When medical development must be delayed, the DDS should send a notice to the claimant
and/or the claimant's representative explaining the reason for the delay and when
development will begin. The letter should be sent under the DDS letterhead. The following
model letter may be used or modified to suit the individual State's needs. If modifications
are made the letter should contain the following essential elements:
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1.
An explanation of the 12-month duration requirement.
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3.
The month, day and year on or about which development will begin.
MODEL LETTER
The claim you filed for disability benefits with the Social Security Administration
has been sent to the (State of) (Name of agency, etc.) for processing.
Our job is to decide whether you have a disability severe enough to qualify under
the law. To be disabled for these programs you must be unable to work because of an
impairment which has lasted or will last for at least 12 months.
Since (your impairment began) (you had an operation) so recently, we will need to
know what your condition is as of (MM/DD/YY). No decision will be made on your claim
until that information is received. We will contact you or your doctor on or about
that date.
A copy of the notice should be put in the file, and another sent to the DO to serve
as an update for their controls. For DO control and follow up purposes, it is important
to show the month, day and year development is expected to begin.