Formal and informal conferences afford a claimant or beneficiary the opportunity to
present his/her case to the person who will make the reconsidered determination. Such
conferences are not available when reconsideration request involves initial determinations
about a claimant's qualification for or entitlement to SVB payments (with the exception
of determinations pertaining to eligibility for SSI benefits under title XVI.)
Formal or informal conferences are available in situations where a beneficiary is
dissatisfied with an initial determination to reduce, suspend or terminate his/her
SVB payments. In posteligibility actions, availability of face-to-face proceedings
at the option of the beneficiary before an adverse action is taken is a requirement
of due process of law as it pertains to public assistance and SVB payments. However, such conferences will not be held outside the United States. Beneficiaries must come to the United States at their own expense to participate in a face-to-face conference. (The law does not provide SSA the authority
to pay the beneficiary's travel expenses in such cases.)
Generally, the conference is conducted at an SSA office, either by telephone or in
person, whichever the beneficiary prefers. However, the conference can be held elsewhere
in person if the beneficiary is in the United States and shows circumstances that
make this arrangement reasonably necessary. Where possible, beneficiaries abroad may
participate by telephone in formal or informal conferences with the official who will
render the reconsideration decision. However, time and language differences must be
considered in initiating such conferences.