The preparation process for the FEQs follows a specific protocol. There are two types of FEQ: the SSA-7161 is for representative payees who are handling benefits on behalf of a beneficiary, and the SSA-7162 is for beneficiaries who do not have a representative payee. The Regular Transcript Attainment and Selection Pass (RETAP) software captures identifying information about the beneficiary from the Master Beneficiary Record (MBR). The information preprinted on the forms and imbedded in the scan lines contain:

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  Beneficiary’s name

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  Representative Payee’s name (if SSA-7161)

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  Social Security Number and PIC

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  Address (including Consular and Geographic code)

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  BIC (Beneficiary Identification Code)

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  Direct deposit indicator

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  Custody code and type of payee

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  Disability code

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  TOE (type of event) code

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  Age 66 designator

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  Number of beneficiaries on the record

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  SSNX (5 digit number code that denotes the Payment Center jurisdiction, type of file, and type of claim).

The selection criterion includes BICs in LAF C, D, E, S1, S2, S3, S4, and S5.

The FEQs are mailed to the beneficiary or representative payee in May or June of each year. Because of special circumstances (i.e., mailing problems), the FEQ forms may be sent to the appropriate Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) for their assistance in delivering the forms.

The FEQs are mailed annually or biennially.