Background

We updated these chapters to reflect the creation of the Division of Quality (DQ) in the Office of Appellate Operations. Through DQ, the Appeals Council exercises its quality review responsibilities for the Social Security Administration's national appeals program for claims filed under titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act and provides substantive advice on individual cases and on the application of Social Security regulations, rulings, and policies.

Explanation of Content and Changes

Section I-3-1-30 reflects the procedures DQ will use to select cases (using the Appeals Council's own motion review authority) and provides a general overview of the process DQ will follow for selected cases.

Sections I-3-6-50, I-3-6-51, I-3-6-52, and I-3-6-53 detail the specific procedures DQ will follow to process selected cases and to notify claimants and their representatives when cases are selected for own motion review. We also removed information about Office of Quality Performance pre-effectuation reviews because those reviews are no longer performed.

Section I-3-6-54 includes updated procedures for notifying claimants and representatives when the Appeals Council receives a protest memorandum from another Social Security Administration component. We also updated the procedures for routing cases involving the payment of interim benefits in section I-3-6-55.

Date: October 13, 2011