The PC will send a notice modeled after acknowledging receipt of appeal if the PC receives a reconsideration request directly.

If the claimant is merely asking for information, do not process as an appeal.

Send a letter to the claimant responding to the request for information and include a statement that the claimant should let us know if they were also asking that we take an appeal.

If the SSA-561-U2 is only requesting information, dismiss the reconsideration request and then provide the requested information to the individual.

If the request is dismissed because it was not timely filed, there was no good cause, or the contested issue was not an initial determination, send a dismissal notice explaining the reason(s) for dismissal. Do not include the appeal paragraph because a dismissal is final and cannot be appealed.

Develop the issue if it will not delay issuing the reconsideration determination. Otherwise:

• •

  Issue the reconsideration determination;

• •

  Refer the case to a claims specialist (CS) and document reason for the referral;

• •

  Request the CS to effectuate the reconsideration determination, resolve the issue, and prepare any necessary notices.

If the case will not be reviewed within 30 days of last contact with the claimant or the issue involves a question under consideration by Office of the General Counsel (OGC), or other component, notify the claimant that their case is being reconsidered and that we will send a notice when a determination is made.

If the case involves reconsideration of an overpayment determination and waiver relief and claimant's benefits are currently withheld to recover the overpayment in question, notify the claimant:

• •

  their case is being reconsidered;

• •

  benefits will be resumed starting with current operating month;

• •

  benefits already withheld will still be withheld until all issues are resolved; and

• •

  we will send a notice when a determination is made.

Notify the claimant of the decision. If the request is approved, inform claimant that withdrawal can be canceled by filing a written request with SSA within 60 days after date claimant receives this notice, see GN 03102.200B.4.

In the event of claimant death, process the death termination. If there are no other parties, dismiss the request for reconsideration unless there is an overpayment on the record with no waiver request. A reconsideration determination should be rendered since recovery from the estate is possible, see GN 03102.200B.5.