Effective Dates: 08/01/2022 - Present Previous | Next

TN 6 (08-22)

GN 03105.020 Locating Missing Claims Folders

You may need to locate a prior claims folder for processing of a current action, such as an appeal, a court case, or a continuing disability review. The Seattle Region hosts an Automated Folder Location (AFL) website, which can assist you in locating electronic and paper folders. If you cannot locate the folder, reconstruct the folder as instructed in GN 03105.010. Document all queries utilized and all efforts made on the AFL site’s “unable to locate” form or Report of Contact (RPOC or DROC) screen.

Comparison Point Date (CPD) folders for pending electronic continuing disability reviews may not require reconstruction as explained in DI 81010.242.

A. Locating electronic folders

To determine if an electronic folder exists, the AFL website provides tabs for searching eView and Evidence Portal (EP).

For an overview of eView, see DI 81005.005.

For an overview of EP, see MS 09701.001.

B. Locating paper folders

If a paper folder exists, the AFL system will present a worksheet showing all potential locations for the folder. Also, consider searching:

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    previous names;

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    beneficiary’s and representative payee’s previous addresses (the folder could be in a field office (FO) servicing a previous address);

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    cross-referenced Social Security numbers;

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    concurrent folders;

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    pending files;

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    closed files; and

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    boxes awaiting shipment.

To request a folder from the storage facility, use the Processing Center Action Control System (PCACS) for a Title II folder and automatic recall (AR33) for a Title XVI folder. For information on PCACS, see MSOM MS 04901.001. For information on AR33, see SM 01201.055.

To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0203105020
GN 03105.020 - Locating Missing Claims Folders - 08/01/2022
Batch run: 08/01/2022
Rev:08/01/2022