scheduled-hearing",
      "title": "Preserve an already scheduled appearance",
      "when": "A substitute is involved.",
      "you": "Tell FO whether you want the already scheduled hearing.",
      "ssa": "Secure SSA-770 and telephone DHU. If appearance is requested, tell DHU not to postpone and supply contact details; otherwise postpone pending the form. Upload the form and medical evidence for an electronic folder; for paper, send SSA-408 and materials to the folder component and appropriate DHU. Notify a changed DHU of the requested local hearing.",
      "route": "FO → folder component / DHU",
      "next": "The message between offices is not a promised customer call.",
      "section": "E.6.a",
      "source": "focdrappealdeath",
      "timing": "No overall completion time specified.",
      "review_status": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0412026025",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Official subsection checked2026-10-17"
  },
  {
    "journey": "railroad-medicare-only-referral",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "railroad-medicare-only-referral-1",
      "title": "Identify railroad service",
      "you": "Tell SSA about railroad service on your or the insured worker’s record.",
      "ssa": "When the hospital-insurance-only applicant or insured worker has120 service months, or60-119 months after1995, the field office forwards the application and development to the Railroad Retirement Board for annuity eligibility review.",
      "owner": "SSA field office",
      "route": "Field office to RRB Bureau of Retirement Claims, Health Insurance Operations",
      "next": "The referral does not decide annuity entitlement.",
      "source": "medicareonlyrailroad",
      "section": "C opening conditions",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No processing duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected live official subsection checked2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0600801029",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "railroad-medicare-only-referral",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "railroad-medicare-only-referral-2",
      "title": "Explain the transfer",
      "you": "Keep the transfer letter.",
      "ssa": "Staff mark the cover sheet for a railroad Medicare-only filing and send a letter explaining RRB jurisdiction and the possible return to SSA. RRB advises the claimant of its action.",
      "owner": "SSA field office; Railroad Retirement Board",
      "route": "RRB annuity and hospital-insurance review",
      "next": "If eligible for an RRB annuity, RRB processes the hospital-insurance claim.",
      "source": "medicareonlyrailroad",
      "section": "C referral instructions and patterned letter",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No processing duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected live official subsection checked2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0600801029",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "railroad-medicare-only-referral",
    "type": "step",
    "record": {
      "id": "railroad-medicare-only-referral-3",
      "title": "Resolve a returned claim",
      "you": "Ask which agency now holds the claim.",
      "ssa": "If RRB finds no annuity eligibility and returns the claim, the SSA field office determines hospital-insurance eligibility using TitleII benefit eligibility and awards or denies as appropriate.",
      "owner": "SSA field office",
      "route": "Returned RRB claim to SSA determination",
      "next": "No personal award or denial is inferred.",
      "source": "medicareonlyrailroad",
      "section": "C final paragraph",
      "systems": [],
      "timing": "No processing duration specified",
      "verification": "Selected live official subsection checked2026-10-17"
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0600801029",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Selected subsection checked; not whole-case operational signoff"
  },
  {
    "journey": "railroad-medicare-only-referral",
    "type": "branch",
    "record": {
      "id": "railroad-medicare-only-misrouted-pc",
      "title": "Redirect a railroad Medicare-only claim sent to a processing center",
      "when": "A Medicare-only claim under the cited qualified railroad beneficiary procedure reaches an SSA processing center instead of RRB.",
      "you": "Identify the claim and any transfer correspondence when asking for its location.",
      "ssa": "The processing center follows the railroad transfer instructions: send the application and certified earnings determination record to RRB Health Insurance Operations, mark the transfer for a Medicare-only railroad filing and notify the claimant that the claim was transferred because RRB has jurisdiction.",
      "route": "SSA processing center to Railroad Retirement Board, Bureau of Retirement Claims, Health Insurance Operations.",
      "next": "Keep the transfer notice and ask which agency holds the claim; RRB processing or return to SSA follows the applicable annuity review.",
      "source": "railroadlifeprocessing",
      "section": "D table, misrouted-PC row and incorporated first-row instructions",
      "additional_sources": [
        {
          "source": "medicareonlyrailroad",
          "section": "C"
        }
      ],
      "timing": "No fixed transfer or decision duration is specified.",
      "review_status": "Live wrong-PC transfer and notice duties checked; current internal clearance transactions not prescribed."
    },
    "source_url": "https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0301602150",
    "checked_on": "2026-10-17",
    "review": "Live wrong-PC transfer and notice duties checked; current internal clearance transactions not prescribed."
  }
]