Background

This transmittal updates the requirements for the use of bench decisions contained in HALLEX I-5-1-17. These revisions allow the bench decision procedure to be used in disabled widow, widower, and surviving divorced spouse cases, and in child SSI cases. We have revised the checksheet to allow for these categories of claims, and have also added spaces for ALJs to document trial work period earnings.

Explanation of Content and Changes

I-5-1-17 I. expands the kinds of cases suitable for bench decision to include disabled widow, widower, and surviving divorced spouse claims under Title II, and child under age 18 cases under Title XVI. Claims of disabled adult children under Title II, age-18 redeterminations under Title XVI, continuing disability reviews, and cases with a closed period of disability continue to be excluded from bench decision procedures.

I-5-1-17 Attachment 1 adds spaces and questions necessary for the determination of disabled widow, widower, and surviving divorced spouse claims and child SSI cases. It also adds spaces to enter earnings amounts during a trial work period.

Date: May 30, 2006