Use these instructions when you get a telephone or written inquiry from an individual, authorized representative, or the representative payee of an individual, who is in payment status code N25 on the SSR.

Obtain an SSID, MSSICS screens, and/or retrieve Document Processing System (DPS) notices to get a full picture of the basis for N25 suspension. Make every attempt to answer the individual’s questions using the information on the SSR and thereby discourage the caller from coming into the office. Determine if good cause can be found as described in SI 00530.015.

If the individual insists on coming into the office, set up a future appointment and immediately notify the FO manager of the date and time of the appointment.

Use the information shown in our records to explain to the individual that their payments are being withheld because of the information that they gave to us about an outstanding warrant or court order. Repeat to the recipient the specific information from the SSR and advise them on how to rectify the situation and resume eligibility.

See SI 00530.015 for evidence needed to reinstate SSI benefits to an individual who has been found to be a fugitive felon or a parole or probation violator and is claiming good cause exists.

When payments were suspended because of information received through a computer matching operation or another third party, explain:

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  Our records show that there is an outstanding felony warrant or that there is a court order that indicates that the individual is a fugitive (i.e., is wanted on a felony charge or conviction) or a parole or probation violator;

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  We are prohibited by law from paying SSI benefits in such circumstances; and

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  We cannot reinstate benefits until we have evidence from the warrant issuing agency or court showing that the warrant is satisfied or otherwise rendered ineffective, or that the person identified by the warrant or court order is not the SSI recipient, or the good cause criteria has been established (SI 00530.015).

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  Explain that the individual must show good cause or contact the agency noted in the remarks portion of the SSR or MSSICS to clear the warrant or court order before payments may be resumed. Tell the individual to supply the law enforcement agency with the warrant number from our records when making their contact.