POMS Reference

DI 81010: FO Procedures - Electronic Process

TN 7 (08-09)

A. Background for CDR reconsideration appeal

Continuing Disability Review (CDR) reconsiderations are no longer excluded from electronic folder case processing. If the CDR being appealed was processed in Electronic Disability Collect System (EDCS), process the reconsideration electronically as well.

The Field Office (FO) continues to serve as the starting point for CDRs, and therefore handles CDR reconsiderations. While many CDRs involve paper Comparison Point Decision (CPD) folders, some cases have electronic CPD folders. The new electronic capability allows CPD folders to link with the electronic CDR (eCDR) and processed electronically.

For further information regarding the creation of the Initial eCDR, see eCDR Short Term Process Overview - DI 81010.200.

B. FO responsibilities for eCDR reconsiderations

After the Disability Determination Services (DDS) issues a cessation, the disability examiner (DE) sends a letter of cessation to the individual. When an individual wishes to appeal this determination, he or she files a reconsideration. The individual contacts the FO to complete the necessary reconsideration forms with a Claims Representative (CR). To process the request, follow instructions in FO Responsibilities When Claimant Wants to Request a Reconsideration-Disability Hearing - DI 12026.020. For information on good cause for late filing see Good Cause for Extending Time Limit – GN 03101.020.

1. Completing eCDR reconsiderations in EDCS

eCDR reconsiderations can be processed in EDCS and viewed in eView. To process the eCDR reconsideration, EDCS users must open EDCS and establish a record by completing the following actions:

  1. Select “CDR Reconsideration” from the Select Case Level screen;

  2. Select “OK” button;

  3. Enter the appeal filing date on the confirm Case Creation screen;

  4. Select “Create Case” button;

  5. Key in the CDR information, the SSA-3367 (Disability Report-Field Office), and the SSA- 3441 (Disability Report-Appeal) data in EDCS on the Form(s) Selection screen;

    NOTE: The “Copy from Prior” button in EDCS will be enabled if information is available to copy from prior level(s). For example, if the SSA-3368 for Age 18 Redet is completed in EDCS, the EDCS user will have the ability to “Copy from Prior” (form 3368) when completing the SSA-3441 for an Age 18 Redet reconsideration or hearing level appeal. For more information see Creating Electronic Disability Collect System (EDCS) Cases - DI 81010.020 E.1.

  6. Enter limited data similar to the eCDR Initial CDR including:

    • the SSN,

    • claim type,

    • name,

    • address,

    • attorney representative name and address, and

    • representative payee name and address.

    REMINDER: The FO must verify and update the appropriate address, telephone number, and representative information on the mainframe before transferring the reconsideration in EDCS.

  7. Reminders for the eCDR reconsideration include:

    • Process the CDR appeal in EDCS, if the CDR being appealed was processed in EDCS;

    • Select and key in SSA-3441 data;

    • Obtain a paper SSA-789 (Request for Reconsideration-Disability Cessation) and the appropriate number of SSA-827s (Authorization to Disclose Information to the Social Security Administration (SSA)) from the individual, per regional instructions. Also obtain a paper SSA-3881 (Questionnaire for Children Claiming SSI Benefits) for SSI childhood disability claims;

    • Fax the SSA-789 into the Certified Electronic Folder (CEF), and then dispose of the form per instructions in Storing Non-Medical Evidence in the Certified Electronic Folder - DI 81010.135. Although the SSA-789 is not yet available on eForms, an exhibit and information on completion of the form is available via SSA-789-U4 (Request for Reconsideration – Disability Cessation) - DI 12095.040;

    • Fax a valid, signed and dated SSA-827 (Authorizations to Disclose Information to the Social Security Administration ) into the CEF and forward the signed and dated SSA-827 to the DDS according to DI 81010.085 – Transferring Cases in the Electronic Disability Collect System (EDCS).

    • Fax any development regarding Statutory Benefit Continuation (SBC) (e.g. Report of Contact, SSA-795 (Statement of Claimant or Other Person), and any other documentation) into section E of the electronic folder per Statutory Benefit Continuation (SBC) - DI 12027.001). The FO will then dispose of the development per Storing Non-Medical Evidence in the Electronic Folder - DI 81010.135.

2. Transferring the eCDR reconsideration

When transferring the eCDR reconsideration, the FO must:

  1. Review the claim to resolve any edits;

  2. Select the Transfer/Updates tab in EDCS;

  3. Answer “Yes” to the paper folder indicator (PFI) question if the CDR involves a paper CPD folder;

    NOTE: If the CPD is a CEF and is linked to the eCDR, the PFI will default to “No”.

  4. Select the claims to transfer and enter “OK”; and

    NOTE: The DCF CDRI screen can be used to record the appeal on the DCF after EDCS transfer. See MSOM CDR 001.014, CDR Informational Screen (CDRI), for more information on transferring the eCDR reconsideration.

    Reminder: Transfer all eCDR reconsideration claims on the case at the same time.

3. Routing the eCDR reconsideration

The EDCS routing form is automatically generated at the point of transfer. If a paper CPD folder was used to make the cessation determination, the FO:

  • Places the SSA-827s (Authorizations to Disclose Information to the Social Security Administration ) and SSA-3881 (Questionnaire for Children Claiming SSI Benefits ) if appropriate, and any other relevant documents submitted by the beneficiary in the paper folder, and

  • Attaches an EDCS routing form to the top of the folder and sends the folder to the DDS.

If the CPD folder is electronic, attach the EDCS routing form to the SSA-827s, SSA-3881 if appropriate, and any relevant documents submitted by the beneficiary and mail them to the DDS.

4. Processing DDS decisions on eCDR reconsiderations

The DDS or Disability Hearings Unit (DHU) returns both favorable and unfavorable determinations on all eCDR reconsiderations to the FO.

When the FO receives an alert on the EDCS Claims Actions page notifying them of the DDS determination on an eCDR reconsideration:

  • The FO updates the MBR or SSR; and

  • Routes any paper folder following existing procedures found in Field Office (FO) Actions After the Reconsideration – Disability Hearing Determination – DI 12026.030.