These inquiries will involve situations where the inquirer asks only for information,
status of a case, a report of actions taken, an explanation of the decision, or expresses
dissatisfaction with the decision reached with no indication of wanting a reconsideration.
If the inquiry (routine or Congressional) pertains to an initial claims issue, the
DE will reply to it. If the last determination was a RECONE (ODO) or DEC (DRS), ALJ,
AC, or U.S. Federal Court decision, the RECONE/DEC by the Office of Public Inquiries
(OPI), will prepare the reply. If the inquiry is OPI controlled, the inquiries specialist
will forward the inquiry to the DE or RECONE/DEC as appropriate. Congressional inquiries
will be routed under cover of the SSA-3587, Congressional Correspondence.
A prompt and complete reply to inquiries (whether or not OPI-Controlled) will be prepared.
Before answering the inquiry, however, review the file carefully to be sure that a
proper decision was reached. The file must not be sent to the DDS for review or other
action unless there is a proper basis for reopening.
Furnish the applicant with a more detailed and comprehensive explanation of the basis
for denial than the explanation previously sent, and if the time limit for requesting
reconsideration has not expired, advise him/her of that fact. If additional evidence
is submitted, acknowledge its receipt and explain that it does not affect the prior
determination. The examiner will instruct the typist to include a copy of pamphlet
SSI-58 with the letter. If the time for reconsideration has expired, inform the applicant
of the fact and explain that for good cause shown, the time for requesting reconsideration
may be extended. Always inform the applicant that any social security office will
assist him/her.
1 This section reflects duplicated material.