Check eView or the Disability Case Processing System (DCPS) for a special case handling flag (see DI 81010.080B.2).

Check the SSA-3367 (Disability Report - Field Office) for the remark “Non-citizen Case - Date of U.S. Admission (date)” or “Title XVI Aged Non-Citizen Case - Blindness/Disability Alleged - Systems Limitation.”

Suppress the NDDSS systems input to the SSI record by using system override Code “C” and send the decision to the FO.

An exact onset date is required when onset is established after admission into the U.S. for permanent residence. Use the medical onset date, rather than the filing date, as the established onset date.

When the onset is established before admission into the U.S. for permanent residence, and the medical evidence does not pinpoint a precise date, use any date prior to the date of admission.

Request medical evidence from foreign sources through the IDU when:

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  The medical source is in a country where the Department of State maintains FSPs, or

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  There is some question about whether conditions will permit the DDS to develop MER through the Department of State or direct contact with the medical source (e.g., when there is political unrest or war).

Request medical evidence from DHS, including:

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  Form OF-157 (Medical Examination of Visa Applicants) completed by a Department of Homeland Security panel physician in the foreign country consular district where the visa applicant resided, or

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  Form I-486 (Medical Examination and Immigration Interview) completed when a non-citizen applies to DHS for permanent resident and is already in the U.S.

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  Send a letter along with a signed and completed SSA-827 (Authorization to Disclose Information to the Social Security Administration) to the DHS district office servicing the State where the claimant resides.

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  Send a follow-up letter if you do not receive the requested evidence within 20 calendar days from the initial request.

For model language for letter to DHS, see DI 23515.010C1.

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  Complete an SSA-883 (Request for Evidence of Assistance Disability Case) and electronically transmit it to the IDU;

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  Ensure a signed and completed SSA-827 in the certified electronic folder (CEF), when needed to process the AR.

Complete an SSA-883 and send to:

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  Indicate in the body of the SSA-883 what information is needed, and provide a complete mailing address for the foreign source;

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  Attach a signed and completed SSA-827 to the SSA-883 for each foreign MER source.

  NOTE: Foreign sources need the information on the SSA-827 to locate the claimant's medical records.

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  Apply the rules for extending the usual “reasonable effort” timeframe for follow up on requests for evidence from particular sources per DI 22505.035E.5.

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  Document the development worksheet with the follow up efforts (DI 20503.001);

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  Follow up with the IDU prior to 100 days from the date of the initial request for assistance; and

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  Apply SSI provisions for substantial gainful activity and blindness.

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  Add a message to the CEF to alert the IDU that paper documentation is associated with the AR;

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  Indicate on the SSA-883 that paper documentation is being sent to the IDU;

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  Mail the paper documentation to the IDU after electronically sending the AR;

Upon receipt, the IDU processes the request, updates the electronic folder and transmits an alert to the initiating office.