The good cause finding requires a written notice when:
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the FO is unable to personally contact the recipient to explain the decision, or
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the individual(s) asks for the decision in writing, or
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the FO chooses to send a notice in lieu of attempting personal contacts.
FOs must explain either orally or in the notice (as appropriate) that SSA will not
collect a penalty because good cause exists for the reporting failure.
EXAMPLE 1: Penalty Notice Not Required
During a penalty interview with Claire Miller, the claims specialist (CS) explains
that SSA will not collect a penalty because she has a good reason for failing to report.
After the interview, the CS documents the file that the recipient was personally notified
of the decision.
EXAMPLE 2: Penalty Notice Required
Same as Example 1 except that when the CS explains the decision to
Ms. Miller, she requests the decision in writing. The CS sends a penalty notice to
Ms. Miller and places copies in the file.