SSA will investigate and resolve any response or inquiry received from a beneficiary
concerning the advance notice. The type of action required will depend on the nature
of the issue raised and the manner in which the beneficiary responded.
Since the advance notice contains appeal rights, distinguish which responses to treat
as formal requests for reconsideration and which ones can be disposed of informally
as a protest. Afford formal due process rights when appropriate.
Treat the response as a request for reconsideration if the beneficiary expresses a
desire to exercise formal appeal rights. Obtain an SSA-561-U2 and process accordingly.
In addition, if the beneficiary is not satisfied with an informal explanation, advise
them again of the right to a formal appeal.
Process a protest as a formal request for reconsideration only when the:
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•
protest is in writing (solicit an SSA-561-U2 if the protest is verbal),
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•
protest is made by the beneficiary or a person who can act for the beneficiary, see
GN 00503.110, and
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•
issue at hand is an initial determination.
While a third party inquiry does not require a response by SSA, investigate any report
of a possible problem.
NOTE: To determine which component has responsibility for the actions described in this
section, see GN 00501.015.