TN 13 (06-09)

NL 00705.261 Reopening 13 - Change in Basis – Blind to Disabled – Title II

 

4040 modified for blind to disabled

We are writing to you about your Social Security benefits. We recently looked at (1) claim again to see if our decision was correct. We did this because we got more information on (2) case. After carefully reviewing all of the information, we find that (3) not meet our blindness requirements, but (4) meet our disability requirements.

 

Fill-ins:

(1) your/claimant’s name (possessive)

(2) your/his/her

(3) you do/he does/she does

(4) you do/he does/she does

 

This is a new paragraph:

Since you do not meet the blindness requirements, if (1) , we will use a lower monthly earnings amount to decide if (2) to be entitled to disability benefits.

 

Fill-ins:

(1) you work/he works/she works

(2) you continue/he continues/she continues

 

If the predetermination due process notice included complete and sufficient personalized language and no changes are needed to the personalized explanation (e.g., no new evidence was submitted that needed to be addressed), there is no need to repeat the personalized language in this reopening determination notice. Otherwise, Enter the Personalized Disability Explanation (PDE) language per DI 26530.020 and DI 26530.055, including a list of the evidence, an explanation of what the evidence shows, and the detailed, personalized reasons for the determination. For additional guidance, see Reopening of Prior Determination DI 27536.015. Use paragraph 4041 (NL 00708.100) if merged text is not used.

 

If concurrent claims are involved, include paragraph 842:

This decision refers only to (1) Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. You will get a separate letter about (2) Supplemental Security Income payments.

 

Fill-ins:

(1) your/claimant’s name (possessive)

(2) your/his/her

 

4054

Who Decided (1) Case

 

Fill-in:

(1) Your/His/Her

 

If DDS disability determination:

Doctors and other trained staff looked at this case and made this decision. They work for the State but used our rules.

 

If Federal disability determination:

Our doctors and other trained staff looked at this case and made this decision.

 

ALS023 – modified to show 789 instead of 561

 

If You Disagree With The Decision

 

If you disagree with this decision, you have the right to appeal. We will review __ (1)__ case and consider any new facts you have. A person who did not make the first decision will decide __ (2)__ case. We will review those parts of the decision that you believe are wrong and will look at any new facts you have. We may also review those parts that you believe are correct and may make them unfavorable or less favorable to __(3)__.

 

• •

  You have 60 days to ask for an appeal in writing.

• •

  The 60 days start the day after you get this letter. We assume you got this letter 5 days after the date on it, unless you show us that you did not get it within the 5-day period.

• •

  You must have a good reason for waiting more than 60 days to ask for an appeal.

• •

  You have to ask for an appeal in writing. We will ask you to complete a Form SSA-789-U4, called “Request for Reconsideration – Disability Cessation – Right to Appear.” Contact one of our offices if you want help.

 

Fill-ins:

(1) your/claimant’s name (possessive)

(2) your/his/her

(3) you/him/her

 

Please read the enclosed pamphlet, “Your Right to Question the Decision Made on Your Claim.” It contains more information about the appeal.

 

4067

How An Appeal Works

 

A Disability Hearing Officer (DHO) will decide your appeal. We will call this person a DHO in the rest of our letter. The DHO will meet with you before making the decision on your appeal. The meeting works like this:

 

• •

  The DHO will write you about the time and place for the meeting.

• •

  You can look at your file before the meeting.

• •

  You can tell the DHO why you think you are still blind. You can give the DHO more facts and you can bring people to say why they think you are still blind.

• •

  You can have the DHO ask people to come to the meeting and bring important papers. You can question these people at the meeting.

• •

  You do not have to go to the meeting in person. If you do not want to go, you can give the DHO more facts you may have. The DHO will decide your case using these facts and what is now in your file. But if you go to the meeting, it may help the DHO decide your case.

 

4069A

If You Want Help With Your Appeal

 

You can have a friend, representative, or someone else help you. There are groups that can help you find a representative or give you free legal services if you qualify. There also are representatives who do not charge unless you win your appeal. Your local Social Security office has a list of groups that can help you with your appeal.

 

If you get someone to help you, please let us know. If you hire someone, we must approve the fee before he or she can collect it. If you hire a representative who is eligible for direct pay, we will withhold up to 25 percent of any past-due benefits to pay toward the fee.

 

4078

If You Have Any Questions

 

If you have any questions please call us toll free at 1-800-772-1213, or call your local Social Security office at [FO phone number from DOORS. We can answer most questions over the phone. You can also write or visit any Social Security office. The office that serves your area is located at:

 

Fill-in:

                 [Field Office Address

                 City, State, ZIP] per DOORS

 

If you do call or visit an office, please have this letter with you. It will help us answer your questions. Also, if you plan to visit an office, you may call ahead to make an appointment. This will help us serve you more quickly.

 

Enclosure:

SSA Pub. No. 05-10058