When there is insufficient evidence to justify a continuance, we will stop benefit
payments for the first month in which the FO, DDS, or PSC discovers that the beneficiary
or recipient's whereabouts are unknown, but no earlier than the month in which the
continuing disability issue arose.
REMINDER: The FO must follow the steps in DI 13015.013 before ceasing (Title II) or suspending (Title XVI) payments due to WU.
a. Title II cessation
For Title II, WU is a nonmedical cessation of benefits. Therefore, statutory benefit
continuation (SBC) does not apply to Title II WU cessations. Refer to DI 12027.015 for more information on SBC requirements.
EXAMPLE: On 1/27/2021, the FO sends a letter requesting that the Title II beneficiary call
by 2/11/2021. The Post Office returns the letter on 2/10/2021 indicating that the
addressee is unknown at that address. After following all development steps in DI 13015.013, the FO cannot locate the beneficiary. The FO determines that the beneficiary's disability
ceased beginning 2/2021. After two grace months, benefits terminate as of 05/2021.
b. Title XVI suspension
For Title XVI, WU is a technical suspension of benefits (payment status "S06"). This
is different from Title II in which we cease benefits.
NOTE: Goldberg-Kelly (GK) procedures do not apply to Title XVI WU cases. An S06 suspension
is an exception to systems GK due process procedures. See SI 02301.240 Whereabouts Unknown (S06).