Effective Date: September 1, 2016

Previous Policy

Computer interfaces are appropriate verification of benefits received from the Social Security Administration. The Interface with the Social Security systems can verify the amount and source of any OASDI (Title II Social Security Benefit) or SSI (Title XVI Supplemental Security Income Benefits), and eligibility for Medicare benefits. Verify the source and amount of such income at application, and when an enrollee becomes eligible for SSA benefits.

Use electronic data sources to verify Social Security and SSI income. Do not request verification from the individual for income that can be verified with electronic data sources, unless there is good reason to believe it is incorrect, or the individual reports a change that has not yet matched on electronic data sources.

If an individual receives SSA benefits under someone else’s Social Security number, and this information does not appear on electronic data sources, get the claim number from the individual to enter into eREP. You must have the BIC (suffix-usually a letter and number at the end of the Social Security number). Do not enter zeros that are between the letter and the number in the suffix. This should return the benefit information.