The Claimant and Public Assistance Branch (CPAB) serves as the primary liaison between the Office of Hearings Operations (OHO) and the Office of Analytics, Review, and Oversight (OARO) headquarters and Members of Congress on case related matters. CPAB staff prepares responses to both routine and sensitive written and telephone inquiries from Members of Congress, formulates correspondence guidelines, and monitors the quality of congressional responses released by OHO and OARO. CPAB is also responsible for designating cases as critical for the Office of Appellate Operations. See Hearings, Appeals and Litigation Law (HALLEX) manual HA 01160.005 and HA 01310.005.

However, the Executive Communications Staffs (ECS) in OHO and OARO handle the most sensitive congressional inquiries, including inquiries regarding backlogs, processing times, and personnel matters. ECS may receive the inquiry directly, from another component, or as a referral from CPAB. ECS may prepare a response to a congressional inquiry or may assign another component to draft the response.

CPAB is responsible for receiving and responding to telephone calls from Members of Congress and their staff. See HALLEX HA 01160.015. If an OHO or OARO headquarters employee (excluding an ECS employee) receives a telephone call from a Member of Congress or a congressional staff member, the employee will provide the caller with CPAB's telephone numbers and transfer the call to CPAB.

CPAB's telephone numbers are (703) 605-8000 and toll free (877) 670-2722.

CPAB receives congressional inquiries by mail, fax, and through a designated email box. See HALLEX HA 01160.015. Unless an inquiry is handled directly by ECS, CPAB prepares all written replies to congressional inquiries for the electronic signature of the Assistant Deputy Commissioner of OHO or OARO, as appropriate.

As necessary, CPAB also refers inquiries about cases pending at the hearing level, at other Social Security components, or at other government agencies to the appropriate office.