TN 1 (11-02)

A. Introduction

This section provides field office (FO) instructions for processing a request for reconsideration if a claimant dies before processing is complete.

B. Procedure

1. Notification

Contact the Disability Determination Services (DDS) to notify them of the claimant's death. Refer to DI 23510.005B.1. and DI 23510.035

2. Disability Determination Not Needed

Ask the DDS to return the disability claim if a disability determination is not needed (e.g., title II claimant dies during the waiting period).

• Associate the disability claims with the survivor claims.

• Route the disability claim with the survivor claim to the processing center (PC).

3. Disability Determination Needed

If a disability determination is required, take the following actions:

1. Request the DDS to photocopy the printouts of postings of earnings to include with the disability claim, and

2. Ask the DDS to send to the FO the:

   • Printouts of posting,

   • Social Security Disability Denial Notice,

   • auxiliary applications, proofs, and any other non-medical evidence.

3. Forward auxiliary applications and development with any survivor claims to the PSC.

   NOTE: Do not photocopy evidence that is part of the electronic claim file, i.e. MCS or MSSICS.