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  Use a minimum of 1 inch for right- and left-side margins and ½ inch at the top and bottom of the page. Do not justify the right margin.

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  Type the body of the notice flush to the left margin with no indentation at the beginning of paragraphs.

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  Generally, single-space, or use 2 points between the lines for notice text.

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  Double-space between paragraphs, and to separate subordinate headings (subheadings, captions) from text and blocks of information.

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  All headings and captions are flush with the left margin.

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  Use a minimum margin of ½ inch from the top of the page for the first-line heading.

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  Single-space first-, second-, and third-line headings.

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  Double-space subordinate headings (subheadings, captions) from subsequent text.

Use a block format for all addresses. Single-space all lines of an address with even margins and no indentations.

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  Return address: Place the originating component’s address in block format approximately 4 inches from the left side of the page and a minimum of 1½ inches from the top of the page, or position as necessary for placement in a double-window envelope (if applicable).
  EXCEPTION: Disability Determination Services (DDS) determination notices do not show a return address.

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  Date and claim number (or case number): Place the date and claim or case number directly below, and in line with the return address. Use single-spacing or double-spacing to separate the date from the return address.

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  Mailing (client) address: Place the mailing address at the left margin approximately 2½ inches from the top of the page, or position as necessary for placement in a window envelope (if applicable).

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  Servicing office address in the referral paragraph: Place the servicing office address in the referral paragraph 3½ inches from the left side of the page.

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  Double-space bullets ¼ inch from the left margin and bulleted text ½ inch from the left margin.

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  Position “AND” or “OR” between the bullets and ¾ inch (approximately 10 spaces) from the left margin.

Use the following guidelines for margins and spacing for tables, charts, and summary sheets:

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  Use a multiple column format

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  Left-justify all headings and content

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  Left-justify any subordinate heading that precedes the chart or table

EXAMPLE:

Your payment Will Change as Follows:

Place the notice signature and title block approximately 4¼ inches from the left side of the page and on the fifth line after the end of the text.

If applicable, show “Enclosure(s):” and a list of the enclosures left justified, 2 lines below the signature and title block, using the general margin rules.

Show the label “Enclosure(s):” and each enclosure included with the notice on a separate single-spaced line.

On automated notices, place the appropriate notice completion code (C, I, R, or S) on the bottom left corner of the first page, using the general margin rules.