Last Update: 9/08/05 (Transmittal I-3-36)
The Appeals Council may dismiss a request for hearing for any reason it could have been dismissed by the ALJ under 20 CFR 404.957 and 416.1457 (See also Social Security Ruling 95-2c and Appeals Council Interpretation II-5-1-5).
Procedural due process requires that in any case in which the Appeals Council grants review or takes own motion, and then decides to dismiss a request for hearing (for the same reason that the ALJ could have dismissed or for a different reason), the Appeals Council will send a “propose to find” letter giving the claimant/representative 20 days to submit arguments and/or evidence.
NOTE:
If a Title XVI claimant is in payment status, the Appeals Council must give Goldberg v. Kelly notice. See Appeals Text Guide.
Prepare a memorandum explaining the relevant factors in the case, (i.e., why the request for hearing should have been dismissed by the Administrative Law Judge). No standard form is required.
Prepare a “propose to find” letter as described in B. above.
Consider any additional argument and/or evidence. If the proposed action is still appropriate, prepare an Appeals Council Dismissal Order. See Appeals Text Guide.