In addition to referring the matter to OIG, a hearings or AC employee may also choose to notify SSA management of a suspected violation. To do so, the employee may either verbally relay the information to a supervisor, or prepare a written memorandum that includes:

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  A thorough description of the circumstances for the suspected violation;

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  Copies of any statements or admissions from the suspected offender, statements of witnesses, copies of any contracts or agreements between the parties, and substantiating documentation and evidence including bills, receipts, canceled checks, or money orders; and

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  A statement about whether there are other questionable cases involving the same individual.

If an employee chooses to report a suspected violation to SSA management, the employee will typically report it to an immediate supervisor. However, if the allegation involves a person in the referring employee's management chain, the employee may choose to send the referral to the next line supervisor above the person suspected of the violation, or to another second line supervisor in the office (if applicable).

An SSA manager will route a referral, including the memorandum and any supporting documentation, through his or her management chain. At the hearing level, the report will be referred through all levels of management to the Chief Administrative Law Judge (CALJ). At the AC level, the report will be referred through management to the Executive Director.

After evaluating the situation and discussing it with the appropriate Deputy Commissioner, the CALJ or Executive Director may find it appropriate to make an individual referral to the OIG Office of Investigations Field Division (see POMS GN 04124.010) and the OHO Division of Quality Service.