Identify cases that are pending for 6 months or more on the electronic control system.
               
               
               
               1. CASE IS
                     LOCATED
                     WITHIN THE
                     DIVISION
                     OF EARNINGS AND BUSINESS SERVICES
                     (DEBS)
               
               
               
               Handle as follows:
               
               a. If development for information is still necessary, determine exactly what is needed
                  and the probability of securing it. Only develop the case if there is a good chance
                  of securing the necessary information or if the case was not developed. Otherwise
                  continue handling as below.
               
               
               b. If necessary, request scouting on a priority basis. Do not allow the case to sit
                  in any backlogs.
               
               
               c. Evaluate all the evidence in file and resolve the discrepancy as much as possible.
                  If the case is being closed without establishing all the alleged earnings, prepare
                  an informal determination on an SSA-553 Special Determination form to explain why.
               
               
               d. Authorize all possible corrections to the earnings record.
               
               e. Prepare a closeout letter.
               
               f. Close the case on the electronic control system.
               
               g. Dispose of all material.
               
               
               
               2. CASE IS
                     LOCATED
                     IN A COMPONENT OTHER THAN
                     THE
                     DIVISION OF EARNINGS AND BUSINESS SERVICES
                     (DEBS)
               
               
               
               Handle as follows:
               
               a. Telephone the office that has the case and inform them that the case is now considered
                  an “old case” and request that the case be expedited.
               
               
               b. Diary the case on the electronic control system for 30 calendar days.
               
               c. If it is unlikely that the requested information can be secured, or the requested
                  information is received, complete the case per with B.1.b. through B.1.g. above.