When the FO receives a cover memorandum and the EAP agreement prepared by the RO per
GN 03107.250B.1, the FO must make two copies of the agreement and make every effort to obtain the claimant’s pen-and-ink (wet) signature on both copies of the EAP agreement
within 30 days.
NOTE: The FO will retain a copy of the EAP agreement that it received from the RO until
the claimant has signed the EAP agreement, the claimant cancels the EAP request, or
SSA cancels the EAP request.
If the FO does not obtain the claimant’s signature within 30 days, the FO will document
the reason signature was not obtained and return the cover memorandum, along with
the unsigned EAP agreement, to the RO. For more information on FO responsibilities
when a claimant fails to respond, or refuses to sign the EAP agreement, see GN 03107.150D.5 in this section.
The FO can extend the 30-day deadline if there is indication that the claimant will
sign the agreement. The FO must advise the RO of any extension given.
For more information on FO and RO responsibilities when the claimant has signed the
EAP agreement, see GN 03107.150D.6 in this section and GN 03107.250B.5.a.