An advance notice advising of SSA’s intent to take an adverse action/adjustment that
affects the beneficiary’s right to receive benefits and/or the amount of benefits
must be sent to the beneficiary/claimant and/or representative payee before any adverse
action/adjustment is taken if SSA learned of the reason for the action from a source
other than a first party report. The advance notice provides the due process required
by law, gives the beneficiary the opportunity to protest the action before it is taken
and minimizes the possibility of SSA taking an erroneous action which would incorrectly
deprive the beneficiary/claimant of benefits.
A final notice of the determination is sent to the beneficiary/claimant after any
action affecting benefits is taken regardless of the source of information leading
to the action. This notice provides the beneficiary with the right to appeal the action
taken.