A margin is the blank space between the text and the edge of a printed page.
Line spacing is the amount of vertical space between lines of text in a paragraph.
Line spacing is specified in various ways depending on the program or software being
used. In typography, line spacing is designated as a percentage or multiple of the
type point size, or as a point measurement. Point measurement can be expressed as
the additional amount of space that separates the bottom of one line from the top
of the subsequent line (for example, 2-point, 3-point), or as the total amount of
line spacing from the bottom of one line of text to the bottom of another line of
text (for example, 12-point, 14-point). In many word-processing and publishing programs,
line spacing is handled automatically with users specifying single- or double-spacing
between lines.
1. Notice margins and spacing — general
Use the following guidelines for notice margins and spacing.
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Use a minimum of 1 inch for right- and left-side margins and ½ inch at the top and
bottom of the page. Do not justify the right margin.
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Type the body of the notice flush to the left margin with no indentation at the beginning
of paragraphs.
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Generally, single-space, or use 2 points between the lines for notice text.
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Double-space between paragraphs and to separate subordinate headings (subheadings,
captions) from text and blocks of information.
2. Margins and spacing for headings
Use the following guidelines for margins and spacing for notice headings.
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All headings and captions are flush with the left margin.
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Use a minimum margin of ½ inch from the top of the page for the first-line heading.
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Single-space first-, second-, and third-line headings.
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Double-space subordinate headings (subheadings, captions) from subsequent text.
3. Margins and spacing for addresses
All lines of an address must be single-spaced with even margins and no indentations
(block address).
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Return address: Place the originating component’s address in block format approximately 4 inches
from the left side of the page and a minimum of 1½ inches from the top of the page,
or position as necessary for placement in a double-window envelope (if applicable).
NOTE: A return address is not shown on Disability Determination Services (DDS) determination
notices.
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Date and claim number (or case number): Place the date and claim or case number directly below and in line with the return
address. Use single-spacing or double-spacing to separate the date from the return
address.
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Mailing address: Place the mailing address at the left margin approximately 2½ inches from the top
of the page, or position as necessary for placement in a window envelope (if applicable).
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Servicing office address in the referral paragraph: Place the servicing office address in the referral paragraph 3½ inches from the
left-side of the page.
4. Margins and spacing for bullets
Use the following guidelines for margins and spacing of bullets in notices.
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Double-space bullets ¼ inch from the left margin and bulleted text ½ inch from the
left margin.
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Position “AND” or “OR” (between bullets) ¾ inch (approximately 10 spaces) from the left margin.
Example:
You may choose to:
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Receive a telephone call from your local Social Security office
OR
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Receive your letters by certified mail.
5. Margins and spacing for tables and charts
Use the following guidelines for margins and spacing for tables and charts.
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Use a multiple-column format for tables and charts.
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Left-justify all chart and table headings and contents.
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Left-justify any subordinate heading (subheading, caption) that precedes the chart
or table following guidelines in NL 00610.070C.2. in this section.
Example:
Your Payment Will Change as Follows
From
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Through
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Amount Due Each Month
|
December 2008
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February 2009
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$30.00
|
March 2009
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Continuing
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$ 0.00
|
6. Margins and spacing for notice signature
Place the notice signature and title block approximately 4¼ inches from the left side
of the page and on the fifth line after the end of text.
7. Margins and spacing for enclosure information
If applicable, show “Enclosure(s):” and a list of the enclosures left-justified below
the signature and title block. Show the label “Enclosure(s):” and each enclosure included
with the notice on a separate single-spaced line.