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SNAP CERTIFICATION MANUAL – APPENDIX Q

Resolving Discrepancies SSA Quarters of Coverage History System The minimum number QCs 1937-1950 field and maximum number QCs field provide information on qualifying quarters of work for individuals whose earnings records do not contain specific breakouts for quarters of coverage from 1937-1950. For these individuals, SSA will do calculations and provide a range of possible quarters of coverage. The minimum number QCs field will contain the result of dividing total earnings 1937-1950 by $400, and the maximum number QCs field will contain the result of dividing total earnings 1937-1950 by $50. There should not be entries in the Qualifying Quarters Pattern for 1937-1950 if there are entries in the minimum and maximum number QCs fields. Resolving Discrepancies Whenever an applicant, or another individual whose qualifying quarters of work are being credited to the applicant, does not agree with the QQ pattern provided on the WQRY screen, it will be necessary to resolve the discrepancy. Current earnings will not usually appear on the WQRY until mid to late summer of the year following the year of earnings. Earnings for this period are called LAG earnings. The LAG period always covers the current year. It also covers the year just before the current year for the period September through December. If the disputed earnings do not fall within the LAG period, SSA is responsible for investigating the discrepancy and correcting the record. Determining Lag Earnings You may accept a current employer prepared wage statement as proof of earnings. If the quarters in question are not in current year but were earned in the year before the current year, you may accept a W-2 (Wage and Tax Statement), W-2c (Statement of Corrected Income and Tax Amount), or an IRS copy of the individual’s tax return as proof of earnings. The total number of qualifying quarters of work each year (up to 4) will be obtained by dividing the individual’s total earnings by the increment amount for the year. See the chart below for this information. Year Amount Year Amount Year Amount 1996 $640 1999 $740 2002 $870 1997 $670 2000 $780

1998 $700 2001 $830

(Chart revised 01-01-02)