If the beneficiary or recipient does not cooperate with the DDS, the DDS may send an assistance request (AR) to the FO. If the beneficiary or recipient provides the requested information to the FO, return the AR with the requested information to the DDS for completion of the CDR.

If the beneficiary or recipient fails to cooperate with the FO and does not provide the requested information, document the attempts to obtain the information and return the AR to the DDS. The DDS will make a determination based on the evidence in the folder.

If the beneficiary does not cooperate with the PSC, the PSC forwards the folder to the FO. If the beneficiary does not cooperate with the FO, follow the FTC streamlined procedures in DI 13015.005 Failure to Cooperate-Insufficient Evidence Decision (FTC) Suspension Procedures for Continuing Disability Reviews (CDR)-Field Office (FO). Do not send the CDR to the DDS for a medical determination. If the beneficiary cooperates and provides the requested information, return the case to the PSC for completion of the CDR.

If the DDS cannot locate the beneficiary or recipient when developing the CDR, the DDS will send the file to the FO for assistance in locating the individual. If the FO cannot locate the beneficiary or recipient, and the DDS indicated that there is insufficient medical evidence to make a determination, the FO will prepare the WU determination. If the DDS indicated that the folder contains sufficient medical evidence, the FO will send the folder back to the DDS for a determination.

If the PSC cannot locate the beneficiary, the PSC forwards the folder to the FO. If the FO cannot locate the beneficiary and his or her whereabouts are still unknown, the FO accepts jurisdiction and prepares the WU determination.