• •

  Sixth to eighth-grade reading level

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  For notice readability guidelines, see NL 00610.020.

For information on writing in plain language, see NL 00610.030.

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  Show addresses single-spaced with even margins in block format

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  Show the return address of the originating component 4” from the left side and 1½” minimum from the top of the page or as needed for placement in a double-window envelope

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  Show the mailing address at the left margin approximately 2½” from the top of the page or as needed for placement in a window envelope

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  Show a servicing office address in the referral paragraph, placed 3½” from the left side of the page

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  For information on margins and spacing for addresses, see NL 00610.070C.3.

• •

  Do not use a bulleted or numbered list for only one item

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  Place bullets ¼” from the left margin

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  Place bulleted text ½” from the left margin

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  For more information on using bullets and numbered lists, see NL 00610.060D.

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  For information on using bullets as an emphasis technique, see NL 00610.060G.

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  For information on the margins and spacing for bullets, see NL 00610.070C.4.

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  Use charts and tables to increase clarity

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  For information on using tables and charts, see NL 00610.060E.

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  For information on margins and spacing for tables and charts, see NL 00610.070C.5.

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  Automated or preprinted

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  Place on top of notice

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  For cover letter guidelines, see NL 00610.070E.

• •

  Use emphasis techniques if appropriate

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  Do not bold or underline more than two consecutive lines of text

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  Never use exclamation points

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  For additional information on emphasis techniques, see NL 00610.060G.

• •

  List each enclosure on a separate, single-spaced line

• •

  Place “Enclosure(s)” left-justified below the signature and title block

• •

  For information on how to list notice enclosures, see NL 00610.060K.

• •

  For information on margins and spacing for enclosure information, see NL 00610.070C.7.

• •

  Use Century Schoolbook or Times New Roman font

  • –

    First-line heading - 18-point medium

  • –

    Second-line heading - 18-point bold

  • –

    Third-line heading - 14-point medium

  • –

    Subordinate heading (subheading, caption) - 12-point bold

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  For types of headings used in notices, see NL 00610.050C.

• •

  For examples of heading fonts, see NL 00610.070B.2.

• •

  For margins and spacing of headings, see NL 00610.070C.2.

• •

  Black ink

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  20 lb. white bond paper for one-sided notices

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  50 lb. white bond paper for two-sided notices

• •

  For information on ink and paper guidelines, see NL 00610.070A.

• •

  Incorporate SSA Internet links in notices whenever possible

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  For information on incorporating Internet website information, see NL 00610.060H.

• •

  Top and bottom margins - ½” minimum

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  Left and right margins - 1” minimum

• •

  Do not justify the right margin

• •

  For additional information on margins, see NL 00610.070C.1.

• •

  Single-spacing for text

• •

  Double-spacing between paragraphs, subordinate headings (subheadings, captions) and subsequent text, bullets, and blocks of information

• •

  For additional information on spacing of text, see NL 00610.070C.1.

• •

  First page does not contain a page number

• •

  Page numbers shown on second and all subsequent pages, right-justified in the upper-right corner, using the format “Page x of x”

• •

  Center “See Next Page” or “See Other Side” at the bottom of the first page, two lines after the last line of text

• •

  Place a name, claim (or case) number, date, or other appropriate data left-justified in the upper-left corner on the second and all subsequent pages

• •

  Ensure that at least two lines of text follow a subordinate heading (subheading, caption) on a page

• •

  Do not break sentences between pages

• •

  Never show signature or signature title alone on the last page

• •

  For more specific multiple-page guidelines, see NL 00610.070D.

• •

  Provide appropriate SSA and other contact information

• •

  For more specific information about using a referral paragraph, see NL 00610.060I.

• •

  Depends on notice type. For information about specific signatures used, refer to NL 00601.003.

• •

  Place the notice signature and title block approximately 4¼” from the left side of the page and on the fifth line after the end of the text

• •

  For information on using signatures and signature titles, see NL 00610.060J.

• •

  For information on the margins and spacing for the notice signature, see NL 00610.070C.6.

• •

  Use for complex computations and actions

• •

  For information on using summary sheets, see NL 00610.060L.

• •

  For information on multiple-page notices, see NL 00610.070D.

• •

  Use upper and lowercase Century Schoolbook or Times New Roman - 12-point medium

• •

  Use Arabic numerals instead of numbers written out in word form, unless the number starts a sentence

• •

  Write out months (for example, January)

• •

  For further information about font guidelines for notice text, see NL 00610.070B.1.