§ 5124. Acceptance of claimant’s statement as proof of relationship

• (a) For purposes of benefits under laws administered by the Secretary, the Secretary may accept the written statement of a claimant as proof of the existence of any relationship specified in subsection (b) for the purpose of acting on such individual’s claim for benefits.
• (b) Subsection (a) applies to proof of the existence of any of the following relationships between a claimant and another person:
  • (1) Marriage.
  • (2) Dissolution of a marriage.
  • (3) Birth of a child.
  • (4) Death of any family member.
• (c) The Secretary may require the submission of documentation in support of the claimant’s statement if—
  • (1) the claimant does not reside within a State;
  • (2) the statement on its face raises a question as to its validity;
  • (3) there is conflicting information of record; or
  • (4) there is reasonable indication, in the statement or otherwise, of fraud or misrepresentation.