Navigating the Social Security benefits process can be challenging, especially when it comes to providing the necessary documentation to prove your eligibility.

This blog post will simplify § 404.707, focusing on the types of records you need to submit and how they must be presented.

 

Section 1: Types of Records Accepted as Evidence: In order to establish your eligibility or continuing entitlement to Social Security benefits, you may be required to provide original documents or records. Acceptable forms of evidence include:

1. Original records or documents, which will be returned after photocopying.
2. Certified copies of original records or extracts.
3. Uncertified birth registration notifications, if issued by the local registrar.

Section 2: Certified Copies of Original Records: If you cannot provide original records, certified copies are also acceptable. These must be certified as true and exact copies by one of the following:

1. The official custodian of the record.
2. A Social Security Administration employee authorized to certify copies.
3. A Veterans Administration employee, if the evidence was submitted for veteran’s benefits.
4. A U.S. Consular Officer or Department of State employee, if the evidence was received outside the United States.
5. A State Agency or State Welfare Office employee authorized to certify copies of original records in their files.

Section 3: Uncertified Birth Registration Notifications: In cases where it is the local birth registrar’s practice to issue uncertified photocopies of birth registration notifications, these may be used as evidence.

Example Scenario: Jane is applying for Social Security Disability benefits due to a recent medical condition. To prove her eligibility, she needs to provide evidence of her identity and medical condition. Here’s how Jane can fulfill the documentation requirements based on § 404.707:

1. Original Records: Jane could submit her original birth certificate and medical records. These documents will be returned to her after the Social Security Administration (SSA) has made photocopies.
2. Certified Copies: Alternatively, Jane could request certified copies of her birth certificate and medical records. She could get the certified copy of her birth certificate from the official custodian of the record, such as the local vital records office. For her medical records, she could request certified copies from her healthcare provider.
3. Uncertified Birth Registration Notification: If Jane’s local birth registrar issues uncertified photocopies of birth registration notifications, she could submit one as evidence of her birth.

By providing these documents as evidence, Jane can successfully prove her eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits and move forward with her application.

Conclusion: Understanding the document requirements for Social Security benefits is crucial to ensure a smooth application process. Keep in mind the types of records accepted, and when providing certified copies, ensure they are properly certified by the appropriate authority. By following these guidelines, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate the Social Security benefits system.

https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/404/404-0707.htm