POMS Reference

Table of contents Recent changes
Contact
Back
This change was made on Apr 16, 2018. See latest version.
Text removed
Text added

GN 00905.010: Diaries on Direct Mail Requests to Claimants or Beneficiaries in Foreign Countries

changes
← * →
  • Effective Dates: 05/12/2014 - Present
  • Effective Dates: 04/16/2018 - Present
  • TN 7 (03-90)
  • GN 00905.010 Diaries on Direct Mail Requests to Claimants or Beneficiaries in Foreign Countries
  • A. Introduction
  • These diary periods take into account international mail time. They ensure the claimant/beneficiary has a reasonable time to secure the information and for the response to reach OIO.
  • These diary periods take into account international mail time. They ensure the claimant/beneficiary has a reasonable time to secure the information and for the response to reach DIO.
  • B. Procedure— General
  • Document all contacts/attempted contacts with claimants or beneficiaries. Include copies of pertinent correspondence. However, rather than translate foreign-language requests or followup letters, show a brief explanation (e.g., “claimant asked to send birth certificate”).
  • Use diary periods other than those shown in C. if needed because of the local conditions, provided the individuals are given a reasonable time in which to get any evidence and respond.
  • Follow the general principle of an initial request and two subsequent diaries.
  • C. Procedure— Diaries
  • IF....
  • THEN....
  • Initial request
  • Diary for 60 days.
  • No reply to initial request
  • Make a followup request and diary for 30 days.
  • No response to second request
  • See D.
  • D. Procedure— no reply to direct mail requests
  • Determine whether the:
  • * Claimant/beneficiary has failed to respond because he does not want to cooperate;
  • * Claimant/beneficiary has failed to respond because he is having difficulty complying with the request; and
  • * Issue under development involves protection of the Trust Funds (e.g., preclaims earnings discrepancies, scrambled wage records, possible erroneous benefit payments, etc.).
  • 1. Individual does not want to cooperate
  • If protection of the Trust Funds is not involved, close out the case.
  • Send a second followup request containing a 30-day close out paragraph and diary the case for another 30 days.
  • Disallow the claim or close out the issue if the individual has not responded when the diary period expires.
  • Exception: If pursuing an inquiry for an individual for whom a protective writing exists, send a 6-month notice. FSPs will send the inquiries to OIO for preparation of these notices which can be sent only by SSA offices.
  • Exception: If pursuing an inquiry for an individual for whom a protective writing exists, send a 6-month notice.
  • 2. Individual having difficulty complying with the request
  • If protection of the Trust Funds is not involved, and the individual seems to be cooperating but having difficulty in responding to the request:
  • * Request the assistance of the FSP servicing the individual's address. Advise the FSP if a personal contact is necessary.
  • * Request the assistance of the FBU servicing the individual's address. Advise the FBU if a personal contact is necessary.
  • * Diary the request per GN 00904.245.
  • 3. Protection of trust funds involved
  • Develop through an FSP. Request that a personal contact be made if possible.
  • Develop through an FBU. Request that a personal contact be made if possible.
  • Diary the request in accordance with GN 00904.245.
The materials available at this web site are provided free of charge, for informational purposes only, and without warrant by True Link Financial, Inc., and are not legal advice or Social Security benefits advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem, or the Social Security Administration with any general inquiries. Click here to view this section of the POMS on the Social Security Administration website.