TN 35 (06-18)

The Department of the Treasury (Treasury) performs a handwriting analysis to provide an indication about whether the beneficiary, representative payee, or intended recipient may have authored the endorsement on a questioned check.

This POMS section applies only to checks that are older than 12 months, where the nonreceipt allegation was not timely. When the beneficiary, representative payee, or intended recipient files a timely nonreceipt request, this is not a handwriting analysis situation. Process the timely nonreceipt request per GN 02406.120 and GN 02406.125.

A. When to request a handwriting analysis

The Social Security Administration (SSA) will only request a handwriting analysis from the Treasury Questioned Documents Branch (QDB) when the check in question is older than 12 months and:

1. The beneficiary, recipient or representative payee fails to file a timely nonreceipt request, and

2. The check in question is part of an overpayment on the record.

Example of a check that is older than 12 months, the check payee did not file a timely nonreceipt, and the check in question is part of an overpayment:

Mark Coleman received an overpayment notice dated June 2015 stating that he is overpaid $1200.00 for April 2014. Mr. Coleman contacted SSA and stated that he did not receive the payment in question. A review of the record indicates Mr. Coleman never filed a nonreceipt for the payment.

Because the check that is part of an overpayment is now older than 12 months, and the nonreceipt was not filed timely; the technician will submit this case for a handwriting analysis. 

Upon receipt of the handwriting analysis, follow processing procedures found in GN 02401.913.

For additional information on preparing and sending the handwriting analysis package, see GN 02401.911 and GN 02401.912.

B. When not to request a handwriting analysis

Do not request a handwriting analysis for a check older than 12 months when:

• A beneficiary, recipient or representative payee timely alleged nonreceipt per GN 02401.902A, and

• SSA did not submit the nonreceipt allegation to Treasury within 12 months.

The technician will follow the procedures outlined in GN 02401.902 for repaying the payment.