Retention Date: 10/03/2025
Updates:
- Minor language changes throughout to provide clarity.
- Removed EM-21064 reference and replaced with SI 02301.313.
- Incorporated reference to MSS25-048 SSI REV to support the incorporation of GK into CCE and screenshot to show end of process for The Dallas Appeals “Banana” Application.
A. Purpose
The purpose of this Emergency Message (EM) is to notify technicians of a requirement to utilize the Dallas Appeals Application, more commonly known as the Banana, when processing Supplemental Security Income (SSI) non-medical post-eligibility (PE) reconsideration requests. Mandatory use of the Banana continues to be required until further notice due to the terms of the Amin settlement.
B. Background
Many non-medical PE changes for SSI recipients result in a prospective adverse action. We notify recipients of these adverse actions through a Notice of Planned Action (NOPA). The NOPA explains that the recipient has 60 days after receiving the notice to file a reconsideration request. It also explains that if the recipient files the reconsideration request within 10 days after receiving the notice, SSI payments will continue at the same amount, or Protected Payment Level (PPL), until we make a determination on the reconsideration request, and if they appeal after 10 days, but within 60 days, the payment amount may be reduced temporarily, but will be reinstated at the PPL once we receive and enter the appeal.
When a recipient files a request for reconsideration 11 or more days after, but within 60 days of receipt of a NOPA, technicians must take the actions specified in SI 02301.313 to pay the recipient GK payment continuation until we make a reconsideration determination, unless the recipient waives GK payment continuation.
Once received, technicians must review the reconsideration request and determine if Goldberg-Kelly (GK) payments (PPL) apply (SI 02301.300, SI 02301.310, & SI 02301.313). Technicians must then load the reconsideration and, if necessary, complete the GK input to continue payments at the PPL. Technicians must also pay the PPL for any past periods, by issuing an Automated One-Time Payment (AOTP), following instructions in SI 02301.320.
NOTE: Refer to SI 02301.313, for instructions regarding systems entries for the good cause statement and evaluation screens.
In addition, SSI recipients may request a waiver, file a reconsideration request, or do both, in response to a Notice of Overpayment. When the reconsideration request is about the facts or amount of the overpayment, technicians must enter the reconsideration request and complete additional entries to stop recovery of the overpayment, pending a determination on the reconsideration request. For overpayment reconsideration requests filed within 60-days of the overpayment notice date, technicians must refund by an AOTP any payments withheld in the month of the request or later (SI 02220.017A.1).
C. Mandating the Dallas Appeals Application (a.k.a. Banana)
In November 2019, an update to the Banana expanded automation functionality to allow for loading SSI non-medical PE reconsideration requests, with assistance in preparing and transmitting the 1719B GK input, thereby reducing the chance for error.
Additionally, the Banana automates inputs to stop overpayment recovery when appropriate and includes helpful policy reminders and prompts.
IMPORTANT: Technicians are responsible for reviewing the Supplemental Security Record upon completion to assure accuracy and completeness of all inputs relevant to the reconsideration request.
Beginning February 22, 2024, GK payment continuation is now completed in the SSI Consolidated Claims Experience (CCE) in most circumstances. Refer to MSS25-048 SSI REV.
Technicians are required to continue to utilize the Banana, where possible, when loading SSI non-medical PE reconsideration requests and then process the GK payments in CCE when they come to the Banana: End of Process screen to start the GK payment in CCE.
NOTE: The Banana will continue to establish a tickle on the SSI CCE Development Worksheet to remind technicians that the system requires additional inputs to remove the GK PPL once there is a reconsideration decision. The Banana will also establish a C3 diary when stopping recovery of an overpayment.
Guides, FAQs, and resources related to the Banana program can be found here.
Direct all program-related and technical questions to your Regional Office (RO) support staff using vHelp or Program Service Center (PSC) Operations Analysis (OA) staff. RO support staff or PSC OA staff may refer questions, concerns, or problems to their Central Office contacts.
References:
SI 02220.017 Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Overpayment Reconsiderations
SI 02301.300 Due Process Protections – General
SI 02301.310 Appeal and the Right to Goldberg Kelly (GK) Payment Continuation
SI 02301.313 Appeal and the Protected Payment Level when a Reconsideration is filed 11-60 Days After Receipt of a Notice of Planned Action
MSS25-048 SSI REV Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – Consolidated Claims Experience (CCE) and Modernized SSI Claims System (MSSICS) – 02/22/2025 Payment Continuation Enhancement, Living Arrangement Edit, and Problem Corrections
SSI PE Non-Medical Recons – User Guide
CCE SSI Payment Continuation Video