The following is a sample “warning letter”notifying a representative of possible action
for non-compliance with the electronic filing requirement. The Document Processing
System (DPS) contains a sample of this letter, under the same name, “iAppeals Requirement
Warning Letter” in the “general” category under “local” source.
Dear [insert representative’s name]:
We are writing to remind you when you must use our online appeal service. Our Rules
of Conduct and Standards for Responsibility for Representatives require you to use
our Internet Disability Appeals application when you request direct payment of fees
on certain Social Security cases. These cases include appeals of medically denied
Title II or Title XVI claims pending at the hearing and Appeals Council levels.
It has come to our attention that you may not be complying with this mandate. Noncompliance
may result in your suspension or disqualification.
We ask that you file an electronic appeal of a medical denial when you request or
intend to request direct payment of your fee for a case. This requirement was published
in the Federal Register at 77 FR 4653 and became effective March 16, 2012. You can
find our Internet Disability Appeals application on our website at http://www.ssa.gov. Under the “Benefits” tab of the main menu, select “Apply,” then select “Appeal
a decision we made.”
Below we list some of your cases in which you should have, but did not use our Internet
Disability Appeals application:
[Insert Number Holders’ first and last names of all identified cases. IMPORTANT: list
only cases with an active appointment and appeal pending.]
If we continue to receive improperly submitted appeal requests in cases where this
mandate applies, we will refer the matter to our Office of the General Counsel for
further investigation and possible action.
If you have any questions or wish to respond to this notice, please write to us or
contact [us/if desired insert FO specific employee name] at [insert phone number.]
Sincerely,
Field Office Manager [optional]