The Stieberger settlement agreement provides special development and payment rules
for use in reopenings. How these special rules affect title II cases is discussed
below. A complete discussion of the special Stieberger rules may be found in DI 12586.020 - DI 12586.090.
It is not usually necessary for the DDS to develop disability for the entire period.
Rather, the settlement agreement permits the DDS, subject to certain exceptions explained
below, to develop for a limited period, usually beginning 48 months prior to SSA's
receipt of the request for review. (See B. for instructions on computing the Stieberger DEVELOPMENT PERIOD).
The Stieberger PAYMENT PERIOD may also be limited, but usually begins earlier than
the DEVELOPMENT PERIOD. (See DI 42586.065 for instructions on computing the title II PAYMENT PERIOD).
The FO computes the DEVELOPMENT PERIOD and PAYMENT PERIOD prior to sending a case
to the DDS.