Claimants with conditional MOEL codes “A” or “B” can request to change the MOEL date
at any time if we have not made an initial determination (i.e., annual earnings verification
still pending). For information about conditional MOEL, see GN 00204.040. The MOEL is the claimant’s personal decision; therefore, accept any request for
an MOEL change even when there is no apparent reason for doing so. However, do not
raise the issue of changing the MOEL unless the claimant:
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inquires about changing the MOEL; or
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requests a change on his or her record (e.g., earnings estimate, suspension of benefits),
which grants an explanation of Social Security program information and its outcome.
You must always inform the claimant of the available options so he or she can make
an informed decision. If the claimant has a question in connection with benefit payments
from another agency or organization, advise him or her to contact that entity first
to find out what effect the change in MOEL would have on those payments. Also, inform
the claimant about the automatic MOEL adjustment to January of the following year
when his or her record is in full work deductions.