The Daily Alaska Empire

Proof of Age
Now Required
Old-Age Money

Development of the Federal old-age insurance program under the Social Security Act has given added importance to the record section of the old family Bible, baptismal certificates, and other papers carrying birth dates.

With the size of the average payment of lump-sum claims for old-age insurance benefits increasing steadily, Hugh J. Wade, Territorial Director of the Social Security Board's office in Juneau, has been instructed to inform claimants that, when a claim is for over $100 proof of age will be required, except in the case of a claim made by the heirs or estate of a wage-earner who has died.

Lump-sum payments amount to 3½ percent of wages received since January 1, 1937.

Ordinarily, where the amount is $100 or less, Mr. Wade said, proof would be required only when the birth date as stated in a benefit application is not the same as the date shown by the Board's records.

The Social Security Board, recognizing the difficulties in supplying proof of birth since many States have not required certificates until recent years, have provided that when an applicant cannot obtain evidence without difficulty and expense he will be directed to file for consideration Bible, family, business, fraternal, school, governmental, or other similar records.

Lump-sum benefits are paid to covered workers who reach 65, or to the relatives or representatives of estates of those who die. These are the only claims now being paid. Beginning in 1942, monthly checks will be sent to those qualifying for Federal old-age insurance retirement benefits.