The AC may review a case:
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when a claimant or representative files a request for review of an administrative
law judge (ALJ) decision or dismissal, or
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on its own motion, (the AC will notify the claimant within 60 days after the date
of the ALJ's decision or dismissal order), or
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The AC may reopen a determination or decision under the rules of administrative finality.
NOTE: In the First Circuit, pursuant to McCuin v. Bowen, AR 88-5(1) rescinded 2/23/94,
the AC may not reopen after the 60-day own motion period unless the claimant requests
reopening. In the Eleventh Circuit, pursuant to Butterworth v. Bowen, AR 87-2(11)
rescinded 8/6/98, only the ALJ may reopen an ALJ decision.
The AC may assume jurisdiction to review a case for any reason. It will review a case
if:
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There appears to be an abuse of discretion by the ALJ; or
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There is an error of law; or
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The actions, findings, or conclusions of the ALJ are not supported by substantial
evidence; or
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There is a broad policy or procedural issue that may affect the general public.
2. AC's Action on Request for Review
The AC will notify the claimant and representative whether it will review the case.
If the AC decides to review the case, the claimant may request to appear before the
AC to present oral arguments and file written statements. If the AC takes own motion
or grants review, it may:
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issue a decision which will affirm, modify, or reverse the ALJ hearing decision;
NOTE: The contents of an AC decision may not be disclosed except in accordance with Regulation
No. 1.
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dismiss the claimant's request for hearing for any reason for which the ALJ could
have dismissed the request for hearing, i.e., upon request of the party who asked
for it, upon death of the party, or if such request was not timely filed. The AC may
dismiss any proceedings before it if the claimant files a written request for dismissal,
the request was not timely filed, the claimant dies and there is no one adversely
affected by the dismissal, or the individual is not the proper party. Outside the
Eleventh Circuit, the dismissal of a request for review is binding and is not subject
to further review. AR 99-4(11), 10/26/99, applies to cases involving claimants who
reside in Alabama, Florida, or Georgia at the time of the AC dismissal of the request
for review of the ALJ decision and provides the claimant with the right to request
judicial review.
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remand the case back to the ALJ. This vacates the ALJ decision (in whole or in part)
and requires the ALJ to conduct further proceedings. With respect to AC remands in
non-court cases, the ALJ is not necessarily required to issue a new decision on remand.
As appropriate, the ALJ could dismiss the request for hearing after the AC remand.
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deny the request for review on the basis that the ALJ hearing decision or dismissal
was proper. If the AC denies review of an ALJ decision, the AC will inform the claimant
or representative that the claimant may request court review of the ALJ's decision
if the claimant disagrees with the AC's action.
NOTE: When the AC denies a request for review on the grounds that the ALJ decision or dismissal
was proper, it does not assume jurisdiction.
3. How AC Treats New and Material Evidence
The AC considers evidence that is both new and material. Evidence is new when it is not duplicative, cumulative or repetitive; evidence is material when it affects the ALJ's findings or conclusions and relates to the time period on
or before the ALJ's decision. If the AC determines that the additional evidence is
not relevant, the evidence is returned to the claimant with a notice of explanation
that also advises the claimant of the right to file a new application within 6 months
for Title II or 60 days for Title XVI. If a new application is filed within 6 months
(60 days for Title XVI) of this notice, the date of the request for review will be
used as the filing date for the new application.
NOTE: If the ALJ decision was made after:
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a number holder's (NH) insured status expired,
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a spouse's prescribed period expires, or
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The AC will not consider evidence that pertains to the period after expiration of
insured status or prescribed period or attainment of age 22. (The AC will consider
evidence received after the ALJ decision if it relates to the period before the ALJ
decision.)
4. AC Action on Own Motion
The AC may review an ALJ's decision or order of dismissal on its own motion within
60 days after the date of the ALJ's decision or dismissal. It considers for own motion
review a random sample of unappealed allowances or favorable Title II and Title XVI
disability decisions, and dismissals and decisions referred by effectuating components
or the Office of Quality Assurance (OQA). The AC must notify the claimant and representative,
if any, when it decides to take own motion review.
5. Paying Interim Benefits in Cases of Delayed Final Decisions
Sections 223(h) and 1631(a)(8) of the Social Security Act state that in cases where
the Commissioner has not issued a final decision within 110 days after the date of
the ALJ's decision, and the claimant is entitled to Title II or Title XVI based on
disability, such benefits shall be currently paid. See DI 42010.205 and SI 02007.001 for the time period for which interim benefits are paid.
6. Obtaining Evidence from the AC
The claimant may request and receive copies of the documents or other evidence upon
which the hearing decision or dismissal was based by writing to:
Social Security Administration
Office of Appellate Operations
6401 Security Blvd
Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
The claimant may be asked to pay the costs of providing the copies.