Basic (09-15)

NL 10602.101 Why Do We Need to Improve Our Notices?

In the past, our notices were criticized by the public, Congress, and advocacy groups. Some people found our notices difficult to read and understand. Someone who does not understand our notice can miss important information or fail to take needed action.  Besides providing poor service to our customers, an unclear notice can create unnecessary work for SSA representatives who must explain the notice.

To correct this situation, SSA began a long-term effort to improve notices. The effort included setting up rules for notices that we send to the public.  We call these rules our notice standards.

See POMS NL 00610.000 Social Security Administration (SSA) Notice Standards and NL 10603.101 for more information on our current notice standards.