When a claimant’s whereabouts become unknown after the case arrives at the DDS, the
DDS chooses to attempt to locate the claimant, or if necessary, requests FO assistance
in locating the claimant. If the DDS chooses to attempt to locate the claimant, the
DDS must document its efforts and outcomes in the case folder.
The DDS:
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Attempts to locate the claimant before or while requesting FO assistance.
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Must consider special handling situations when determining whether FO involvement
is necessary (see DI 23007.001A).
Subsequent federal quality reviewers will not cite a deficiency if DDS chooses not
to attempt to locate a claimant before or while requesting FO assistance.
1. DDS attempts to locate the claimant
Examples of actions the DDS takes when choosing to locate the claimant:
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Mail a form SSA-L2001 (Address Information Request) to postmaster;
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Contact the appointed representative;
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Attempt contact via prior claimant addresses and phone numbers;
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Check jail and prison systems for incarceration;
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Query systems that reflect an address for the claimant (for example, Master Beneficiary
Record, Modernized Claims System, Modernized Diary Worksheet, and Modernized Supplemental
Security Income Claims System screens);
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•
Email or call the servicing FO to ask if they updated contact information for the
claimant.
2. DDS requests FO assistance to locate the claimant
If the DDS needs to request FO assistance in locating a claimant, the DDS:
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1.
Completes any development that does not require the claimant’s participation;
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2.
Makes a determination based on the relevant evidence in file; and
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3.
Returns the case to the FO.