TN 1 (11-02)

A. Introduction

An eligible party may contact the AC and request continuation of the processing of a claim if a claimant dies while the review is pending at the AC.

B. Procedure

1. Notification

Notify the AC of the claimant's death.

2. Assistance

Provide information and assistance to survivors or other eligible parties as appropriate.

NOTE: Often it is the AC that initiates the action in this situation. Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR) operating procedures, based on Sections 404.971(b) and 416.1471(p) of the regulations, require the AC to determine whether there are persons who could be parties in a case when the claimant dies.