Obj 1: Entitlement Factors & Relationships
Name two basic factors a child must meet to be entitled to Social Security child benefits.
The child must be the child of a Number Holder (NH) entitled to RIB/DIB or deceased and insured, and must be dependent on the NH. (Other correct answers: be unmarried, under age 18 or a full-time student or disabled before age 22, and have filed an application.)
What form must be completed to document full-time student status?
SSA-1372
What is the latest age by which a disability must begin for CDB eligibility?
Before age 22.
Who is considered a proper applicant for a child’s benefits?
Usually a parent, guardian, or custodian; a child aged 15–17 if not in care of another; or the child themselves if qualified.
Name one event that can cause suspension of child benefits.
Work deductions based on the child’s work, conviction and confinement, or suspension due to CDB engaging in substantial gainful activity.
What is the significance of the NH’s domicile in determining a child’s relationship?
The state law of the NH’s domicile at the time of application (life case) or death (death case) is used to determine the child’s relationship for benefit purposes.
At what ages can a child receive SCB?
From age 18 up to (but not including) age 19, as long as the child is a full-time student at an elementary or secondary school.
Who makes the disability determination for CDB cases?
The state Disability Determination Services (DDS) or the Office of Disability Operations (ODO).
What is the main electronic system used to process child benefit applications?
Modernized Claims System (MCS).
What is the POS system used for?
Processing post-entitlement actions such as suspensions, terminations, and deductions.
List three types of parent/child relationships recognized for entitlement.
Biological/natural child, legally adopted child, stepchild. (Other correct answers: grandchild/step grandchild, equitably adopted child, 216(h)(3) deemed child, child of invalid/void/voidable marriage.)
What is the “throughout the month” rule for SCB entitlement?
In life cases, the child must meet all entitlement requirements throughout the entire month to be eligible for benefits for that month.
What are the non-disability entitlement requirements for CDB?
Be the child of the NH, be dependent on the NH, file an application (unless converting from child’s benefits at age 18), and be unmarried.
Name two key MCS screens used in child benefit claims.
CHD1 (Child’s Identification 1), CREL (Child Relationship). (Other correct answers: CHD2, CHPE, DEPC, RPOC, STUD, DICL.)
What documentation is required for a termination event?
Proof of the event (e.g., death certificate, marriage certificate, school records for FTA cessation).
What is a “216(h)(3) deemed child”?
A child who is deemed to be the NH’s child under federal law, even if not recognized under state law, based on court decree, court order for support, written acknowledgment, or other satisfactory evidence plus living with or support.
When do SCB benefits terminate for a student who turns 19 during the school year?
The earlier of the first day of the third month after turning 19, or the first day of the month after the student completes the school year in which they were in full-time attendance.
How does the month of entitlement differ in life vs. survivor cases?
In life cases, the child must be disabled throughout the entire month; in survivor cases, entitlement can begin in any part of the month the requirements are met.
500:
When is a paper application (SSA-4-BK) used?
When a claim cannot be established on MCS.
How is a deduction event processed in the system?
By direct input through POS using the appropriate menu options and codes.
How is dependency established for a stepchild?
The stepchild must have received at least one-half support from the NH at the relevant time (e.g., at the time of application, NH’s entitlement, or NH’s death).
True or False: A student paid by their employer to attend school as a condition of employment is eligible for SCB.
False.
What happens to student information on the MBR when a child is converted to CDB?
The student information should be removed from the MBR to avoid system conflicts.
List two reasons a child’s benefit claim might be disallowed.
The child is not the NH’s child; the child is over age 18 and not a full-time student; the child is not determined to be disabled.
What is a “protected marriage” for a CDB beneficiary?
A marriage to a Title II Social Security beneficiary other than a child under age 18 or a student; CDB entitlement does not end in this case.