Application of State Law in Determining Child Relationship

We are proposing to revise our rules on determining whether a natural child has inheritance rights under appropriate State law and therefore may be entitled to Social Security benefits as the child of an insured worker. Specifically, we propose to revise our rules to explain which version of State law we will apply, depending on whether the insured is living or deceased, how we will apply State law requirements on time limits for determining inheritance rights, and how we will apply State law requirements for a court determination of paternity. We are also proposing to clarify our current rule on determining an applicant's status as a legally adopted child of an insured individual.